CAS HONDA TEST NEW GRAND PRIX TRACK AT MALLORY PARK

The CAS Honda team ventured to Leicestershire on Friday to test the all-new track at Mallory Park, which is under construction for the prestigious British Grand Prix on June 1st.

Racers Billy Mackenzie and Mike Brown lapped the partially completed circuit aboard their CRF450R’s to provide event organisers, RHL activities, with feedback as the track begins to take shape.

Both riders commented on the huge amount of work that is going into the race, which was unable to be accommodated anywhere else in the UK in 2008. Leader of the project Gareth Hockey, along with his team, has taken on the massive task of creating a successful event, particularly as the British Grand Prix so far hasn't managed to find a permanent venue.

A total of 300 lorry loads of earth have been delivered to the Leicestershire track, each carrying 15 tonnes and two of the jumps have been completed. Justin Barkley, who has been involved with the other big circuits in the UK, is now heading the track construction and design.

As a British based team with a British rider in Billy, CAS Honda understands the importance of the Grand Prix at Mallory Park and will be following the project closely as it develops over the next few weeks. Both riders and team manager Neil Prince will be on-hand to support the event as much as possible, although it's obvious there is still a lot of work to be done.

Billy Mackenzie - #211
"It was very wet at the track on Friday so it was difficult to get a real feeling of what the ground would be like in the dry. I can see there is a lot of work going into the event and I've offered my feedback on what can be done to make it even better. Gareth and his team have some good ideas, but for me it's important that the track provides some great racing. I don't want us to lose our home Grand Prix so I feel everyone should support the event and make it as successful as possible, so we end up with a permanent place on the World Motocross calendar in years to come. There is still a lot of work to be done at Mallory Park and CAS Honda will be on-hand to give more feedback as the build progresses in the next few weeks."

Mike Brown - #3
"It was good to have the opportunity to ride the finished section of the Mallory park circuit on Friday. The track was wet and the biggest concern for the riders is the ground, but if the organisers do what they say they have planned with the dirt then I don't think this will be a problem. Justin has a lot of experience and I know he will do a good job of the track. For me it's important they keep this GP as Britain is a bit like home – I spend a lot of time here. I'm looking forward to the race and I know that Gareth and his team will listen to our comments and do everything possible to make it work out."

CAS Honda Team Manager – Neil Prince
"I hope that Friday was useful for Gareth and his team to hear the riders' thoughts on the partially built track at Mallory Park. There is still a massive amount of work to be done there, but we realise that the scale of the project is huge and a lot of effort is being put in to make it a success. For CAS Honda we feel it's important that we don't lose our 'home' Grand Prix and we will endeavor to offer our help, advice and feedback as the track build progresses."

By: CAS Honda, Photo: Paul McCready