Real Circuit Racing for 2012

[Tirpitz]

Just found out about this lot who are going to run a series for 1980s/90s 750s next year http://www.thundersportgb.com/

This should be seriously good to watch and seriously affordable to compete in too. Now what would be good is if it really takes off and they decide to run a support Supersport 400 class.

Shouldn't wish my life away but can't wait for next year.

[cargo]

Theres stacks of 400 racing going already on your island

[Tirpitz]

True, club class riders though. I've tried watching club racing but TBH it bores me for the most part. I'm sure it's fun to be involved in but as a spectator it doesn't float my boat.

[coley]

Just found out about this lot who are going to run a series for 1980s/90s 750s next year http://www.thundersportgb.com/

This should be seriously good to watch and seriously affordable to compete in too. Now what would be good is if it really takes off and they decide to run a support Supersport 400 class.

Shouldn't wish my life away but can't wait for next year
True, club class riders though. I've tried watching club racing but TBH it bores me for the most part. I'm sure it's fun to be involved in but as a spectator it doesn't float my boat.

Sorry don't seem to understand what your trying to say? Thundersport is just another club with club racers, its not a national series like BSB

[jake]

Ben, was lookin for you when i seen ya at aintree for a chat! hope yr well. I heard ya dad was out on a 400?

You just need to go watch some fast 400 riders tirpitz. they are out there, and lots of them. 'pro' riders wont make these bikes go any faster than these lads. Consider the modern 600 lap times, compare to the fast clubs 400top dudes, not that much init, there is life left in the old dogs yet.
Heard nothing but good things about thundersport meetings, ive not raced with them, but i would

[-GQ-]

I've only raced with ThundersportGB once, a couple of years ago, so take my view in that knowlegde.

short version: they are brand-focused, not racer focused; although they appear to cater for all sorts, minor classes (where we in 400s can race) are neglected.

longer version:
I don't rate them much and creating yet another class is typical of their approach. They spread their brand very thinly - it is all about sounding like they accommodate all sorts of classes and races, about seeming to be the club racer's friend and about getting TV exposure. I experienced the reality a bit differently.

The main practical things I didn't like:
1. Small classes - note, not small grids (although many are), but small classes.
2. Mixed grids. Some classes have only 2 or 3 entrants, and they have to be put somewhere.
3. Because of TV coverage, they keep all racers in a parc ferme after the race, to film the podium finishers, interview them, and have an audience. Anyone who has raced a ZXR400 will understand the issue with killing the bike straight after a race and then trying to start it again 5 or 10 minutes later.

To illustrate points 1 and 2 above, see for example these latest results. Go to the GP2/GP3 results - F400 riders qualify for their GP2 class. Race 6 had 13 finishers across what looks like 3 classes: GP2 (6 riders), GP3 (2 riders) and minitwins (5 riders).

You'll see there is good support for some of their classes - CB500 for example. However, for the minor classes, expect to share the grid with all-sorts and know that you will almost definitely have a top 5 finish!

Interestingly, their F600 doesn't seem to be well supported. Most clubs have several full grids of various 600 forms (stock, sport, formula, steelies, etc). Could this be a sign that riders in the best supported class in the country doesn't rate TSGB either?

Give me Bemsee or DP or NG any day. The guys at DP had a moan about having some old big bikes on the grid at Cadwell the other week, but at least we had more than 20 F400s on the grid.

Would be good to hear the views of people who still race with TSGB though; maybe things aren't as they appear.

[Tirpitz]

Guys, I think you're right. I was at Scarborough on Saturday and they ran a 400 race on a staggered grid with 125s and Minitwins. Bit of a shame there was only a small 400 field (but most were on ZXRs ) but I very much enjoyed it. This is probably a similar issue to what GQ is on about. A dedicated 400 grid would have been better, but if the riders weren't there.........

I think I might very well take another look at some of the clubs that are running 400 races and go watch, my views were based on experiences of several years ago and could well be out of date. I was certainly underwhelmed by a recent visit to the BSB and what appeared to me to be pretty much the same stuff going round all day, with the odd exception.

[cargo]

I was certainly underwhelmed by a recent visit to the BSB and what appeared to me to be pretty much the same stuff going round all day, with the odd exception.

That is exactly what has happened to the TT races on the IOM..............which is why the only real racing on the IOM is now the Manx GP.........something I am absolutly passionate about.
Want to see real circuit racing then come to the IOM in August.............you will see 125s 250s 350s 400s 500s 600s 650s 750s 850s 1000s................. old ones new one replica ones everything you can imagine..........one off hand made in a shed ones...real racers on real race bikes racing on a real road you dont get anymore real than that


and it all starts in 4 weeks

[Tirpitz]

Agree with you there Cargo. I listened to the TT this year and watched it on the telly, first time in a long time I'd taken an interest. And yes, it did seem like a week in which the guys just rode several versions of the same bikes. Tedious.

It did give me the bug to visit again but I agree, I'm sure the Manx is the one to see now. Unfortunately I can't get time off work for this year but next year is certainly going to be investigated in good time.