BEARS AUSTRALIA MCRC inc   2007 WRP BRIDGESTONE NATIONAL BEARS

February 24 and 25

In weekend of extreme weather, from 38 degree's in the shade, to torrential downpours, the Bridgestone National BEARS series kicked off at Broadford Victoria. The racing as as fierce as the weather varied, with all formula showing that the new talent is not just there to make up the numbers.

Formula 1

The victor for the weekend is a well known name in Australian motorcycle racing. John Allen. Aboard the gorgeous Alumlite MV1000R, Allen would not be headed in a single race. Bar the race to turn one, where the twins showed that getting a 1000cc of torque to the ground is still a bit easier than on the mighty MV 4 cylinder machine. Unfortunately for the twin cylinder front runners, Jon Iles and Phillip Gray, both Ducati mounted, that was a close as they would get to Allen all weekend. On his way to four from four, Allen set a new lap record of 59.320. Said Allen after the final race "There was more there in the bike, but with the wind up in the final race I was not going to push it down the back straight." Craig White riding the WRP Ducati 999s rounding out the top three for the weekend, after a fall from Iles let him through for 3rd place in race three. Iles was unhurt but his Pennzoil Ducati 999s was un-serviceable and he mounted a spare bike in the final race to collect valuable points for his title chase. Gray aboard the Pennzoil Ducati 998s second on the day with a 3rd place and three 2nd place finishes expressed is disappointment after the final race, "There was no way I could get near John Allen this weekend. There is nothing wrong with the bike as far as I can tell, shes running like a train. Me on the other hand, I feel like I am running on 1 cylinder!"

Formula 2

F2 field provided the biggest of the weekend with 12 competitors taking to the track. Defending champion and local Fergus Gibson had a tough weekend. Small problems with his Garner's Bike Hire KTM 990 Superduke, were compounded by the performance of Dean Evans aboard the Revolution Accessories Triumph 675. Evans, first on the weekend, set a blistering pace through out practice, took three victories and moved the lap record down to a 1:02.830. Gibson ended the weekend second. Another local Drew Gallagher, debuting his new F2 steed, a Ducati DS 1072cc filled the final place on the podium. A big crash in race three saw Victorian rider Carl Russell hospitalized, Carl being the only F2 competitor to fall all weekend. Our thoughts are with you Carl. With eight other competitors ready to take their place if they stumble there is no room for error for the top three.

Formula 3

With a few migrations to other formula, the way was open for a new star in F3. Jason Lorenz took the bait riding for the Trick Panel and Paint team. Four wins from four starts is a good way to open the season and the Trick Single ran like clockwork all weekend. The only other F3 competitor was Scotty Brown riding his hybrid two valve, four valve. A 900ss mounted in a 748 frame and running gear. Scotty set a personnel best lap on his way to second on the podium. We can only hope that a few more folks come out to play in F3 later this year.

Formula 4 - Heritage

Reigning champion David Mason faced a local rider in fine form, Jeff Britton. Jeff riding his trusty Ducati Pantah clean swept the top stop of the podium. Dave came home a clear second ahead of firstly John Cully riding his Triumph Thruxton, and in the final leg Alan Landers aboard his Triumph 750. Alan is another local who had a great time racing in Heritage. Again hopefully we will see a few more F4 boys come out for a ride next round.

Formula 5 - Clubman

This formula provided the closest and most competitive racing of the weekend, throwing up four three winners over four races. This leaves the top three riders after the weekend with just 7 points between them. David Aboud leads the way on 88 points, taking race wins in legs one and three and podiums in the other two legs. A mere five points a rear is the Trick Panel and Paint rider from Queensland, Justin Sneddon. Justin in only his second BEARS meeting has come on strong, taking a victory and not being off the podium all weekend. The final space on said podium was occupied by Mike Myers riding under the Motohansa/Gowanloch banner on his Ducati 600ss. None of these riders can afford to stumble as there is a pack of riders just off the podium waiting for them to slip.

Next round of the Bridgestone National BEARS series is at Mac Park, Mt Gambier SA. See you there.

GOOSE