Firepower Ducati’s Cadwell Park BSB preview

Picture: IMAJES
By Carly Rathmell
August 19 2003

Dean Ellison and the D&B Firepower Ducati Team supported by Alcatel head to Cadwell Park, Lincolnshire this weekend. One of the most exciting and entertaining tracks on the British Superbike calendar.

Dean is confidently looking forward to challenging the mountain course, and gaining some creditable results in the process. A technically but perfectly built track, Cadwell is the highlight of the year for spectators and riders.

Pulling in massive crowds over the last few years - and an expected 30,000 due this year - it will be interesting to see how the races pan out. Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne will be hoping to gain the 2003 British Superbike title after he failed to clinch it at the previous round at Oulton Park.

A small, narrow, fast track Cadwell woos the crowds. Adding to that the spectacular mountain section of the course, aptly named due to the steep gradient from a tight right hander. The sheer power forces the bike to separate itself from the track, for a split second, an impressive sight for anyone to see and incredible feeling for any rider to ride.

Speaking with Dean he said, “I grasped a twelfth and tenth at Cadwell last year on my trusty 996 Ducati. It’s a tough track and very difficult to pass on. I have to ensure that I get good starts in both races, and hopefully I’ll bag a handful of good points. My bike is now four years old but I’m confident I can still run up there with the top boys. I just have to remain focused and keep them in my sights.”

Cadwell Park (www.britishsuperbike.com) is situated near Louth, Lincolnshire. One of the most spectator friendly circuits, Cadwell will most definitely pull in a large crowd over the weekend to cheer on Dean and the team.

Remember, it’s live on Sky Sports on Monday afternoon.