Scottish Championship and KMSC bike racers took to the circuit for two days of none-stop bike racing action this weekend (21/22 June); which also featured the 80s Yamaha Rewind Festival and a number of BSB wild cards looking for additional track time ahead of next weekend’s MCE British Superbike Championship event.
One rider to make full use of the extra track-time was Pirelli National Superstock 600 rider, Benjamin Currie. The Aussie ace, who rides for the Motobreakers Kawasaki team helped himself to four race victories this weekend; out pacing fellow wild card and local entries alike.
All eyes were on Haddington’s Paul McClung ahead of the weekend; eager to see how he matched up to some BSB level competition. McClung is certainly capable of competing next weekend, if he can recover from the injuries he sustained this weekend following some unfortunate incidents. McClung perhaps, was extra keen to show what he had in store for race fans next weekend, and ultimately paid a heavy price for pushing himself so much. Hopefully, he’ll come back next weekend, fit and well, and do himself justice in both the Superstock 600 and Ducati Cup races. Another Scot, Niall Campbell took the final Superstock 600 race win, with Ian Rumney, Douglas Cunningham, Callum Paterson, Liam Shellcock, Keenan Armstrong and Max Alexander also enjoying podium success.
Another rider to claim four race wins over the weekend was experienced veteran, Donald MacFadyen. MacFadyen has been racing for a staggering 24 years and much like the proverbial Duracell Bunny, just keeps going. MacFadyen has enjoyed a renaissance on board his BMW S1000 RR, starting this season in fine form. Indeed, his performances today, which also included a number of new Superbike lap records, just goes to show what is possible when a rider is comfortable and confident aboard his bike. Roy Houston had to work extremely hard to take the final race win of the day, out-battling MacFadyen time and time again as the duo passed each other, sometimes several times in one lap, to eventually take the chequered flag just 0.917 seconds ahead of his Superbike rival. Clackmannan’s Andrew Tasker added to the spectacle and claimed three podiums of his own over the weekend. Other podium scorers included Dan Chappell and Sean Cooper.
In the Shirlaw’s Clubman class, current Championship leader Darren Ross, could only sit and watch as Richard Hughes bagged four wins aboard his BMW S1000 RR. Ross would have to be content with three podiums to add to the four race wins he has already secured this season. Whilst, Gary Hamilton grabbed his first win of the year alongside two other podiums.
Pre-Injection 600 racer, Des Burns endured two very different days this weekend. On Saturday nothing seemed to go to plan for the Falkirk man and then on Sunday, everything just seemed to go his way; as he blazed his way to a hattrick of wins and a new Pre-Injection track record. David McCafferty and Sean Davie claimed the other two wins, whilst Patrick Forman, Alan McGregor, Kyle Harper and Harry Pullar fought amongst themselves for the remaining podiums.
In the Lightweight races, the action was as equally impressive this weekend, as it had been on previous outings. Jason Blacklock took full advantage, of Craig Shirlaw’s and Lewis Rollo’s (Sat only) absences, by taking two race wins, a second and third place finish; whilst, all the time, mixing it up with Bob Grant, James Hobson, Callum Grigor and Keith Dickie. Grant, returning to action after numerous years away from Knockhill, was quick off the mark as he claimed a brace of wins over the weekend.
In the KMSC Formula 125 series, Gillian McGaw claimed an impressive five race wins from five outings. Those results, added to her previous five wins, make it ten straight wins for McGaw this season.
A welcome addition to festivities this weekend saw a number of 80s Yamahas take to the track for some exclusive track sessions and displays. Niall Mackenzie was on hand with his own RD350LC and had this to say about the event.
“It has really tickled my spine this weekend, seeing all the LCs on track.
“But the overall highlight has been spending the last four days at Knockhill; lots of laps, starting with my trackday on Thursday and l’ve been staying in the paddock every night. It’s just been like a holiday.”
For a number of the Skinner Motorcycles Superstock 600 class, there will only be a few days respite before they’ll need to do it all again, as the series makes a guest appearance at the MCE British Superbike Championship event, for the third year in succession. Several of the KMSC regulars will also be competing in the Pirelli National Superstock 600 races, whilst others will compete in the KMSC Superstock 600 double-header.
This year’s British Superbike event promises to be a spectacular event with the country’s best racing series, plus a fabulous support package all starring on the tight and twisty Knockhill track over the weekend of 27th to 29th June. Knockhill will also be celebrating 40 years at the event and a special Anniversary Marquee, supported by Homecoming Scotland 2014, housing special exhibits from each decade of Knockhill will be on display. The 13 race programme will provide excellent entertainment for Scottish race fans; with riders set to enjoy fiercely contested battles across the eight Championships heading to Fife.
You can see all the images from Sunday on the www.power-images.co.uk website and you can get all the results via MyLaps.
Thanks once again, to everyone involved with the event at the weekend; your help, dedication and professionalism are much appreciated.