Stars turn out at Whitby
By TMX Archives on 9th Jul 08
AS round five of the DEP Two-stroke British Championship heads to North Yorkshire's incredible Skelder Bank venue at Whitby, the already hotly contested series benefits from a clear Grand Prix weekend as some of the UK's world class regulars have signed-up to race both 125cc and 250cc classes.
Local MX1 KTM UK favourite James Noble (pictured) heads the list as he prepares to take on the challenge of competing in both the 125cc and 250cc classes on the same day. He'll be hard pushed though as championship leaders Mark Eastwood (250 Honda) and John Petit (125 TM) have proved to be in unstoppable form all year.
Noble's first time out aboard a two-stroke KTM should be a great one to watch as he takes on the countries best riders. I'm totally aware how fast both Mark and John are and the last thing I want to do is spoil their championship, but with it being a local race I obviously want to do the best I can in front of my local crowd - it's a new challenge and I'm really looking forward to Sunday explains Noble.
Fresh from his maiden MX1 British Championship win in Ireland, Pioneer Yamaha's Wayne Smith is set to take on the gruelling challenge of his two-stroke Yamaha counterpart Dave Willet by racing both 125cc and 250cc classes also. I'm really looking forward to this weekend. I haven't raced a two-stroke for quite a few years but I can't wait for the challenge. I know John Petit has been unstoppable so far this year so fingers crossed I can get a Yamaha at the front and help back-up Dave Willet, explained an on-form Wayne Smith.
The Suso Suzuki pairing of Carl Nunn and Jason Dougan, fresh from points scoring rides in Sweden, will be keen to get Suzuki at the front in both classes. With Nunn making the switch to the bigger 250cc class and Dougan racing a 125, both riders are keen to make an impression. With Whitby being such a great place and it being a free weekend, I didn't need convincing to race, states Nunn. Dougan, having ridden one round last year knows exactly what to expect, These boys aren't slow, the racing is so close and everyone races to the flag - I can't wait, it should be a great weekend.
Other riders ready for the challenge are current Under 21 sensation Jamie Smith aboard the LPE Kawasaki in both classes, while in the 250cc class Neville Bradshaw returns to the two-stroke championship following his success at Marshfield last year.
Tickets are 10 for adults and 5 for children under-15, and the track will be signposted from the A171 Whitby to Guisborough Road approximately 4 miles from Whitby. Those of you lucky enough to have a sat-nav, the post code is YO21 1TN
For more information about this weekend's epic battle at Whitby log on to www.2strokebritishchampionship.co.uk.