The Knockhill Motor Sports Club headed for uncharted territory this weekend, having never run a full two day race meeting during their relatively short existence. After an eventful and stress-filled weekend the Club can be pleased with the way things unfolded. A number of major stoppages out-with their control, piled the pressure on the organising members and officials. But they stood-fast and pulled through with flying colours.
In another first for the Knockhill Motor Sports Club, Scottish Championship bike racing made a welcome return with several classes awarded national status for the 2012 season. This may well have been the catalyst behind the Club’s highest number of entries since its inception, but more importantly, a significant sign that the Club is moving in the right direction. Add into the mix, new sponsors for 2012 and continuing Motors TV coverage, everything look’s positive for a successful year.
In a fast and frantic weekend there were several stunning performances in a number of classes. In the Scottish Superbikes, David Paton took a brace of wins ahead of current Scottish Championship leader Bruce Birnie. British Supersport rider, Paton secured pole position for the first Scottish Championship race on Saturday by taking his Yamaha R6 over the line with a qualifying time of 51.551 seconds. The Double ‘M’ Racing star went on to keep Birnie at bay to claim two wins, albeit thanks to Birnie receiving a 10 second penalty after winning Sunday’s race, demoting him to 5th position. Birnie however, did sample some success this weekend, taking a hat-trick of wins in the Knockhill Motor Sports Club Superbike class.
The Scottish and Knockhill Superstock 600 class, enjoyed bumper grids all weekend long with 36 competitors vying for race wins. Nobody though, could keep pace with former Scottish Champion, Michael Robertson who was in imperious form, securing five race wins from five race starts. Robertson though, has his attention firmly fixed on success down south, using this meeting as an opportunity to perfect his bike’s setup. Current Scottish Championship leader, Bryan Duncanson had to make do with a supporting role behind Robertson today, but will take encouragement from a strong outing this weekend and knowing, that he still tops the Scottish Championship standings tonight.
There were also some other clean-sweep performances, Tom Robinson secured a sensational four race victories onboard his F400 machine. Meanwhile, sidecar duo Kershaw and Wilson dominated proceedings with four sidecar victories.
Elsewhere, there were four superb race wins for Paul Bowerbank in the Cupar Motorcycles supported Pre Injection 600 class. Bowerbank was pushed all the way by a trio of riders, Lee Naylor, Richard Bright and Derek Burns. All three improved all weekend long, providing great entertainment and thrilling racing for the assembled crowds. Knockhill commentator Dennis Hobbs took a particular liking to this class saying:
“This has been one of the closest classes all weekend, the guys are pushing each other on race after race. All this bodes well for a really entertaining and competitive championship.”
Young Lewis Rollo stole the show in the KMSC F125 Championship races, securing four race victories from four race starts. Commentators, spectators and riders alike, see a bright future for this young racer. Elsewhere in the F125 class, 12 year old Bethany Polanski, suffered some rotten luck and a broken arm on her racing debut. The plucky, Cardenden rider will no doubt bounce back from this minor setback.
Other winners over the two-day event included Paul McClung (Supertwin), Harry Pullar (Supertwin), Lee Naylor (Pre Injection 600), James Laing (Clubman), Derek Butcher (Clubman) and multiple classic victories for Jed Heath (Post Classic Senior) and Sandy Robertson (Post Classic Junior).
Knockhill Motor Sports Club bike racing returns on Sunday 3rd June, hopefully we’ll see another superb attendance by riders and fans alike. Images from today’s event can be viewed here!