Co-ordit Racing heads to Mallory Park, Leicestershire, this weekend to contest the sixth round of the 2008 Bennetts British Superbike Championship (27-29 June). As one of the team’s local circuits, expectations will be high, as will local support, for Dean Ellison and Pete Bradshaw to show their mettle as they battle for points around the testing 1.41 mile circuit.
Now based in Leicester, Mallory Park has become a local circuit for Dean Ellison, who makes his first visit to the circuit since 2006. Recovered from injury, Dean has set himself high targets ahead of the weekend and will use his world and domestic race experience to elevate his Co-ordit Racing Yamaha YZF-R1 into the top ten for the first time this season. With two long 30-lap races scheduled for Sunday, Dean will use the full potential of the Co-ordit Racing Yamaha’s power to challenge at the sharp-end.
Team owner, Pete Bradshaw, faces two tough challenges this weekend. First, he takes over the reins of the Co-ordit Racing Henderson Yamaha R1 Cup from Snetterton race winner Richard Cooper. In order to emulate the young rider’s immense performance at the previous round, Pete will have to negotiate the tricky Charlies chicane for the first time in his racing career.
Pete warmed up for round six of the Cup by competing in the International Round at the British MotoGP (21 June). Unfortunately, the poor weather conditions that have blighted the Cup all season followed him to Donington Park. After starting from 18th on the fifth row of the grid, Pete had elevated himself up into 11th before falling victim to the slippery conditions at Coppice on the fourth lap of the opening race. A mammoth effort by the Co-ordit pit crew enabled Pete to take to the grid less than two hours later, but Coppice was to win the battle of the minds yet again. However, despite two crashes, Pete has gained valuable time in the saddle that should stand him in good stead for Mallory Park.
With no Metzeler National Superstock 1000 at Mallory, the Co-ordit Racing Superstock machine will take a breather this weekend before resuming battle at Oulton Park next month.
Built in a natural amphitheatre, Mallory offers fans the opportunity to get close to the spectacular on-track action. The new chicane at the exit of Gerard’s promises a tense few opening laps, despite most riders having faced the new layout for the past few seasons. The short, twisting lap is always the scene of close racing with the opportunity for plenty of overtaking manoeuvres, setting the scene for a thrilling spectacle this weekend.
Superbike action gets under way on Friday with Free Practice. Both classes will have a further Free Practice on Saturday morning before taking to the demanding circuit for Qualifying later in the day. Pit Walk precedes raceday action, with the lights going out on the first Superbike race at 13.15. The Henderson Yamaha R1 Cup follows directly at 14.00, with the second visit to the grid for Dean Ellison scheduled for 16.20.
Dean Ellison:“I am really looking forward to Mallory, especially as Leicester is my new home. I last rode here in 2006 and it was with the new chicane, which is very tricky in the early stages of a race. I have given myself big goals for this weekend as I have always enjoyed riding Mallory, but in order for me to get the results I want it means qualifying well and that is my main focus this weekend. I know that the guys at Rob Mac Pro-Ride have improved my bike since Snetterton, so I can't wait to get back on it!”
Pete Bradshaw – Team Owner: “I was disappointed not to finish both races at the MotoGP, as I should have been top ten, but then that’s racing and you have to finish to win. I will be back on the Cup bike at Mallory, which is my local, but I've never had to contend with the additional chicane at Gerard’s, so hopefully I will remember to stop for it! Mallory is a demanding circuit but I will be gunning for that top 10 finish this time.”
Eurosport 2 Live TV Broadcast Window, 13.00 – 14.00 and 15.30 – 17.15 (29 June)
Images: www.martinheath.net
