As ever the focus will be on Phil Bevan in the Superbike classes, and can he add to his astonishing tally of 11 titles. Bevan on his R1 will face a challenge from Paul Shook, Roo Cotton and also Kevin Sweeney and Mark Lister with his new ZX10R Kawasaki. The 600cc open as ever is packed with prospective race winners, headed by Peter Carr on his ZX6 and Dale Thomas also on the popular Kawasaki. Andrew Fisher and Dave Manley spearhead the R6 Yamaha challenge.
Two classes that have captured the interest this year are the Sound of Thunder when two past champs Darren Rumley and Paul Willis are fighting it out…. they will have to keep a wary eye out for Nicky Wilson on his 848 here. The other hot class for 2013 has been the Mini Twins. Kevin Davies is in control on his SV650 but Jordan Rushby…Justin Garrett…Rob Garland…Paul Wardell…Mark Labudek and Sean Montgomery will all be up for the win here.
Good grids and close racing is what this Oulton Park meeting promises in all classes from the 125GP through 600cc to the Streetstocks and Powerbikes.
The Circuit Oulton Park is one of the most testing…and some say dangerous track in the UK. It is not a track that is easily learned and here there really is no substitute for experience. The long 2.77mile circuit repays precise riding and a well set up bike over the lap with it’s complex turns and cambers in the corners. There are plenty of overtaking opportunities, so good wheel to wheel racing is always on the cards.
The Fastest
Jack Kennedy set the fastest NG Road racing lap here at Oulton back in September 2010 on his PR Racing R1. He hustled the big Yamaha round in 1min 40.43 seconds....that’s an average speed of almost 96.5mph. That will be a tough target to beat, but as they say records are there to be beaten!
The 250GP ACU National Championship
NG Road Racing are once more hosting the prestigious 250GP ACU National Championship. This is the only place that you will see these machines competing in a full National championship backed by Dunlop and The ACU and 100% Suspension anywhere in the UK. Reigning and therefore defending National champion Dan Jackson leads the current standings by just 23 points over Chris Martin, who has taken 5 wins so far. It would be a brave man who would bet against Martin adding to that tally and closing in on Jackson. But championships are season long and Jackson have a proven record. My money is on…………. just give me a minute…….. !!!!!
The Phoenix Motorcycles Open
This is the big one for the NG riders. It really is the best rider on the best bike that comes out on top. There is dedicated timed qualifying….longer races…and more laps on offer than any other class. That’s why it’s the premier club class with big end of season money from Phoenix Motorcycles of Trowbridge, all the top riders want to win. Defending champ Phil Bevan sits at the top of the points table once more.
Keep an eye on…… Darren Rumley – KTM RC8 – Open and Sound of Thunder
Rumley, currently ties for the lead in the Sound of Thunder series with Paul Willis. Both are former champions in the class, and Rumley is defending the crown this year. He loves Oulton….. at this meeting 12 months ago he took his maiden race win and was rewarded with the performance of the meeting. His title rival Paul Willis has Oulton down as one of his bogey tracks !!!
Wayside Garages Performance of the Meeting
As with every meeting there is the Performance of the Meeting Award. Open to everyone, this rewards one rider per meeting for his or her efforts. It is not all about winning races (….. although that really helps !!!!), the judges take all classes and all riders into consideration. Last time out at Mallory Park it went to James Harrison from the 600cc and Streetstocks class.
Bardahl Top-Oils Newcomers Performance Award (www.top-oils.co.uk)
This is a new award for 2013 from Bardahl Top-Oils and rewards a newcomer for his or her efforts on track. This can either be for a good weekend result, or a one off performance against more experienced opposition. Last time out at Mallory Park it went to Daniel Walling from the 125cc GP class.
Two Stroke Grand Prix Series
This meeting also hosts round 4 of the only unrestricted series for the pure race two stroke machines in the UK. It is the place to see all the Ex GP machinery.... TZ250’’s…. TZ350’s…. TZ750’s…. RS250’s…. RG500’s…. Rotax 250’s… just smell the 2-stroke oil in the air !!. They will have just two rounds after this one …..Mallory Park and Brands Hatch.