Six classes of National Bears, were decided over two days of racing at Oran Park GP Raceway on the Saturday and Sunday.

The classes included, Formula 1; Formula 2;  Formula "Panda"; Formula 3; Formula 4 "Heritage"; and Formula 5 "Clubman".

The format of racing was divided between F1, F2, & Panda, on one grid, and F3, F4 Heritage, & F5 Clubman on another. Effectively separating the 'virtual superbikes' from the others, for reasons of competitiveness and safety.

RESULTS: The 2001 National Bears Champions are: F1 Mike Soderland, Gowanloch 996 Corser 'special'. F2 Steven Goold, Maloolah Valley Racing 944 Bimota, Panda Tex O'Grady TJ Automotive & Motorcycle Harris 1100, F3 Phil Gray 780 Bimota, F4 Heritage Ken Watson, Cris Cutler/Peter Campbell 950 Laverda SFC, F5 Clubman Benny Gilbert, 705 Pantah.

Racing in all classes was "nip & tuck", Mike Soderland came under pressure from John Lyons 996 SPS, before winning the title.

"John's bike is 'brand new', we're going to have some fun, when he gets it sorted." smiled Mike. Soderland was planning "the double" ie F1 & F4 Heritage, on his 'Super Darmah', but Kenny Watson, on the laughing Laverda put paid to that. "We've developed the bike and its paid off, Mike usually has the business, but his F1 commitments have helped us" said Ken, "congratulations to the owner Cris (Cutler), and builder, Peter (Campbell)." he said. 

Bears F1 Racing Team member Maurice Rissman, was a non starter, still recovering from injuries sustained at the Formula Xtreme, Peter Hinton, was first beset with tyre woes, and in the final missed the start when his SPS destroyed a clutch, on the rollers, until then he had garnered 3x 3rds and a 4th. "We had a good chance of getting a 2-3, for the team until the clutch went away" he said philosophically, "but nevertheless, its our first problem in a whole season, so congratulations to Mike and John" he said.

Other notable events included a huge accident involving Glen Bauder 780 Pantah, and Shane Zakelj 1050 Alchemy, both riders OK after some medical attention, but Bauder's bike a total write off, the frame having been ripped apart, in the collision at the flip/flops! Similarly, Peter Skov Red's Ducati Pantah, F5 and Tony Jaksic TT 500 Pantah F3, both suffered falls in separate incidents, the popular 'Skovy' breaking fingers and a scaphoid, but insisting on fronting the starter! "I thought I was OK; I was wrong!" he winced. Such is the spirit of Bears racers. The presentation was done by Troy Baylis's sister Jana, who brought along Troy's leathers and helmet, a move that proved extremely popular with the post race crowd. Next year it is hoped the format will return to a 3 round series, due to the demand existing with some classes, F5 Clubman for example, being so well subscribed.