Motorcycles and news

Practice and qualifying proved to be a tough mixed bag as the 26-strong grid took to the 2.5-mile circuit in wet conditions for the first time this season. However, respect must be given to Pirelli as the Diablo III’s worked brilliantly in the mixed conditions producing some fantastic lap times, while most riders managed to keep sticky side down.

Dean Hipwell, one of the unsung heroes of the 2007 season, wholly deserved his pole position. Dean is a rider with bags of potential and is starting to shine through at the mid-point of the season. Unfortunately, despite a valiant effort in both 12-lap races, he could only muster a fourth and sixth respectively.

Midge Smart lined up second on the grid for both races with one purpose on his mind - to beat James Webb and take the overall win in front a massive, if somewhat wet, Donington Park crowd. Both races proved to be a two-way battle between Midge Smart and James Webb. However, Midge had the upper hand controlling the first race from the moment the lights went out. Championship leader, BJ Toal’s first race came to an abrupt end as he crashed mid-race through the notoriously fast Craner Curves. Scot David Paton attempted to close the gap on the leading duo but could not make an impression.

James Webb looked comfortable behind Smart and odds-on to make a move in the closing stages. Smart clung to his lead and as the pair crossed the line, two tenths of a second separated them.

By Sunday afternoon the weather looked to be improving for the final race of the Nickel & Dime British Moto GP, but as the Virgin Media Cup riders took to the grid, the rain started to spit again making racing conditions difficult on the slippery Donington surface. Lap times dropped from the first dry race the previous day but all credit to the Pirelli tyres and the riders as not one crashed out. No mean feat considering there were 54 separate incidents during the Friday free practice sessions.

Leon Morris broke with Smart and Webb at the front but could not maintain any substantial amount of pressure on the podium finishers from the first race. Webb moved ahead and led for the final five laps. Smart just needed to nestle in behind and finish second to take the overall victory for the weekend. However, an uncharacteristic moment by Webb on the exit of Goddard’s for the final time allowed Smart the opportunity to out-drag his nemesis to line and cap off a brilliant weekend in front of a 40,000-strong crowd.

Wild-carding at the event were the top three runners in the NG Bikesport News R6 Cup, the winner of which will receive free entry into the 2008 Virgin Media Cup. Championship leader Charlie Bishop was joined by Jonathan Dickson and Aaron Ridewood. The trio acquitted themselves admirably in the face of more senior competition, with Charlie Bishop posting two top ten finishes. Another new face on the grid was Ronan Quarmby. 16-year old South African has joined the Virgin Media Cup at the mid-point of the season and will contest the remainder of the 2007 series from Knockhill onwards.

Although a non-championship weekend with no points up for grabs, a number of prizes as well as rider pride were as stake. As overall victor, Midge Smart took delivery of a brand new Yamaha Aerox Scooter. Although looking none too pleased with himself as he crossed the line in race two, James Webb will have a unique momento of a signed AGV Rossi replica helmet to take pride of place in his trophy cabinet. David Paton, Leon Morris, Dean Hipwell and Robbie Brown each received prizes for finishing in the top six. These included; £500 worth of Nitro goods, Rockport clothing, Teng Tools and a pair of Pirelli Diablo tyres.

The riders will only have a few days to recover before they head north of the border for round six of the 2007 Virgin Media Cup that takes place at Knockhill in Scotland next weekend, 30 June - 1 July.

Midge Smart:

“I had control of the first race and although I only had to finish behind James in the second, I was determined to get a double win. It’s great to be on the top step of the podium, especially in front of a huge MotoGP crowd and gives me a ton of confidence ahead of Knockhill.”

Niall Mackenzie, Cup Mentor:

“All the riders did a brilliant job this weekend in some really tricky conditions. They took to the task at hand without getting stage fright in front of the world’s most prestigious paddock. They impressed a number of the GP teams’ top brass, which is no mean feat in itself. Most importantly, they kept the bikes in one piece ahead of Knockhill next weekend!”

Race 1 - Result

1) Smart, 2) Webb, 3) Paton, 4) Hipwell, 5) Hellyer, 6) Brown, 7) Morris, Aldersley, 9) Bishop, 10) Haire, 11) Fagan, 12) Dickson, 13) Howell, 14) Quarmby, 15) Smith

Race 2 - Result