The Henderson Yamaha R1 Cup will shatter the peace and tranquility of the Cheshire countryside this coming Bank Holiday (4th-5th May), as Oulton Park stages the third round of the 2008 Bennetts British Superbike Championship.
The 2.692mile Oulton Park International circuit follows the natural contours of the former Oulton Hall's magnificent wooded parkland, and is one of the most physically demanding circuits on the calendar. The final sector from Clay Hill, through Druids and Lodge for the run up Deer Leap will be all important as the riders jostle for points and positions across the finish line.
Derby's Jon Kirkham, heads the table after the opening exchanges at Thruxton two weeks ago. The 23-year old dominated events round the furiously fast-paced Hampshire circuit, leading from the first lap and taking the chequered flag by 6.5s from former Superbike race winner Sean Emmett, and Marty Nutt rounding out the podium positions.
Sam Warren, undoubtedly one of the stars of the season so far, will be looking to add handsomly to his ten point tally this weekend. Onboard the Mission Racing Yamaha YZF-R1, under the guidance of former British Superbike contender Dean Thomas, Oulton is the only track that the road racing debutant has been to previous to a race weekend. Warren secured sixth last time out after a spirited ride, portraying a mature and experienced riding style.
Local rider, Stu Wilson, from Sandbach, will be hoping that track knowledge will help the 28-year old elevate his championship standing as he lines up at his home round. The Willhall Yamaha rider claimed 12th and four points at Thruxton, posting his fastest lap of the race (1:21.499s) as he battled through the Club Chicane, passing two riders, towards the chequered flag for the final time.
However, as has been seen in previous Virgin Media Cup seasons, it would be unwise to discount the Antipodean pairing of Shannon Etheridge and Brendan Clarke. The former Australin Superbike riders both acquitted themselves admirably two weeks ago and have quickly proven thier apititude for learning new circuits.
Sandwiched between the two British Superbike races, live British Eurosport TV coverage will give an added dimension to the firece compeitiveness of the 14-lap race round the circuit that has a little of everything. Free Practice takes place at lunchtime on Sunday, followed by a 25minute qualifier at 17.25. The lights will go out on 14-laps of fast-paced Pro-Am action at 13.50 on Bank Holiday Monday, 5 May.
Sam Warren: "I'm really looking forward to this weekend as it will be the first track this season that I've been on before the race weekend. Hopefully, I can keep the ball rolling from Thruxton with another good result."
Stu Wilson: "The Henderson Cup is going to be a tough Championship to win. There are a number of vastly experienced riders out there pitting their skills against a new talented breed of rider. I am hoping that home advantage at my local circuit will pay dividends come race day."
Rob McElnea: "The first R1 Cup race got rolling at Thruxton and what a fantastic show this is going to be. The qualifying was amazing and showed what this format is all about when complete rookie Sam Warren managed to get on the front row. John Kirkham ran away from a fantastic battle for the podium between Emmet, Nutt and Gary Mason. Great TV and the guys did Joe Henderson proud! It will only get better!"
British Eurosport Live TV Broadcast Window, 12.30 - 16.30 (Monday 5th May).
