Competitors at ThundersportGB’s opening meeting have hailed it a massive success depsite downpours that threatened to wash-out the entire event. At 9am on Sunday morning, organiser Dave Stewart had pumps and sweepers out trying to get rid of standing water, and managed to get the track ready by kick-off time.
"In the early hours of the morning I honestly doubted that we would be able to get the circuit suitably drained to allow practice to start at all. Huge thanks were due to the circuit maintainence staff who worked their socks off to pump out the standing water," said Stewart.
"By 9.30am we were ready to roll and the first ever Thundersport race day was underway in distinctly soggy conditions. As the day progressed, the benefits of taking out the oak tree became apparrant as four riders crashed heavily at the exit of the Lake Esses in separate incidents and all emerged uninjured. The downside was that until the grass grows it is hard work for the marshals keeping the racing surface mud-free, a task they tackled without complaint."
GP125 star Danny Webb was also around. He had this to say about the Aprilia Superteens:
‘It’s very important. It’s a great series and it helped me for one and I know it helped a lot of today’s stars and rising stars. There is no better platform for riders starting out than the Superteens. Spanish GP teams are now looking at riders that have come from the Superteens and riders currently in it. The talent that has stemmed from the series speaks for itself and it’s great that Thundersport GB is continuing the trend and hopefully producing stars of the future.’
And the riders were full of praise for the organisation too:
Christian Iddon, winner of the Streetfighter and Sound of Thunder classes. (3rd in World Supermoto Championships in 2007)

‘I had great fun today, the conditions were a little damp but I loved the bike moving around. Some great racing on circuit and great racing to watch too. The round was run very professionally and to have the TV here for the series and the grid girls at the front makes you feel important too… Can’t wait for the grids to fill and get out there again! Winning races was just icing on the cake really!’
Lee Dickinson, reigning ACU British 250 Champion, and winner of the Thundersport GP2 Race

‘Anyone that’s got a 250GP bike that’s not racing at these meetings isn’t serious about 250 racing.’
David Pearce, 14 from the Isle of Man. Winner of both Aprilia Superteen Races.
"Fantastic day. Thundersport GB and the Aprilia Superteen Series is great fun and very professional."
Pic: Steve Gough