From a press release issued by Castle Combe Circuit:

QUICK CHANGE TO FAST CORNER

One of Castle Combe Circuit’s fastest corners is to be slowed down for the forthcoming Superbike Grand National meeting which takes place over the weekend of Saturday 25thand Sunday 26th September 2004.

The change to CampCornerfollows a visit to the Wiltshire venue by the works Virgin Mobile Samsung Yamaha Team, including team manager and ex Grand Prix rider Rob McElnea and riders Steve Plater and James Haydon.

The team expressed concern that the predicted entry speed to the corner of some 160 mph would be excessive and therefore the circuit has enlisted the help of Stuart Michael Associates of Newbury to design a new corner complex. This is intended to slow the riders into second gear on the approach to Camp, yet retain the character of the famous bend.

Stuart Michael Associates were responsible for the design changes at Silverstone’s Grand Prix circuit over the last decade and for the corner complexes introduced at Castle Combe for the 1999 season, both receiving much acclaim from riders and drivers alike.

The biggest challenge facing the circuit however, is finding enough time in its busy calendar to complete the work in time for the meeting.

Circuit Chairman Howard Strawford explains: “The only window of opportunity for us to get the job done is to begin work immediately after the Classic Action Day finishes at 5 o’clock on Saturday the 11th September, with it being fully operational by 9am on Tuesday the 14th September. You could say it will be the fastest slow corner in British motorcycle racing history.”

The military style operation will be undertaken by local contractors, Ford Brothers of Cheddar.

Current British Superbike Championship leader and title favourite, Rizla Suzuki’s John Reynolds, will be out to set a new outright lap record in September and commented: “Safety is obviously of paramount concern and it’s great to find a circuit willing to listen to riders’ concerns. I’m sure the new corner will present additional overtaking opportunities too which is great for the riders and spectators.”

The change to the corner will only come into effect for bike meetings, with cars continuing to use the existing track.

Castle Combe Circuit Ltd, Castle Combe, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 7EY UK
T: 01249 782417
F: 01429 782929/782392 www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk