Linfoot seals BSB Showdown place
The Quattro Plant Kawasaki team enjoyed a solid ninth round of the MCE British Superbike Championship at Donington Park on Sunday with Dan Linfoot sealing his place in the final three round ‘Showdown’ and team-mate Howie Mainwaring scoring a pair of strong point-scoring finishes.
Yorkshire’s Linfoot had all but secured one of the coveted Showdown places – which will see the leading six riders contest the Championship in the last three rounds – coming into the meeting but still needed to confirm his position mathematically and he duly did that in the first 20-lap race with eighth place. With some strong lap times during the race, Dan started the second race from the advanced position of seventh.
Fully utilising his grid spot, the 26-year old jumped up to sixth place at the conclusion of the first lap and this became fifth on lap seven. Running in the top half dozen riders like he has done for much of the year, another excellent result looked to be heading his way but a clutch problem at half race distance began to affect his pace and when it stopped working altogether in the closing stages, he was powerless to do anything about it and slipped back to 14th at the chequered flag.
However, the Championship points for the top six riders are now re-set to 500 with the addition of the podium credits they’ve accrued in the first nine rounds. It all means Dan lies in sixth place on 501 pts with the pace being set by Shane Byrne on 562 and the title will now be decided with a straight shoot-out between the six ‘Title Fighters’ over the next three rounds.
For team-mate Mainwaring it was an extremely positive weekend with the Aylesbury-based rider continuing to move forward and make progress up the leaderboard. Having qualified in 18th place for the opening race, the 27-year old lapped over three tenths of a quicker than he had done all weekend and was part of a six-rider battle for ninth which went all the way to the chequered flag. In the end, Howie had to settle for 13th, which would be his starting position for race two and he maintained a points scoring position throughout, lapping quicker than he had done in the first race, to eventually take a good 12th place.
Dan Linfoot: “I’m a bit miffed with how this weekend’s gone and whilst it’s been nice to finally confirm my Showdown position, the results here at Donington haven’t been what I wanted. I’ve had a bad feeling with the front all weekend, particularly from the Old Hairpin to McLeans and although I could make up time towards the end of the lap, I was losing too much time through the fast stuff.”
“I just couldn’t run the pace I wanted and in the second race, just when I looked like getting a half decent result the clutch went. I didn’t want to pull in so persevered until the end and at least got a finish. It’s all about the Showdown now though and it will be nice just to be able to concentrate on racing. I’ve got three rounds and seven races to impress and give the front boys as hard a time as possible.”
Howie Mainwaring: “It’s been a good weekend for me here at Donington and we turned it round after a disappointing qualifying result to take two strong finishes. I tried a set-up in qualifying which didn’t work as I’d have liked so we went back to Friday’s setting for the races and finished with two good results. I had a bit of a coming together with Chris Walker on the last lap of the first race which lost me a couple of places so it could have been even better but I had a good grid spot for race two and went faster than I had done all weekend. At one stage, I was the fourth quickest rider on track and was only a few seconds behind the riders battling for sixth so it shows I’m not a million miles away. I just need to work on getting a good qualifying position and get away with the leading group straightaway.”
Pete Extance, Team Owner: “It’s been a fantastic weekend for Quattro Plant Kawasaki with Dan securing the team’s first ever Showdown position with 5th overall in the pre-Showdown rounds. Both races were tough for Dan this weekend though with him getting hit in turn one in race one, which broke the footrest, and a slipping clutch from lap seven onwards in race two. They weren’t the easiest of races or results but Dan kept his 100% record of scoring points in every race with hard earned 8th and 14th positions.”
“Howie suffered engine braking issues in qualifying and that put him on the back foot but he showed that he is more than capable of top ten finishes, should he qualify that little bit better, with solid 12th and 13th place finishes in the two races. Well done to both crews and thanks again to Quattro Plant. Roll on Assen in a couple of weeks time for round one of the Showdown!”
The championship now heads overseas to Assen, Holland with round ten taking place on September 19-21.
