Sentul to host Superbikers

JAKARTA (JP): The world's leading riders will once again flock to Indonesia in August for the eighth leg of the World Superbike Championship series at the Sentul circuit.

Committee chairman of the two-race leg, Tinton Suprapto, said yesterday that defending world champion Carl Fogarty and his fellow New Zealanders Aaron Slight and Simon Crafar were among 23 riders who had confirmed their entries for the Aug. 17 and Aug. 18 event.

The greatest challenges to the Kiwis are expected to come from Australian aces Anthony Gobert and championship leader Troy Corser and seasoned American riders Mike Hale and Colin Edwards, during the Indonesian leg, sponsored by cigarette giant Gudang Garam.

Tinton said that host Indonesia will try for a little bit of luck in the 750cc race by fielding three riders in the qualifier. "It seems to me, however, that national riders remain far from the standard needed to qualify for the world championship," said Tinton, who is also the Sentul circuit's director.

The two-day event at the West Java circuit will be the second world championship race held in Indonesia. It is a part of the celebrations of Indonesia's 51st anniversary of Independence which is due on Aug. 17.

The organizers will allow spectators into the pit to talk with and photograph the riders during a program called 'Walk About.' The program will cost a spectator Rp 10,000 (US$4.25), while an entry ticket for the race is Rp 20,000.

The organizers will also feature two races prior to the Superbike championship: a Yamaha Underbone 110cc, and a Supersport 600cc.

The 750cc riders are expected to arrive here on Aug. 11.

They are scheduled to compete in the seventh leg at the Brands Hatch circuit, England, this weekend. After the Indonesian race, the series will move to the Sugo circuit in Japan.

This year's championship began in April and will end in October. (yan)