The rising stars of the 2013 road racing season having enjoyed the spoils at the Southern 100 International Road Races in the Isle of Man, now turn their attention to the renowned Oliver’s Mount public roads course in the North Yorkshire seaside venue, Scarborough for the Cock o’the North Continental Road Races on Saturday and Sunday 20th & 21st July.
Dean Harrison who is experiencing a stellar season has a trio of machines available to him and has to be one of the pre-race favourites to take the feature race and join an elite list of riders who have claimed the title since 1955 - names such as, John Surtees, Bob McIntyre, Tony Jefferies, Charlie Williams, Roger Marshall, Mick Grant, Steve Henshaw, Phillip McCallen, John McGuinness, Ian Lougher, Guy Martin, Michael Pearson and the winner for the last three years Ryan Farquhar.
Jamie Hamilton, protege of the aforementioned Ryan Farquhar is also enjoying his best season to date and is currently second in the Duke Road Race Rankings Championship could be having his name engraved on the coveted trophy.
You cannot rule out another Yorkshireman, Jamie Coward, riding the Barnes Racing machines, or previous winner Ulsterman Michael Pearson on the Team Hotties BMW, Suzuki and Kawasaki machines.
Once again ‘Team Goodings’ will be making their presence felt and either Mick or Mark could be in with a shout and upset ambitions of their opponents.
Other ‘Mount’ specialists include James Cowton, Ivan Lintin, Daniel Frear, Lee Johnston, Kiaran Hankin, Craig Shirlaw and Keith Pringle.
The ‘Lightweight’ classes will see the rivalry renewed between ‘Manxie’ Chris Palmer, Phil Harvey, Justin Waring and Paul Owen to name but a few.
Four-cornered battle for Sidecars
A ‘minimum’ four-corned battle will ensue in the ever-popular Sidecar races with Conrad Harrison, Ian Bell, Rod Bellas and Greg Lambert, amongst others aiming to take the chequered flag in each of the races being held.
Practice and qualifying commences at 9.00am each day, with the first of nine races on the Saturday and Sunday, which includes the feature Cock ‘o’the North race over ten laps of the 2.43-mile course beginning at 1.00pm.
Advanced tickets have now all gone but general admission tickets can be bought on the gate and are £20 per day for adults, children 15 and under and car parking are free.
For those who wish to camp there is the Bikers Village campsite adjacent to the main trading area which is through the main spectator entrance. Camping is £10 per pitch per night for a tent and £15 per pitch per night for a caravan or motor home.
There will be entertainment both evenings with a disco and late bar Friday, with live music, disco and bar on Saturday. This facility is only available for race weekend ticket holders. Further information can be found on: www.auto66.com.