By Bolstered by the inclusion of Frohburg lap record holder Danny Webb, and twice TT Privateers championship runner up Jamie Coward to the IRRC ranks, excitement a plenty is building for fans, event organisers, teams and the 32 strong entry, for this years IRRC Superbike championship.
High Profile championship newcomers Webb, Coward, part of the Penz 13 BMW fold, whilst new to competition at venues including Chimay and Imatranajo, have the undoubted credentials to in the mix throughout the season, for top five finishes or better.
In particular, ex Moto 3 world championship star Webb, who starred last year at Frohburg, is considered by many a dark horse for title honours.
Photo by Robby Repsol
New team mate Marek Cerveny, runner up in last years championship to Sebastien Le Grelle, has the proven pedigree, growing 1000cc experience, determination and raw talent, to dominate this season.
Touted regularly as the Czech Republic’s current leading closed roads exponent, it wouldn’t at all be a surprise if come late September, he’s crowned Superbike class champion, for the first time.
Photo by Robby Repsol
Fellow multi IRRC champion Didier Grams, is another undoubted prime title contender. Directly backed this year by BMW Motorrad, he’s the only rider within the quality entry, who has prior experience of scooping the IRRC Superbike crown.
Outside of series greats Cerveny and Grams, added potential championship front runners include Markka Racing’s Erno Kostamo, Johan Fredriks and 2012 Newcomers A Manx GP winner, Kamil Holan.
Photo by Robby Repsol
Don’t discount as well class debutant, reigning Supersport champion Performance Racing Achterhoek’s Joey Den Besten, from springing a surprise or two.
Additional notable entrants include Nadieh Schoots, TT stalwart Fabrice Miguet, Ales Nechvatal, Pavel Tomecek, plus D&M Road Racing’s Nico Muller and David Datzer.
Since it’s inception in 2010, the International Road Racing Championship, has steadily grown in stature, within the pure roads fraternity.
Photo by Robby Repsol
In my opinion, it’s now the most notable series/championship to comprise of roads circuits, since the TT Formula TT series, of the 1980’s, which was dominated by great names such as Joey Dunlop, Carl Fogarty, Brian Reid and Tony Rutter.
With this in mind, it’s no wonder the IRRC, is becoming an attractive proposition to top level racers from the UK, showcased by Danny Webb and Jamie Coward, who alongside former champions, an abundance of hungry rising stars, provide the series, with arguably it’s strongest entry to date.
Words by Stevie Rial
