Andy Munns
Britain’s fastest circuit will host the next Bennetts British Superbike Championship round when round seven of the series visits Thruxton next weekend (August 11/13).
The Hampshire venue always serves us sensational racing, and last year’s three races were some of the best in the whole series, with more of the same expected following a dramatic previous round at Brands Hatch last month.
As well as the thrilling wheel-to-wheel action, spectators will also be able to get up close to the riders with a pitlane walkabout and autograph session on Sunday morning and enjoy a range of family-friendly activities in the Kids Zone featuring face painting, bouncy castles and fairground rides.
Leading the way after the opening 18 races is local hero Tommy Bridewell who enjoys a 34.5-point advantage at the head of the standings ahead of BeerMonster Ducati teammate Glenn Irwin. Bridewell, from the village of Etchilhampton near Devizes in bordering Wiltshire, has won six races this season, including five of the last six, so he arrives at Thruxton in great form.
However, he’s never enjoyed the best of fortunes at his local track, so he will be looking to make amends and keep his title bid on track as he looks for his inaugural Bennetts British Superbike crown for the Paul Bird Motorsport team who have won eight BSB titles so far.
If he’s to maintain his advantage, he will need to overcome some of the best riders in the world, including Irwin, as well the Yamahas of Kyle Ryde, Ryan Vickers and Jason O’Halloran, Josh Brookes, Leon Haslam and Peter Hickman on BMWs and fellow Ducati rider Christian Iddon whose Oxford Products Racing Team are based at the Moto Rapido premises at Winchester.
As well as the three main Bennetts British Superbike Championship races over the weekend, there’s plenty of local interest in the various support classes, including the Quattro Group British Supersport/GP2 Championship, Pirelli National Superstock and Junior Superstock Championships, R&G British Talent Cup, ABK Beer 0% BMW Motorrad F900R Cup and the British Sidecar Championship.
The pitlane walkabout is where fans can get up close and meet the riders and takes place at 9.30 am on Sunday, offering the opportunity for autographs and photographs.
In addition to the Kids Zone, there is the trade village with various shopping stalls, a Driving Experience display, various food outlets and live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings providing a soundtrack to the weekend.
Tickets are available online. Prices are £16 for adults on Saturday and £36 for Sunday. Teen tickets, for those aged 13-15, are £8 on Saturday and £12 on Sunday.
Adult weekend tickets are £47, teen weekend tickets are £17, and a family weekend ticket is £107.
Children aged 12 and under go free.
Grandstand tickets have sold out for Sunday but are available for Saturday at £6. Camping pitches have also sold out.
Paddock access is free for all ticketholders.
For further information, including tickets and a timetable, visit: www.thruxtonracing.co.uk.
