NGRRC Preview
Campbell...Cobb ...Seagrave....... It must be Thruxton time!
Iconic corner names for an iconic circuit and what better place for the final round of the 2016 NG Road Racing season.
It will be a big day for so many riders, and what a track to host this round, the fastest on the UK mainland, and as we all know racing is about going fast, whether it be on a 125...a Superbike or a sidecar. It seems a long time ago now that the 2016 campaign kicked off at Brands Hatch back in March. There have been thirteen championship rounds, and now we are poised to crown all the new champions, and nominate all the special award winners for the season.....but before that they all have to tackle the challenge of Thruxton.
Racers are always racers though, and if a coveted championship is out of reach then race wins and trophies are always cherished, especially with this being the final meeting of the year. As every racer will tell you..."...it's the last result of the season that keeps you going through the winter !"
The Circuit
Thruxton is without doubt quick, and I mean quick. Speed and power, and lots of it are vital. But a fast bike is not enough, the 2.356mile Thruxton circuit takes skill to ride fast, and bravery to master. With Superbikes able to lap at near 110mph and topping out over 170mph the 40 strong grid is not a place for the feint-hearted. Expect the big bikes to push the pace, but do not be surprised if some of the 250 GP's and 600's start mixing it, as slipstreaming can keep the lighter bikes in touch.
As well as the high speed corners there is the infamous Club Chicane that sees lots of hard braking on the entry after the run up Woodham Hill, but also the need to keep your mid corner and exit speed high for the drive to the finish line.
The Fastest
BSB Supersport rider Luke Jones set the fastest NG Road Racing lap here two years ago on his BSB spec Accumen Industrial Services 675 Triumph Daytona. He took the Supersport triple round in 1min 17.86 seconds.... That's an astonishing average speed of 109.11mph... Believe me when I say... "...That will take some beating!"
Who to look out for out on track
The 250 National series is once more set to climax at the final round with defending champion Philip Atkinson holding a slender 10 point lead over former champ Dan Jackson. Third place is still all to play for too as another former champion Ant Hodson aims to hold off the challenge from Dave Hampton. All of them ride Yamaha's TZ250's. Arnie Shelton and Stephanie Waddelow will continue their person 125GP battle on RS125 Honda's.
All the NG classes (except Newcomers) are in action this meeting, from the Junior F125 class where Josh Singh takes on fast new boy Blake Chapman. Dave Hampton has finally got his nose in front in his big for 500cc class glory, he leads Greg Maden. Hampton's season has been blighted by a few untimely mechanical issues, and will be hoping his Tigcraft will stand up to the rigours of Thruxton. Maden is also contesting the GP45 class and is head to head with Tony Bridgefoot, both ride the class dominating 450 Aprilia RRV's.
Tim Bradley is gunning for a season 100% record of fist or second place finishes in the F400 class, but will have Tom Harrison, Simon Wilkins and Simon Gates out to spoil his plans.
This years 600cc champ Josh day will take on last years champ for the first time in 2016. 2015 man Sean Montgomery has concentrated on pure road events this year, but returns for some short circuit fun with Josh, Sam Thompson, Dean Richards, Alistair Haynes and Mark Hughes.
The Powerbikes are a real handful around Thruxton so expect some wild action from Roo Cotton, Chris Pope, Michael Blank, Levi Day, Dave Irons, Nick Williamson and Greg Allsop on the big class machines.
Add in Streetstock with Paul Jeffery and Richard Hughes, Tom Williams and Eddie Whitehurst.... Pre Injections with Adam Jeffery, Paul Harlington, Thomas Payne, Kev Clayton, Mike Hobbs, Jon Wright, James Griffiths and Damon Smith another cracker is on the cards....and so will the Sound of Thunder, Mini Twins, Super Twins and Prostock.
Sidecars are headed by 2016 champs Nev Jones and Tom Bryant, but they will have ex NG, British and Euro Cup champ Roger Lovelock and Rick Lawrence to company.
Don't miss this end of year blast around the UK's Fastest Circuit...