Haydon to race in supermoto championship

The MCN-backed British Supermoto Championship thunders into Kent for round one of this spectacular new series on Saturday and Sunday March 20-21.

Superbike star James Haydon has confirmed his entry on a Bracken KTM 450. ” I can’t wait, he said. ” Sideways is clearly the way forward! ”

When you’ve seen top flight Supermoto action for yourself, you’ll be in no doubt as to why this is the fastest growing motorcycle sport.

Lydd International Raceway, situated on the Kent coast, just a few minutes south of Ashford, is the venue for the Supermoto extravaganza. The circuit is widely recognised as one of the best purpose-built Supermoto circuits in the world and was showcased last October for a round of the World Supermoto Championships.

The tight and twisty Tarmac sections, which encourage lurid sliding and handlebar-to-handlebar action, are complimented by a super-challenging dirt section built in accordance with FIM World Championship regulations.

Three classes provide the entertainment. Open, 450 and the KTM Junior Cup.

In the Open Class, populated by big capacity, 80bhp four-stroke motocrossers fitted with slick tyres, the fight will be wide-open between any one of up to eight manufacturer-backed teams.

The 450 class will be no different with the latest wave of high-tech thumpers running times close (or faster) than the Open Class competitors. Reigning Champion Christian Iddon will be doing his best in both classes to fend off the Supermoto stars including, Warren Steele, Leighton Haigh, Ady Smith, Jay Smith, Danny Muller and road racing World Champion Terry Rymer.

The all-new KTM Junior Cup is designed to discover the Supermoto stars of the future. The concept is simple. All the Bridgestone-shod and factory prepared KTM 200SX machines are identical and delivered to each round in a 40ft artic’. Riders aged 14-16 then pull a number out of a bag to select their bike for the weekend. No cheating. No advantage. The fastest rider will win.

The kids have a wide variety of experience from speedway to supercross to trials, roadracing and minimoto. One thing they do all have in common, however, is a burning will to succeed.

Lydd International raceway is at Dengemarsh Road, Lydd, Kent TN29 9JH, just off the A259 Hastings to Folkestone road. For further information call the circuit on 01797-321895. The British Supermoto Championship website is at www.supermotoracing.net

Saturday (entry £5) is devoted to practice and qualifying for the eighty-strong field. Sunday’s action kicks off at 10am (entry £10) .Be sure not to miss Sunday’s Dragon Superpole session which start at 12.30. Sunday’s action runs until 5pm