GET BACK IN THE GROOVE
With a multitude of World Champions and an abundance of factory (and almost factory) teams, the 2019 World Superbike Championship is shaping up to be another one of those incredible seasons. In some people’s eyes, not since 2010 have we seen a grid so ram packed with top talent and sorted machinery. Add that to the new three race a weekend format and I’d say if you like motorcycle racing, then you need to get along to a WSBK meeting this year… but where do you start? Well, with the action packed 'Paddock Show' running at all rounds and the majority of podium celebrations being held in the paddock itself, you can guarantee you'll be close to the goings on before and after the triple set of races. But to try and help (convince) you to get to one of the rounds, I’ve picked three of my particular favourites that you should definitely check out…
ITALY
Round Five of the championship will descend on the Italian circuit of Imola. Just east of Bologna the track is one of, if not the most picturesque race circuits of the season... and on this planet. The undulating tarmac even runs around Castellaccio Park, which houses the famous memorial to the late great Ayrton Senna if you’re a fan of old school four wheels. A great place to watch here is turn four, Tosa corner, which houses a huge grandstand looking right down on the race track itself. Usually packed with passionate Italian fans, it’s a great place to watch from, with the track coming straight at you into Tosa and then away up the infamous hill to Piratella. That’s my bet, but to be honest, you could spend all day walking the park inside the circuit and find incredible places to watch from. Pair with that the excellent food and other decent views (ahem) and Imola is a superb round to get along to.
GREAT BRITAIN
The best bike fans are British. Full stop. End of. With six riders from the United Kingdom in Superbikes for 2019, if there’s a round you have to get to its Donington Park, round eight. Recently acquired by Motorsport Vision and undergoing major changes at the present moment, the much needed facilities are being refurbed and replaced, making it a nicer place for everyone. More importantly, there are some mega places to pitch up around the circuit and take in the action. From the imposing super-fast downhill right left flick of Craner Curves to the tight twisty sections like The Esses and Melbourne hairpin there’s a slice of action for everyone; not to mention one of the strongest arrays of various food vans, bars and stalls to keep the rowdy British fans fed and watered. The addition of 'Garage 39' the new cafe in the centre of the paddock is also a great place to meet and watch the track antics on the screens inside with a sneaky beer.
FRANCE
My last suggestion even surprised myself when it came into my thoughts: Magny Cours, round 11. If you’re in any doubt, please go and watch the Supersport 300 race from last year. It is a race that will go down as legendary; one of the best I’ve ever seen, and big grandstands, even bigger screens and massive crowds make this an awesome event. There’s usually a championship or two on the line here, and if that wasn’t exciting enough to tempt you, the party sure will. The campsite is filled with everything from multiple four-cylinder bikes being held on their limiters (all day, for three days), to the group of lads on the start finish, playing a La Cucaracha horn for no reason whatsoever every lap, which provides an atmosphere like no other. Perfect.