Published: Thursday, 14th August, 2008 09:40
Thousands enjoy thrills and spills of world's fastest bike racers at Knockhill
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CROWDS of more than 15,000 superbike and motor sport fans descended on Knockhill racing circuit last weekend for rounds 18 and 19 of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship.
The championship was the first leg of a major motor sport double in back to back weekends at the track with action from many of the world’s fastest bikers followed this weekend by the HiQ British Touring Car Championship. Round 18 of the Bennetts British Superbike championship was won by Tom Sykes of the Rizla Suzuki team, closely followed by runaway championship leader Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne, of Airways Ducati.
Round 19 was taken by pole sitter Leon Haslam, of HM Plant Honda, who took his first race of the year in a race that was punctuated by rain and a red flag incident. Michael Rutter (Northwest 200 Ducati) was second and Karl Harris (Rob Mac Racing Yamaha) third.
Championship leader Shakey Byrne crashed spectacularly at more than 100mph at Seat Curves while leading (pictured). Fortunately a trip to the medical centre revealed that he was only shaken and he left the medical centre shortly afterwards.
Jillian Butcher, managing director of Knockhill Racing Circuit, said, “It’s always a pleasure to be able to host championships like the British Superbikes and also the British Touring Cars to bring these elite series to fans in Scotland.
“It’s been a fantastic weekend with major crowds at all of the main vantage points in and around the track. Changing weather conditions have kept things lively with plenty of thrills, spills and excitement.”
This weekend five Scottish stars (Gordon Shedden, BTCC, Michael Doyle, BTCC, Jonathan Adam, Seat Cupra Championship, Rory Butcher, Porsche Carrera Cup, and three-times British Superbike champ Niall Mackenzie, racing a Legend) take to the track at Knockhill during this year’s HiQ British Touring Car Championship.
Ticket sales have outstripped all previous years and more than 20,000 spectators are expected during race day (Sunday) alone.
Tickets are still available though and can be purchased at the gate, online at www.knockhill.com or by phoning 72 33 37. Prices: Saturday only – £13 adults, £8 concessions, £5 children, and under-8s go free. Sunday only – £25 adults, £13 concessions, £8 children, and under-8s free. Weekend – £30 adults, £15 concessions, £10 children, and under-8s free. Gates open at 7am on Saturday and Sunday.
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Pars rule out standing at East End Park