MCE British Superbike Championship Race One – 20 laps
1 Ryuichi Kiyonari (BMW)
2 Shane Byrne (Kawasaki)
3 Tommy Bridewell (Yamaha)
4 Josh Brookes (Yamaha)
5 Stuart Easton (Kawasaki)
6 Josh Waters (Suzuki)
8 Dan Linfoot (Quattro Plant Kawasaki)
13 Howie Mainwaring (Quattro Plant Kawasaki)
MCE British Superbike Championship Race Two – 20 laps
1 Ryuichi Kiyonari (BMW)
2 Shane Byrne (Kawasaki)
3 Josh Brookes (Yamaha)
4 Stuart Easton (Kawasaki)
5 Josh Waters (Suzuki)
6 Julien da Costa (Honda)
12 Howie Mainwaring (Quattro Plant Kawasaki)
14 Dan Linfoot (Quattro Plant Kawasaki)
Championship Points (after nine rounds)
1 Byrne 562pts
2 Brookes 536
3 Kiyonari 535
4 Bridewell 508
5 Walker 505
6 Linfoot 501
19 Mainwaring 31
For further information about the team, visit www.quattroplantkawasaki.co.uk and follow us on Facebook at www.quattroplantkawasaki.co.uk
More, from a press release issued by Smiths Racing Team:
Gowland And McConnell In Command After Donington
The Gloucester-based Smiths Triumph team’s grip on the 2014 Motorpoint British Supersport Championship tightened at Donington Park this weekend with both Graeme Gowland and Billy McConnell continuing their excellent seasons with more podium finishes, leaving the duo split by just one point at the top of the championship table.
The pair qualified on the front row for Saturday’s ‘Sprint’ race but conditions were far from ideal when the race got underway with the threat of rain never too far away. Northumberland rider Gowland immediately slotted into second position, as Billy found himself back in sixth place after a first corner tussle. As the race wore on, spots of rain began to fall and with both riders mindful of their championship standing, Graeme, from Allandale near Hexham, settled for third at the chequered flag with Australian ace McConnell, from Adelaide, working his way back up to a comfortable fourth.
Today’s ‘Feature’ race was held in perfect, sunny conditions and whilst fellow Triumph rider Luke Mossey took a comfortable win, the battle for second went the entire race distance with Billy and Graeme battling in a bunch throughout. There was never much between them all but in the closing stages, the podium places became a straight fight between the two factory-backed Smiths Triumph 675R machines. It was Gowland who held the upper hand and he ultimately prevailed with McConnell crossing the line less than two tenths of a second behind.
Going into the next round at Assen in Holland in two weeks’ time, McConnell holds a one point lead over Gowland with nearest rival Alastair Seeley now a further 58 points adrift in third place.
Graeme Gowland: “The championship this year will definitely go to the wire and Billy and I seem to keep finishing each round with just one point between us. It’s great racing in each race and great to be part of although it does bring some hectic moments with it. It’s full credit to the whole Smiths Triumph team for putting such a great package beneath us and that’s why there are two Smiths bikes and two Smiths riders in first and second in the championship at the moment. To get two podiums at a track I normally struggle with is a great result for me and I’m well pleased with the weekend.”
Billy McConnell: “It’s been a weekend full of battles and in the second race, I was simply desperate to get by Glenn Irwin and latch on to the back of Graeme. Luke’s been on fire all weekend so there was no catching him and I did all I could to get past Graeme to increase my lead. There’s nothing between us although I was strong through the Melbourne Loop, Graeme was strong through the back part of the track. I’d hoped to make a move on the final lap but got a bit too excited coming out of the Old Hairpin and had a bit of a moment so with championship points vital, I opted for third. After fourth on Saturday, it’s great to get another podium but it would be nice to get back to winning ways so that’s what I’ll be looking for at Assen.”
Rebecca Smith, Team Manager: “It’s nice to come away from another meeting with some good championship points and both riders have been very consistent again all weekend. We had a few problems with Billy’s bike in Free Practice on Friday, which we soon rectified, and other than that, the bikes have been faultless throughout. We’ve increased our lead over our main championship rivals, which is obviously great, but we’re very mindful of the fact that there are still 150 points available and a long way to go. We’ll just keep doing what we’ve been doing all season and hope for more of the same at Assen next time out.”
