Storm Amy Cuts Kam Dixon’s BSB Debut Short at Oulton Park

Kam Dixon’s long-awaited Bennetts British Superbike Championship debut with McAMS Racing by Mar-Train was sadly cut short at Oulton Park, as Storm Amy brought torrential rain, strong winds and chaos to the Cheshire circuit. Stepping in for the injured Danny Kent, Kam faced a near-impossible task for any rider, let alone a debutant in the premier class, even with the experience and guidance of former Grand Prix rider Roger Marshall in the garage.

With a weather contingency timetable issued before bikes had even turned a wheel, track time was fragmented and treacherous. The opening Free Practice session saw Kam complete seven laps in soaking conditions, finishing 23rd with a best time of 1:50.826. Like many riders, he was focused less on outright pace and more on simply adapting to the R1 Superbike in the torrential rain.

FP2 later in the day proved even more difficult, with visibility worsening and standing water making the track unpredictable. Kam managed five laps, setting a best time of 1:55.833 for 21st, before the session ended with conditions continuing to deteriorate. It was a punishing introduction to life in the premier class, where even seasoned BSB regulars were being caught out by the storm.

Amid the storm-hit sessions, Kam encountered two incidents while adapting to the R1 Superbike, underlining just how punishing the conditions were across the day.

On Friday evening, after the track action had been completed, McAMS Racing confirmed the decision to withdraw from the remainder of the event:

“After a weather-affected opening day at Oulton Park, replacement rider Kam Dixon faced exceptionally tough conditions and two incidents during today’s two Free Practice sessions. Despite his determined efforts, the team has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the remainder of the event.

"We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to Kam for his commitment in such challenging circumstances today and wish him the best of luck for the future.”

McAMS Racing Team Owner Tim Martin added:

“The complications of today’s worsening weather conditions made learning a superbike with no traction control an impossible task. Kam demonstrated great commitment in circumstances that would test even the most experienced riders, and we’re thankful for all the work he has put in. It’s an unfortunate way to end the weekend, but one that we believe is best for all concerned.”

Kam commented:

“It’s a bitter pill to swallow when an opportunity I’ve worked so hard for didn’t quite work out. The weather was against us, and despite my best efforts, the job was just too big on the day. I experienced two unexpected crashes that I couldn’t have predicted, which is quite unlike me. With some very experienced riders already being caught out, it was the sensible decision to step back.

I want to thank the whole McAMS Racing by Mar-Train team for being so supportive and for giving me this opportunity in the first place. It wasn’t the debut I had in mind, but it’s not the end, even if it feels that way a little right now. Thanks to everyone who’s been so supportive.”