Gowla could be the region’s one to watch this season

Apr 24 2011 by Zoe Burn, Sunday Sun

THE cream of north motorcycle racing talent hits the track for the first time this season as the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship roars into action at Brands Hatch tomorrow.

The riders arrived at the Kent track on Thursday ahead of four days on track, with two practice days, qualifying throughout today and then racing tomorrow.

Leading the way for the region is Wetherby’s Dan Linfoot in his second season in Superbikes with the Team sorrymate.com squad on board a Honda.

“It’s been a great start to the weekend, finishing sixth in yesterday’s free practice,” he said. “It’s all looking good.”

But the man Burning Rubber believes is the one to watch is Allendale’s Graeme ‘Gowla’ Gowland. The former Spanish CEV 600 Supersport Champion is this season back on the superbike grid, lining up in the BSB-Evo Championship.

Back onboard a 1000cc machine after a season in Supersport, Gowland rides the WFR Honda alongside Glen Richards and Alex Lowes, probably the strongest team in the paddock.

Having emerged quickest in Evo on Friday and Saturday morning, Gowland is already being tipped by many as the man to take the silverware at the end of the season.

“The bike is fantastic and the team are great, I couldn’t ask for more from them,” he revealed.

Another rider making his debut in the Evo class is Bishop Auckland’s Barry Burrell, who has joined the Buildbase BMW Motorrad outfit after a season in Superstock 1000cc in 2010.