Motorpoint British Supersport Championship Race One – 10 laps
1 Glenn Irwin (Kawasaki)
2 Luke Mossey (Triumph)
3 Graeme Gowland (Smiths Racing Triumph)
4 Billy McConnell (Smiths Racing Triumph)
5 Luke Hedger (Kawasaki)
6 Sam Hornsey (Triumph)
Motorpoint British Supersport Championship Race Two – 18 laps
1 Luke Mossey (Triumph)
2 Graeme Gowland (Smiths Racing Triumph)
3 Billy McConnell (Smiths Racing Triumph)
4 Luke Stapleford (Triumph)
5 Glenn Irwin (Kawasaki)
6 Luke Jones (Triumph)
Championship Points (after nine rounds)
1 McConnell 301pts
2 Gowland 300
3 Seeley 242
4 Irwin 232
5 Jones 203
= Stapleford 203
More, from a press release issued by Danny Buchan’s publicist:
CHAMPAGNE ON ICE AS BUCHAN JOINS CRANER CLUB AT DONINGTON PARK
Joining the Craner Club was not part of the plan this weekend for Tsingtao Racing Kawasaki’s Danny Buchan. The 21-year-old Essex lad – seven times a winner so far this season – must now wait until the penultimate round at Silverstone to try and clinch this year’s Pirelli National Superstock 1000cc title.
It was Buchan’s first non-finish of the season, and a cruel bit of misfortune after prolifically topping every session this weekend at the Leicestershire venue. Buchan launched from his pole position spot into the lead, which we have all become accustomed to, but tucked the front on the drop down through Craner Curves at turn three on the opening lap.
Prepared to hold his hands up and take responsibility, Buchan, whose championship lead has now been cut to 28 points, said afterwards: “I’m gutted to end the weekend with a crash. We had shown strong pace in every session here at Donington and were more than ready for the race.
“After a minor error on my part, the crash was disappointing for both myself and the whole team, who put in a big effort this weekend as they have done all year. It’s certainly not over yet and I will come back at Silverstone and carry on as we have been doing prior to this round.
“Thanks to everyone who came out to watch, and a big apology must go to my team for the work I’ve just given them. We have already won at Silverstone this year during the MotoGP weekend, so I can’t wait to get there now and have some fun.”
Championship Points
Danny Buchan 215
Jason O’Halloran 187
Lee Jackson 149
Adam Jenkinson 95
Filip Backlund 88
Hudson Kennaugh 84
More, from a press release issued by Mason Law Racing:
SOLID POINTS FOR LAW AT DONINGTON PARK ON THE TRIKMOTO MACHINE
Mason Law secured another top eight finish during today’s Pirelli National Superstock 600cc race at Donington Park in Leicestershire, maintaining the 18-year-old’s sixth place in this year’s championship with just two rounds remaining.
It’s been a character building year for the former youth motocross star, who will now approach Silverstone and Brands Hatch with aspirations of finishing the season with two podium finishes – to add to his previous champagne success at Brands Indy and Snetterton.
Mason said afterwards: “I’m fed up with solid finishes and really want to be up there at the sharp end fighting for podiums, but we can’t complain as we have had worse weekend’s than this. We had problems on Friday with massive vibrations coming through the bike and I was struggling in the last sector. Andrew Pitt rang me from Jerez and said to get the forks checked out. It turns out one of the fork legs was bent.
“Nick Morgan sourced me a fork leg and we got it sorted for qualifying and today’s race. I qualified eighth which wasn’t too bad. In the race I started well, but when we got to the bottom of Craner, I got duffed up a bit trying to avoid the crash involving Taz Mackenzie and a few others. It was a hectic first lap; then I got caught out sleeping behind the Safety Car and lost my jump. I dug in the last couple of laps but I really struggled on the brakes this weekend.
“The lap times weren’t bad and we can take the positives from that, but it was too little too late. We have a few weeks off now to prepare for Silverstone where I’m fired up to get back up front and show what we can do before the season ends at Brands.”
Race Result [14 laps]:
Winner: Andy Reid [Yamaha]; 2nd – Nick Anderson [Kawasaki] +4.324sec; 3rd – Kyle Ryde [Yamaha] +4.711sec; 4th – Joe Collier [Kawasaki] +9.883sec; 5th – Ross Twyman [Yamaha] +10.642sec; 6th – Levi Day [Kawasaki] +12.173sec; 7th – Aleix Aulestia [Triumph] +12.312sec; 8th – Mason Law [TrikMoto Kawasaki] +13.660sec
Championship Points
Kyle Ryde 172
Andy Reid 169
Joe Collier 148
Nick Anderson 124
James Lodge 101
Mason Law 66
More, from a press release issued by Luke Mossey Racing:
Donington Park – Double Podium
www.facebook.com/LukeMosseyRacing
At round nine of the Motorpoint British Supersport Championship at Donington Park, Luke Mossey on the Teccare Profile Triumph had a stunning weekend taking a solid second place in the sprint race and a fantastic win in the main feature race.
