Castle Combe date change for British Superbike
Raceline Photography
By blue2bikes
January 14 2005
With date changes now having taken place across the whole of the MotoGP and Superbike calendars, Castle Combe circuit have decided to bring forward their second annual Superbike Grand National race to the weekend of 30th-31st July 2005, from the originally scheduled 1st-2nd October 2005.
Originally scheduled to round off the season, as it did last year, it was necessary to make the date change as the BSB series does not now finish until 9th October 2005.
2004 Castle Combe action - photo © Raceline Photography
Marketing Director Mr Rodney Gooch stated it was not fair or feasible to expect teams to participate at a non-championship event prior to the final round of the BSB championship, and decent weather may greet us being in the middle of the year. He went on to say that being in the middle of the season, it will give teams more track time as it is right in the middle of a six week break in the BSB series.
Sean Emmett - photo © Raceline Photography
This major event was a first for the circuit last year and attracted nigh on 30,000 - with a packed race program that Sean Emmett won in style with a double win on an ETI Ducati - a team Sean rode with in previous years with some great success.
Sean Emmett’s ETI Ducatis in 2004 - photo © Raceline Photography
It was the event where Karl Harris first rode his new Honda FireBlade competitively, in readiness for this year’s premier BSB racing, and where young rider Tommy Hill gained his first podium position in the second race, having to retire in the first race whilst in a podium finishing position.
Sean had a bad time with his MonsterMob Ducati under-performing with steering problems throughout 2004, and was ecstatic to say the least when he won both invitation races - leaving him on a high for the first time in 2004. Sean took great delight in giving BSB rider - and runner up to John Reynolds - Michael Rutter a soaking of champagne whilst on the rostrum, to the delight of everyone.
Emmett and Rutter on the podium - photo © Raceline Photography
Although Yukio Kagayama and John Reynolds attended the event, they were not taking part and were just there to promote the Rizla Suzuki camp. When I asked John if he would have liked to have been taking part in the racing he said, “No, I am enjoying watching others race for the honours. It was a tough enough season for me as it was.”
Kagayama and Reynolds on the podium - photo © Raceline Photography
Maybe this year we shall see the present champion taking part - who knows. But to see all the top riders will be a bonus for those who attend the circuit, and I am sure that Sean will be back to defend the title.
The Chairman of Castle Combe, Mr Howard Strawford, commented that the circuit management are in the process of talking to all the BSB teams to encourage a strong entry list for the event. This event will, I am sure, go on to be an annual pilgrimage for race goers and riders alike.
To buy the photographs shown above, visit Raceline Photography