Motorcycles and news

The event kicks off at 9.00am with Timed Practice. The competitive action starts at 11.30am and includes races for the big twin cylinder ‘Sound of Thunder bikes’, Grand Prix 250 and 125cc Pro-Bike Open and Sidecars. There are also races for the fascinating Bracken KTM 660 machines ­ which are a transformed Supermoto bike with slick tyres - feet down action and sliding into corners brings a whole new dimension of wonder into this level of racing.

The Ducati Desmo series is growing in stature and provides yet another full grid for their 12-lap-race. A staggering entry has been received for the Allcomers race which has required an  additional two full grids to cater for the demand.

The programme also features the ACU National Supermono Championship and these lusty singles bring their own distinctive sounds with them.

The Formula 600 Class has long been the mainstay of bike racing at this level and Steve TOMES on his rapid Triumph 675 is locked in battle with Mark CRONSHAW from Rossendale in the chase for the title and the new 600 Honda which is up for grabs. Winterton’s Grahame FREER is snapping at CRONSHAW’s heels and is a mere eight points adrift at the moment.  Points incidentally are scored on the Grand Prix basis.

The season draws on; the competition is hot, and the Championship still has a long way to go. There are however, no runaway leaders ­ take the Formula 400 class for example where leader of the series Barry POLL from Spalding only holds a 17 points advantage from nearest rival Jonty DIXON. It is even closer in the Honda Hornet Class for here Sean HARDWICKE leads Paul FRYER from Chertsey by a mere 10 points.

The Honda CB500  series is really getting up to speed as after a good half seasons racing Andy BURBIDGE from Redditch finds himself leading Southamptons Ryan TYERS by the smallest possible margin of one solitary point.

Sidecars are featured too, and here the competition is bound to be keen for among the prizes on offer is the prestigious Bill BODDICE trophy to be  presented by the Donington Park Racing Association, long time supporters of all the races at Donington and the New Era Club in particular.

A visit to Donington is always worthwhile ­ perhaps more so at present for the World Championship Moto Cross will take place here just two weeks after this meeting ­ on Sunday August 26th. Visitors will be able to witness the spectacular course which is currently being constructed and will see the World’s best Motocross riders going head-to-head in the UK .

Admission to Donington for the New Era races on Sunday 12th August is £12 on the gate and car parking is free.