CCM racing sign Marco Belli for 2008 Short Track UK Championship
Saturday 29th March will see reigning Short Track UK champion
Marco Belli make his debut on his factory CCM FT500 as he
begins the defence of his title at the opening round of the
2008 series to be held at South Tees Motorsport Park, Redcar,
Middlesborough. The ‘Italian Stallion’ as he is
affectionately known will join existing CCM team member Richard
May aboard a very special machine, as the Bolton based squad
looks to repeat the success it enjoyed in 2006 when it captured
the title at its first attempt.
2007 was not the best of seasons for the CCM team, with the
British manufacturer losing both of its top riders, Andrew
Moore and Lee Complin, to the lure of the national speedway
scene part way through the year. Twelve months earlier Complin
had been crowned Short Track UK champion, with Moore taking
third in the series despite missing the first two rounds.
With the leading duo departed, May was left to uphold the
CCM honour by securing a hard fought third on his FT710 in
the Thunder bike class, finishing behind eventual winner Peter
Boast and new team mate Belli.
Initially the plan for 2008 was to run May in a limited one
rider role, with the CCM racing team switching the main focus
of attention to their ambitious MX project that will see them
compete in the Maxxis ACU British motocross championship and
selected Grand Prix meetings in the coming months. However
with the threat of Belli quitting the UK short track scene,
due to a lack of support, CCM stepped forward to ensure that
the talented Italian will be able to defend his title.
Belli will ride a unique FT500 that will include a 1970’s
style nickel-plated frame that will house a special stroked
500cc motor that will be a direct derivative of the new motocross
project. Although exact details cannot be released just yet,
initial tests confirm that the bike will produce around sixty
BHP and weigh in at no more than ninety kilograms. Marco will
benefit from using Dunlop tyres imported specially from the
US, and will continue to receive support from his personal
sponsors Ariete and Tomaselli.
The deal with Belli has added purpose for the Bolton based
firm, with Marco being entrusted to deliver a message to the
Italian public. CCM’s Managing Director Gary Harthern
confirmed his delight at the new relationship with Belli.
“Marco’s talent is without question. His flamboyant
riding style is an important addition to the UK scene, and
will hopefully regain us the top prize. Back in his home country
Marco has a strong following, so he is the ideal person to
act as an ambassador for our road going range of motorcycles.”
2008 Short Track UK Championship dates:
Round 1 – Saturday 29th March – ST at South Tees
Motorsport Park, Redcar, Middlesbrough.
Round 2 – Saturday 19th April – ST at Norfolk
Arena, Kings Lynn, Norfolk.
Round 3 – Saturday 7th June – ½ Mile at
Amman Valley, Carmarthen, South Wales.
Round 4 – Saturday 2nd August – ST at West Row
Stadium, Mildenhall.
Round 5 – Sunday 24th August – ½ Mile at
Green Hammerton, York.
Round 6 – Saturday 4th October – TT at Norfolk
Arena, Kings Lynn. Norfolk.
Round 7 – Sunday 19th October – ST at Scunthorpe
Speedway Stadium.
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