World SBK returns to Czech Republic but now at the lovely venue of Most! About an hour from our base in Prague, set in wooded northern Bohemia. The track is reknown as fast and tricky - should make for great racing! We base in a 15th century Castle!
Most is contending with Portimao to be the best SBK event on the calendar!
We visited the event in 2022, and decided we'd have to run a tour here in 2023. And were we glad we did!
First of all, we booked rooms in the nearby 15th century castle -- the Zámek Červený Hrádek (Chateau Red Castle)
A stunning place which is part museum and a small hotel with restaurant and the ubiquitous pub - this really added charm to the weekend! Saturday they held a local festival which went into the evening, giving us a great free show after dinner!
Thursday we collected our small group from Prague airport, having lunch at a typical Czech restaurant/pub in Prague as we awaited the final airplane. In the evening we took the guests to a superb pivnice (beer pub) in the centre of the local town of Jirkov. Meeting the locals, chomping classic Czech beer food and sampling not only the superb beer (at £1.15 per pint!) but also some of the local spirits such as Becherovka - a Czech 'cure all' remedy!
Friday we were up to the track and back. Weather was dicey with some semi-wet sessions. We were fascinated by the unusual shape and beauty of the circuit, and of course we were all guests of Kawasaki and were well looked after!
In the evening we took the guests to the top restaurant in Jirkov for a superb Czech dinner and drinks.
Saturday was still mixed conditions, which turned out great for Jonathan Rea who went out on race 1 on intermediate tyres, proving the correct choice and winning his first race in 2023!
In the evening we had dinner at the castle, and as noted were able to take in the show in the gardens over more beers. Does it get any better?!
Sunday saw some superb racing and the rain held off mostly with some wet patches. The partial wet helped our Scottish heroes, as Tarran MacKenzie took a sensational win in Supersport, with John McPhee grabbing a much needed 4th!
The Superbike race saw a return to form with Bautista winning over Toprak and Johnny. Alvaro spotted the Czech president Petr Pavel in the front of the paddock show and jumped off the stage to soak him in champagne! What other country would permit it's president to stand in front of a crowded stage and allow a dousing?!
You gotta love this place. Can't wait to return in 2024 with a bigger group!
Picture gallery - WSBK Czech Republic
See our photos of the event on Flickr here
Or check out ALL of our past event galleries here