2006 Overall Club Champion Rich Bearcroft has his sights set on the 600cc crown in ’08. After winning the NG Road Racing Formula 400 Championship aboard a ZXR Kawasaki in ’06 he set himself a new challenge.

He purchased a new 600cc Suzuki, with the assistance of loyal sponsors FMS (Forecourt Maintenance Services), Reps Motorcycles and ISIT Computers. At the end of that first season on a 600 he finished second in the overall championship….and that is despite him stating that ‘06 would be a “learning year for him and the Suzuki” ! 3 Championship final wins came his way, but just as importantly a 100% finish record.

This is a testament to Rich who does all his own engine and development work. All that, as well as preparing motors of several other riders.
Rich started racing back in 2002 on a 400 Kawasaki and now with 6 years experience and a full year on the Suzuki under his belt, the time is right for a full crack at one of the toughest classes on the NG books. Rich is determined, although this year sees a whole host of young challengers moving into the 600 class.

Class by Class
As with the start of each season, we await to see who has stuck with the tried and tested, and who has dug deep and forked out on new kit. Those that wheel out all new bikes may take a couple of meetings to get the machine, suspension, tyres and maybe even a change to riding style gelling together. That will be the time that those sticking with the tried and tested should take the early season advantage.

Joe Symonds on his R1 is looking to make it a third Powerbike championship win this year, but can he keep his mind fully on the job in hand, as son Max starts his racing career in the F125 class at this Pembrey meeting.

The 125 class has a very strong line up this season with defending champion Freddie Nickless returning on his RS125 Honda, to face the challenge from Corey Lewis, Ross Ashman, Anthony Mulrine and Jack Drummond, along with sole TZ Yamaha rider and former class champ Roo Cotton.

With the 250cc class carrying the added prestige of ACU National status we are sure of a top class line up. Pre season saw Jason Davies and Chay Newton in good form, so look towards them for a good showing on the class leading TZ 250’s. Throw in top riders like Alex Kenchington, Toby Markham, and Phil Desborough and we have a raceworthy of the National status.

Rich Bearcroft heads the 600 line up on paper on his GSXR Suzuki, but with a host of new riders to the class for ’08 he could well have his work cut out. A whole host new boys including Joshua Day, Lee Tyack, Chris Beverley and Neil Pasrons all hoping to make a name for themselves. Joshua Day was the fastest rider of all at the Pembrey pre-season test, so keep an eye out for the distinctive liveried Team Dayo R6. To add spice Martin Sharpe has now taken delivery of his RLR developed 675 Triumph, and we have all seen what a impact the triple is making at all levels of the sport.

In the big Open and Powerbike classes the aforementioned Joe Symonds will have his work cut out holding back Simon Gates, Gary Teague and Shaun Hennessey. Hennessey along with Mark Compton and James Cox all have new machines to get acclimatised to early season. Add in another class new boy Charlie Bishop on his R1, as he splits his year between NG and the all-new National R1 Cup series, and these superbike races will give us some great entertainment.

Tony Meredith sticks with what he knows in the F400 class on his ZXR Kawasaki, and will have to be on top form to hold back young charger Chris Beverley who uses Honda power.

Add to these classes Mini Twins with Nigel Wright on his 800SS Ducati heading things and the Sound of Thunder class having another set of mouth-watering clashes between Chris Richardson, Andy Peck and Graham Goodyear. We also have the all action Sidecars with Rod Robinson and Shelley Smithies hoping to start ’08 as they ended ’07 to challenge for the title with Paul Riley and Roy Farmer, and, returning to racing, 6 time NG Sidecar champion Ian Drowne and Ken Edwards. With three streetstock road based classes as well…….. It’s entertainment all the way to the flag.
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Pic: www.theoldcoachhousesports.co.uk