Mallory Park Preview

Following the cancellation of the Irish round of the 2006 Bennetts British Superbike championship at Mondello Park because of torrential rain Team JJL/UKDiggers heads to Leicestershire for the sixth round of the series at Mallory Park on Sunday.

Despite the meeting being cancelled the team had completed all the free practise and qualifying laps and had made significant progress with the development of the bike.

Team principal Lloyd Hopkinson said: “It was a disappointment to all of us that the racing didn’t take place at Mondello but we did complete a series of improvements to the bike. We changed the geometry to help Steve feel more comfortable on the bike and also experimented with several different settings, some of which will be implemented at Mallory.

“We have the advantage of having tested at the circuit a few weeks ago which will help us on race day and we are looking forward to seeing an improvement in the handling and performance of the bike this weekend.”

Steve is also optimistic of a good performance at Mallory. Steve said: “I have won on that circuit in the past and been on the podium on numerous occasions so ideally I am looking for more of the same.

“I have no idea how everyone will get on with the new chicane. It was put in to slow the riders down on the exit to Gerard’s and the approach to Edwina’s so we will see what happens when 30 or so riders try to negotiate it in a bunch on the first lap – it could be fun.

“Something needed doing for rider safety at Mallory and I fully agree with that. Anything that aids the smooth, safe running of the races has to be an improvement.”

The racing begins at Mallory on Friday when the Superbike class has two 50minute free practise sessions at 11.50am and 2.50pm. The third free practise is on Saturday at 10.20 followed by qualifying from 2.50pm – 3.40pm. Racing is set for Sunday with the first 28-lap Superbike race on track at 12.30pm and leg two scheduled for a 3.15pm start.

The ITV broadcast window is 2.30 – 4pm.