British Superbike preview for Mallory Park meeting

Raceline Photography
By blue2bikes
June 3 2006

As the British Superbike series comes to the halfway mark and heads to Mallory Park this weekend, it will be a matter of all the riders getting used to the new chicane, added onto the long Gerard’s right hander to slow riders down in the aftermath of over fifty fallers last year.

There will obviously be a new lap record to be set, and Michael Rutter, who lives just a few yards from the circuit, requires a double win here as he did last year - to keep himself in contention with the leaders.

© Raceline Photography

Having spoken to some of the riders who will be taking part, there are mixed views as the chicane is not fast, and as it is going to be a matter of he who is the bravest will get the best out of it. Being there to slow the riders, plus being tight in nature, it won’t be an overtaking opportunity, and will lead to some brave braking to get the best out of this newly added chicane.

Mallory is a short circuit, and last year the Edwina’s chicane provided more than enough problems for the riders - but more so for Ryuichi Kiyonari, who fell and was badly injured, leaving his then partner Mike to win a double header.

Tommy Hill fell and sustained injuries, along with Karl Harris, who also fell at the event last year. Karl fell at Gerard’s, and Tommy on the exit of the Bus-Stop chicane.

The Yamaha guys should have a good advantage here, as their bikes are very quick on steering and will present a good showing, I feel, with young gun Tommy Hill - who had a tremendous battle with Glen Richards the last time they raced together at the circuit, with Glen just winning by the narrowest of margins.

© Raceline Photography

Karl Harris will be going all out to gain more points, and Ryuichi Kiyonari needs to catch up if he is going to make an impact on the leaders. As for Leon Haslam and series leader Gregorio Lavilla, they will be going flat out to stretch the lead they have attained - especially Leon who has become the bridesmaid to Gregorio since the start of the season, having led more than enough races only for Gregorio to snatch the lead and run away with the series.

With the weather looking dry for this weekend, and after the abandonment of the Mondello Park round, all the riders are itching to get some dry racing days under their belts - with every round so far suffering from wet weather, either during the practice or on race day. Whatever happens with the weather, you will be guaranteed some great racing as the battle commences.