Sunday Afternoon Moto News - Phil Bell, NZ Superbike and a Rare Aprilia

Phil Bell has a hard time holding onto passengers for his sidehack, but he does not give up. For the 2010 Battle of Britain F1 Sidecar Championship, he has finally secured the help of Ashley Hawes. After his dreadful 2009 season - with the notable exception being the Jock Taylor race at Knockhill - he is ready for a good season in the seat of his race machine.

http://tinyurl.com/ygovbz9

Now, we have results from the first race weekend of the New Zealand Superbike Championship, and it seems that Andrew Stroud has taken the first lead - winning race 2 and finishing fourth in race 1. Aussie Robbie Bugden's weekend started well, with a win in race 1, but he crashed out of the second race and that is where Stroud took his advantage. The two victors, and most of the podium, all rode Suzuki motorcycles. It was a great race and was well worth dealing with the bad weather during the first day just to see the Sunday events. For more, take the links.

http://tinyurl.com/ygf82em

Next is a story on a Rare SportBike for Sale - from the site of the same name. This is said to be an Aprilia prototype, believe it or not; the photo on the listing does show a #1 VIN, so it may be true. Either way, it is a well-equipped 1995 Aprilia RS250. I would check to be sure, but this machine does appear to be one of the most rare machines in the industry and it is certainly worth what is being asked presently. Unfortunately, the bike is in Italy, so you will have to have it shipped to you if you want it.

http://tinyurl.com/yjmpumn

Mark Edwards - Sidecar Racer and Cancer Survivor

Edwards will be racing in the new National F1 Sidecar Championship which will run alongside the British Superbike Championship. Given the diagnosis he received when he discovered that he had cancer - death - it would seem that he could overcome anything. Well, he has raced in the European sidecar series (self-funded)and now he is world champion! Now, he will move home to England to compete in the new sidecar championship - that is, if he can get enough money to race all season...I think that he will succeed, after all, he has beaten death!

http://tinyurl.com/yctwcg6

Thundersport GB Will Add Sidecar Championship Series

This should be interesting! I wish that we had something similar in the US so I could go watch it. Anyway, the newly formed Thudersport GB series has created an additional class to run in conjunction with its events. The National F1 Sidecar Championship will have side-hack professional racers from all over the world as well as many British teams. Three different champions will be crowned at the end of the year. Check it out and make sure you go and watch the racing if you are able!

http://tinyurl.com/yklyo36