Over 130 competitors will front the starter at this opening round of the 5 round State Championship Series for 2008.
This will be a two day event – Saturday will see practice and qualifying in the morning with racing for all classes except Superbikes who will do a further qualifying session in the afternoon.
Sunday will see racing for all classes – Superbikes * Supersport and Superstock * Formula 2 * Clubman racing * Sidecars
plus for the opening round Junior road racers (13 to 16 yr olds on 2 stroke 80cc or 150cc machines) will be incorporated on the Sunday programme.
2007 WA Superbike Champion Matt Battista will return aboard the BHS Engineering Yamaha R1 keen to defend his title in the Steelblue Superbike Championship. But he will be pressured by past state champion Ben Stronach who became the new local lap record holder setting a sizzling pace at the March race day with a 56.826 second lap, that’s about one bike length in front of Matt’s previous lap record of 56.93 . Rilusi Motorcycles team rider Mark Schnierer, along with Ben Henry (Steelblue Allect Racing Yamaha R1) and Chris Galbraith (Weld West/ Lloyd Chapmans Suzuki GSXR) will also be serious contenders for this year’s championship.
The BHS Engineering Supersport Championship is wide open with the departure of Cameron Stronach the past two years winner, who is now competing in Europe in the World Superstock 1000cc Cup with an Italian based team. Returning to the Supersport class is Tommy Hatton who has taken over Stronach’s ride with BHS Engineering aboard the Yamaha R6 and he will be a formidable contender for this year’s championship, along with Bunbury based Josh Trigwell (R6) Adam Senior (Honda CBR600) and Cully’s Yamaha rider Strett Cull who cannot be discounted being a past state champion. Also expect a strong showing from Kalgoorlie based Jarrod Hockley (Sports Power Yamaha R6) in what will be his first full season.
Superstock 600cc racing is the new age class. The West Coast Honda sponsored events will see a number of new season first time riders eager to take out the round wins. Watch out for Sebastian Montague (Geraldton based/ Kawasaki 600), Brett Lawrence (R6) and the experienced riders Ray Anset (CCS Suzuki 600) , Paul Castling (Steve’s Motorcycles Honda ) and Andrew Skinner (Prestige Honda) .
The Ultra Fast Karts Sidecar State Championships will see 12 sidecars compete at this opening round . 2007 State Champion and Kings of Wanneroo title holder Lindsay Fagan will have to ride hard to keep the competition at bay. Young –guns to this class – Darren and Neal Walker are sure to be one of the potential challengers for this year’s title plus the likes of Rob Hair and Chris Burrows.
KTM have come on board for this year’s Formula two class – an affordable entry level class for riders of 125’s, 250’s , 400’s and 650cc bikes. Colin Rose (SV 650) and Ric Steele (TZ250) riders should be front runners and they will be joined by two new young junior riders who have now turned 16 and moved onto 125GP bikes – Matt Shaw(Honda 125) and Jack Coyle (Muldrew Heavy Haulage 125)
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE GATE
Saturday General Admission $10 , Free pit paddock walk in.
Sunday General Admission $20 (includes programme) plus free pit paddock entry
Children 15 yrs and under free all weekend. Seniors discount $10 Sunday
