Ducati 848 Challenge grid filling fast

The recent announcement that Moto Rapido Racing has signed up Jamie Poole to contest the 2011 Ducati 848 Challenge the provisional grid is now up to 22 riders, with still almost three months still to go before the first round.

The series has captured the imagination of many riders and teams over the winter months as much for its unique combination of UK and overseas rounds as being an official support series for British Superbikes.

The series visits world famous circuits such as Monza, Assen, Silverstone and Brands Hatch as well as some of the UK’s most popular circuits such as Cadwell Park, Castle Combe, and Thruxton, all with the attraction of racing in front of huge enthusiastic crowds and high profile television coverage.

Moto Rapido Racing will be competing alongside other Ducati dealer-backed teams such as P & H Motorcycles, Ducati Manchester, and JHP Racing, as well as a host of riders who are being supported by their local Ducati dealers including Ducati Leeds, Pro Twins, Italia Moto, and Seastar Motorcycles.

Many of last year’s riders are set to return to the fray including 2010 title winner Darren Fry and third-placed Mark Cheetham, along with Peter Hasler, Aaron Brown, Barry Poll and Stuart Poyser.

And there is a high quality about many of the new riders to the series this year with Clinton De Tarnowsky, Jack Keen, Andy Kirkwood, Robbie Brown, Ricky Holden, Robin McKee, and Jon Chambers all having experience at Apriia Superteens, Manx GP, National Superstock, Virgin Cup, or GP1 Powerbikes between them, along with Ducati Manchester’s Russian rider Alexey Ivanov who last year raced in the Spanish CEV Championship and is set to race the Moto 2 Championship this year along with his commitment to the 848 Challenge.

The series will be showcased at the forthcoming London Motorcycle Show at Excel from February 3-6 where the series title sponsor will be announced.

Series Coordinator Jason Boswell commented; “We’re really pleased with the response we have had from so many riders from all different racing backgrounds. The commitment shown by so many riders signing up before the end of last season was just fantastic, and over the last few weeks, interest has gone sky high. We have a great group of riders and teams to go racing with this year, with more to come. ”

Stuart Higgs, BSB Series Director added; “ The series fits our criteria perfectly of a prestigious brand promotion class for riders from diverse categories. We are also delighted to be able to announce the series title sponsor at the forthcoming London Motorcycle Show.”

For more information about the 848 Challenge and series entries, contact: Jason Boswell, Series Coordinator on 848challenge@tbpsports.com