Braced for the roar of thunder at track
EPIC Superbiking action is on the cards from today as the 2018 SuperGP Champions Trophy is battled out at the iconic East London Grand Prix Track over the next two days.
The country’s top riders as well as a host of local competitors will be in thrilling action that should see blistering speeds and exhilarating battles on the race track.
Most of the national riders arrived yesterday ahead of today’s practice session and this afternoon’s qualifying, before a full day of racing takes centre stage tomorrow.
“Most of the bikes have arrived, we have 74 entries at this stage, probably a few more will come in from the regional riders on the race day, so we are expecting over 80 riders to compete,” said Border Motorsport PR Dave Kirkman.
“The weather looks great for the weekend and with all the Africa Bike week people here it will make a wonderful vibe, motorcycle season has landed with a big impact on East London.
“Last year it was really good and this year is going to be even better and we can look forward to some great action.”
In the premier SuperGP category an enthralling contest will be shaping up, with anyone capable of taking top honours.
The top four riders are all extremely close to one another and competition should be fierce over the two days.
“So far in the three races held so far [in the main category] there has been a different winner each time, so there is no clear favourite in the title race,” explained Kirkman.
“The guys to look out for will be David McFadden, Michael White and Darren Upton who hold the top three positions, they are all close together on points as they have been swapping positions throughout.”
Another challenger however will also be defending champ Clint Seller, who despite struggling early in the season, will be one of the favourites.
“Well-known defending champion Clint Seller is definitely one to watch for me, he has the pace and likes the circuit, he is very familiar with the circuit as he does bike training down here, so he is going to be difficult to pass,” claimed Kirkman.
“He has had a rough start to the season, more bad luck than anything else and I think he will be one of the favourites.
“But I think it is going to be very close, the top five or six as they do there qualifying and race are going to be amazingly close together through Potters, Rifle and through the Esses.
“This is what they do for a living, they are not afraid to touch and bump each other out there and are very passionate for their positions, so it will be exciting.”
Other national categories that will be fought out will be the Super600 and Super300 divisions, which will also see exciting upand-coming talent showing their stuff.
Adding to the occasion will be a host of local races as well, so there will be non-stop action throughout both days at the track.
“Two of our local girls, Cassidy Symonds and Janine Mitchell will be in action,” said Kirkman.
“That should be something different to check out, they are both local and incredibly fast, so get down to the track and support the girls and boys as well of course.
“I think a walk through the pits will also be an absolute sensation, because in East London you get up close and personal with the riders, pit crews and the bikes.”
Tomorrow’s racing starts at 9.30am and will finish around 5.30pm and there will be no gaps in the programme, with the regional and local races between the heavyweights.
A canteen, bar, jumping castles and flea market will also be at the track.
Entry will be R100 for adults, R10 for scholars and children under six years old can get in for free.