Mackenzie: British Grand Prix will be ‘unmissable’
Leading British motocross racer Billy Mackenzie believes
that the 2006 British Grand Prix on June 17th/18th should
be one of the best events on the FIM World Championship schedule.
The winner of the Japanese Grand Prix last week and the current
leader of the British series lives only a few miles away from
the new Matterley Basin circuit in Winchester, that good friend
Johnny Douglas Hamilton has designed and is presently constructing.
“I think Johnny’s record on the Isle of Wight,
Matchams Park and at Sun City in South Africa proves that
he is one of the best when it comes to cool tracks that are
fun for the riders and spectacular for the fans,” the
MX2 semi-works Yamaha rider said.
“We were spoiled with three Grand Prix last year and
the Isle of Wight holds special memories for me but the fact
that there is only one British round this season and that
it takes place at a circuit that is new for all of us means
that it should be really exciting,” he added. “The
British fans are always the best when it comes to the noise,
supporting the local riders and generally making an awesome
atmosphere and that is why we always love it when the GP comes
around. I just hope I can win again and give them something
to go home happy about.”
The British stop on the FIM ’06 calendar represents
the eighth round of fifteen and for the last two years has
pulled in the largest crowds for a single event. With less
than three weeks remaining until the visit to the United Kingdom,
president of World Championship promoters Youth Stream Giuseppe
Luongo is looking forward to his trip across the Channel:
“From what I have seen and heard of the plans for Matterley
Basin I think we will have another impressive British Grand
Prix,” the Italian remarked. “Bike it Promotions
have already done so much work. They have made a big investment
and Steve Dixon has a lot of experience in World Championship
racing and knows the high level we want for our Grand Prix.
I am confident that we will see a great occasion and it will
be an important preparation for the Motocross of Nations a
few months later.”
“We care a lot about the British Grand Prix and I can
reveal that we will again have two World Championship rounds
there in 2007,” he continued. “It is important
for us to have a good partner there. It is one of the biggest
countries in Europe for our sport and the fans are tremendous;
I am sure they will support the event.”
The organizers of the event are pleased to announce that
there will be a bus service scheduled for the weekend. The
route will encompass Winchester Train station and the Coach
drop off point (by the King Alfred Statue) and arrive at a
special bus stop a short distance from the track. The return
trip to Winchester city centre will involve a different exit
plan to the car parks. The half-hourly timetable will begin
on Saturday and Sunday from 7.30am until 12pm for arrival
at the venue and then run from 4.00pm until 6.30pm for the
return trip. The service is available for any traveller who
wishes to use the facility.
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