Motorsport: Bike racer Ian Mackman of Runcorn to kickstart Thundersport GB season at Mallory Park in Leicestershire

Mar 10 2011 Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

THE start of the new season sees a long-awaited return to Mallory Park for Ian Mackman.

The Runcorn motorcycle racer launches his Thundersport GB season at the Leicestershire track this Saturday and Sunday.

He said: “ I haven't raced a bike at this circuit for nine years so am looking at a tough weekend in a new and seriously competitive Superstock 1,000cc class.

“The championship then moves on to Donington Park on March 26-27, when my class runs as a support race for the World Superbike Championship. This is really exciting and it will be great to be involved at one of the major meetings of the motorcycling calendar in the UK.”

He added: “The engine and suspension on my Suzuki GSXR1000 have been refreshed and I finished rebuilding the bike just before a test day at Mallory Park on Sunday. It was great to shake off the cobwebs.”

Mackman bowed out in style last season with fourth place overall at the Duke of Donington event, one point off the podium.

He said: “I have been extremely lucky to have secured some real support in the shape of Kemtile, a hygienic floor tiling company from Risley. I have been able to commit to a full season of Thundersport GB. “The TV coverage on Motors is a big draw in attracting support and I’ll also be gearing my season around the main event for me, the Isle of Man TT.”