After a disappointing weekend at Cadwell Park, 21-year-old Luke Mossey from Cambridge was eager to make amends and from session one he never dropped down the timesheets. He set pole position for race one on Saturday and got brilliant start and led for eight of the ten laps, on lap eight the rain flag was displayed and he eased off and dropped back to second after Glenn Irwin came past.
He was more than keen on Sunday to rectify that situation; he started from second place on the grid and once again got a good start. The safety car was deployed on the opening lap after an incident on the start line, when the car came back into pit lane Luke got his head down and was eager to get to the front. From lap three onwards for the remainder of the 18-lap race his lap times were consistently fast and he extended his lead at one point to 3.3 seconds from second placed man Graeme Gowland.
Luke Mossey – “I am so pleased with my results at Donington Park this weekend it has been fantastic. I missed racing here last season as I was injured to so come back here and get a double podium including a win is just brilliant. All my Teccare Profile Triumph team worked so hard this weekend to ensure that my bike was perfect as soon as I swung my leg over it.
I was disappointed not to have won on Saturday but when I saw the rain on my visor I backed off as I didn’t want to risk anything or do anything stupid. I knew I had to make up for that on Sunday as everything felt so good and right from the start I had the confidence in the bike to push hard. I was so comfortable on the bike and really enjoyed my race, a little lonely but I just got my head down and kept my concentration. I would just like to say a huge thank-you to all my sponsors plus all the Teccare Profile Triumph team for everything. Assen is a favourite circuit of mine and I just hope to end the season on a high note.”
Personal Sponsors 2014
Sidi, Shoei, GB Racing, SMV, Teccare, Motul, Hel, Samco, Brembo, Gi-Moto, Doodson, Sabre Sport, K Tech, JMC, Krombacher
Twitter – LukeMossey12
Facebook – www.facebook.com/LukeMosseyRacing
More, from a press release issued by Be Wiser Kawasaki:
Be Wiser Kawasaki Team
Donington Park – Podium
The Be Wiser Kawasaki team had another successful weekend at Donington Park this weekend as Nick Anderson in Pirelli National Superstock 600 Championship took another fantastic podium in second place; his team-mate Joe Collier finished a solid fourth. In the Pirelli National Superstock 1000 race Josh Day secured 11th.
In the Pirelli National Superstock 600 class, both Joe and Nick had a strong weekend and Joe qualified fourth and Nick in sixth. The second qualifying session saw slight rainfall so no-one improved on their times.
In the 14-lap race Joe had to avoid an incident on lap one and was down to tenth after the opening lap, the safety car was deployed for several laps and the riders had to settle into their positions. Once the car came in Nick worked his way through to third by lap four and was soon battling for the lead, he made a clean pass on lap eight and took the lead. Leading until lap ten when Andy Reid came past, Nick was then locked in a battle with Championship leader Kyle Ryde for second, making a strong pass on the final lap Nick was able to take his fourth consecutive podium.
Joe Collier was having to fight hard further down the pack after losing so many places on lap one missing the crash. He worked exceptionally hard to get back through the pack from 10th to fourth. Joe made some strong passes to work his way back towards the front runners, he was unable to catch the front runners but rode exceptionally well to secure some solid Championship points.
Nick Anderson – “Once again it was another awesome weekend for myself and the Be Wiser Kawasaki team and to gain another podium is fantastic. It was a really hard race and I had to fight hard to gain second, it was nice to get to the lead at one point but Andy came flying past me. The team have been brilliant all weekend and to repay them with another podium is perfect. Things have just come together well over the last few meetings and I hope I can finish the season on this form.”
Joe Collier – “I’m happy to get fourth after what was looking like a poor race result, I got a terrible start then had to avoid Taylor Mackenzies’ crash and by the end of the first lap I was so far down I didn’t think I had any chance. I thought the pace car would benefit me but it didn’t at all, I had to work hard and just get my head down to fight my way back through the pack. I’m happy with fourth and it is some decent point but I would have liked another podium. Onwards to Silverstone now so hopefully I can get back up at the front there.
In the Pirelli National Superstock 1000 Championship Josh Day had another difficult qualifying session and ended up in 14th place on the grid for the 16 lap race. He got a steady start and made progress through the field finishing in 11th after the race was red flagged on lap 14.
