Pirelli's Tyre Fitting Area at Brands Hatch for the Final Round of BSB - Photography Copyright of BirotarUK
Pirelli invited us to the final round of BSB, hosted at Brands Hatch. With an action-packed weekend of racing, and ‘it all to race for’ in the final showdown, we couldn’t say no.
Dan Linfoot's Fireblade spitting flames entering Druids - Photography Copyright of BirotarUK
Little did we know Pirelli had a little surprise in store for us…
We’ve always watched BSB from the ‘outer circle’ wondering just what goes on in that packed paddock. Pirelli invited us in for an exclusive walk around of areas not usually accessible to the general public.
Jonjo gazing into the distance at Brands - Photography Copyright of BirotarUK
We expected a quick walk around and maybe the chance to get into a team’s garage, but instead, we’d be rubbing shoulders with Fred Clarke as he delivered live commentary. Finally, great to put a face to that infamous voice of BSB Commentary.
The legend that is Fred Clarke commentating at Brands for BSB - Photography Copyright of BirotarUK
The legend that is Fred Clarke commentating at Brands for BSB - Photography Copyright of BirotarUK
We then watched free practice from the top of the world, a great experience with an incredible soundtrack.
Thinking it couldn’t get any better, we were then taken to the Tyco BMW garage to see how it’s all set up. Certainly a different world from the track day setups we’re used to here at BirotarUK.
The TYCO BMW - Photography Copyright of BirotarUK
Live Timing - Photography Copyright of BirotarUK
With team members changing tyres, checking pressures and K-tec suspension experts dialling in the set up that’s being fine-tuned all weekend for optimum performance. There is certainly a few quid being chucked about these garages on a race weekend!
TYCO BMW - Photography Copyright of BirotarUK
Knowing we love the technical aspects of things, and since Pirelli are the tyre supplier for BSB, it was time to see the logistics of tyre delivery to BSB riders. With BSB hosting approximately 200 riders across all classes, Pirelli brings 4000 tyres for the weekend, yes four…THOUSAND. This includes a mixture of slicks, Supercorsas, wet and rain.
Pirelli Superbike SC0 Slick - Photography Copyright of BirotarUK
Pit lane view from Race Control - Photography Copyright of BirotarUK
We managed to catch the tyre fitters at a quiet time but they are usually flat out all weekend.
It was great to see what really goes on in the paddock during a BSB race weekend, especially the Final Round here at Brands Hatch. It’s as chaotic as you’d imagine, but controlled seamlessly (most of the time). An amazing experience that we thoroughly enjoyed, we’re now off to catch race one!
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