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While the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) may be more famous for its four wheeled action on track, riders on two tyres are proving that their own mean machines are just as thrilling and engaging to watch.
The Bahrain Motorcycle Racing (BMR) 600 series is currently underway, providing thrills and spills on specifically-selected machines in two different classes. Series promoter John Beddall originally came up with the concept in 2011 and set about creating a committee to jump-start the championship.
This involved obtaining approvals from the BIC, the Bahrain Motorsport Federation and even the International Olympic Committee. He said: “Initially, we started with a one-make series that stemmed from a group of lads wanting something different. Racing is not allowed on track days, so to scratch that itch we wanted to race but also make it cost-effective and friendly.
“With the genesis of the idea, I searched around and found the 600cc Honda Hornets which seemed perfect. They were readily available and so I purchased 16 of them from a dealer in Europe.”
An old friend of John’s, Rick Leddy, converted the bikes into race trim in the UK before logistics company DHL sponsored the newly-named BMR 600 and shipped the machines over. The first championship began in November 2013, and in May 2014 the first champion, Hussain Al Koheeji, was crowned champion.
However, after the second year, the organisers Bahrain Motorcycle Club and the promoters BMR wanted a higher number of participants. Therefore, they came up with the Superstock class which would run alongside the Hornets in the race.
Superstock bikes are defined as any bikes purchased from a showroom, with the only condition being that they must be limited to 600cc and fitted with race fairings. Being stock bikes ensures that they remain reasonably priced with no excess costs for engines and other systems. The two classes race together on track. Generally, the Superstock bikes are faster than the Hornets so the riders end up separated, although particularly skilful riders throw up a few surprises.
John explained: “What makes the BMR 600 so great is that it’s fun, cost-effective and safe racing open to anybody as long as they have a racing license and a bike. “On race day, for BD65 a rider can get a warm-up session, qualifying and two races. This is comparable with the price of a track day, so it’s economical and, dare I say it, more fun! “BMR allows you to push your bike to the limit in a safe environment, much safer than on the highways in T-shirts and flip-flops! All of the bikes and gear is scrutineered and we have a full complement of marshals.
“As well as all of our supporters, organisers and volunteers, we’d like to thank AJM Koheeji who have been supporting us brilliantly with storage, maintenance and providing promotional material and mechanics on the day.”
The 2016-17 championship comprises of six rounds, finishing up in May. Round Two took place last weekend and featured a field of 24 drivers; nine in the Hornets Cup and 15 in the Superstock.
Riders from Bahrain, Kuwait, UAE, Saudi, Qatar and even Sweden lined-up on the grid. Ali Alshammari was dominant as he secured an impressive double at the weekend, winning both races.
In race one, Alshammari, riding a Kawasaki ZX6R, did just enough to clinch a pole-to-flag victory in 13:17.702. He won by a narrow margin of just 0.493s, as chasing not far behind him was Prince Soud Al Thani, who was also riding a Kawasaki ZX6R. Mohammed Adhan Al Zaidan riding a Yamaha R6 claimed third place 8.902s back.
In race two, Alshammari enjoyed a more comfortable winning margin of 7.596s after completing the race in 13:16.676. Prince Soud and Al Zaidan were once again the other podium placers.
They were each amongst the top three overall and in the Super Stock class. In the Hornets class, Magnus Mossberg, Pawel Rosciszewski and David Wynne were the top three in both races.