Team Owner/Manager Alan Greig – “It was another great weekend for the Superstock 600 riders, Nick and Joe. Both qualified on the front row and we were hoping we might move forward in second qualifying but rain in the air put a stop to that.
Nick got a great start but Joe had to avoid a crash, Nick rode and amazing race from start to finish and briefly led the race. He looked really strong throughout the race and was looking dominant for a strong result, he was unable to match the power of the Yamaha of Reid but made a great pass on the final lap to take second.
Joe had to work hard to regain position after a poor start and really did ride his socks off to secure a great fourth, just one off another double podium. We’ve had eight podiums on the trot now in the team and it’s just fantastic, it’s given the team a huge confidence boost and we can’t wait for the final two rounds of the series.
Josh Day finished 11th which is not where he or the team wish to be, we have made the amicable decision to part company as of now and will be announcing a new rider for the last two races shortly.”
2014 Sponsors
Be Wiser Insurance – Kais Ohlins – Kawasaki Motors UK – B&C Express – Renthal – Britool Expert – Dickies – Activ 8 – Anglia Interiors – Cups Direct – Eazi Grip – Foulger Transport – Garnell Nutrition – GR Race Graphics – GB Racing – HM Quickshifter – HM Racing – University of Lincoln – No Limits Track Days – PR Trackbike Hire – Samco – Sani Clad – Tanker & General – The Shires Inn – Venhill – Direct Distribition – SBS – Saville – Jarbtech
More, from a press release issued by Gearlink Kawasaki:
Gearlink Kawasaki
Donington Park
www.facebook.com/GearlinkRacing
Motorpoint British Supersport
The Gearlink Kawasaki team had a strong weekend in the Motorpoint British Supersport Championship at Donington Park. Glenn Irwin had a great weekend with a superb win in the sprint race on Saturday, plus a solid fifth in the main feature race on Sunday. His team-mate Luke Hedger had a mixed weekend with a brilliant fifth place in race one and crashed out of sixth place on Sunday.
Glenn looked strong all weekend and he managed to qualify in fourth place for the opening Motorpoint Supersport sprint race on Saturday. Only a ten lap race it was important for the young Irishman to get a good start and he was through to second after lap one. He was riding fantastically well and was on lap record pace. On lap eight the rain flags were waved at certain parts of the circuit, and Glenn took advantage of this passing Luke Mossey on the penultimate lap for the lead and went on to take a fantastic win for the Gearlink Kawasaki team.
He was placed on the front row for race two in third place, he got a great hole-shot, a huge incident on the start line forced the safety car to come out for a few laps and Glenn was passed by Luke Mossey on lap three, pushing Glenn to second. He fought hard for the rest of the race and was lying in second until lap nine when the Smiths Triumph pairing of Billy McConnell and Graeme Gowland came past. A mistake on the final lap saw Glenn lose another place and he ended up in fifth place, he is now lying in fourth in the Championship standings.
Luke Hedger was also showing fine form at Donington Park and the current Superstock 600 Champion secured his equal best result of the year in the sprint race where he finished in fifth. He was putting up a strong battle for the entire race with Supersport Championship leader Billy McConnell. In the second race he was sixth on the grid and held his position but crashed heavily into the first turn, thankfully walking away uninjured.
Glenn Irwin – “The first race for me was perfect and so pleased to take another win for the Gearlink Kawasaki team, even before the spots of rain appeared on my visor our times were under the lap record place and the World Supersport pace so I’m really pleased that I was able to catch Luke (Mossey) and pass him for the win. I got a good start in race two but I was a little cautious after the safety car came back in to how cold my tyres might have got. After my crash in warm up this morning I guess I was a little nervous over pushing, I have bridged the gap to third place in the Championship and can’t wait to get to Assen now. Just a huge thank you to the Gearlink Kawasaki team and everyone who have supported me this season, if anyone wishes to support me please look at my account on SoFund.co.uk.”
Luke Hedger – “I was really happy with the result I got during the sprint on Saturday, the weekend was a really good confidence builder. It was great mixing it with the top riders this weekend and felt really good to be up at the sharp end. I felt good in all the sessions; I was disappointed to crash but can’t wait for Assen. Thanks again to the Gearlink team and 1st Choice Flooring.”
Gearlink Kawasaki had a disappointing weekend in the MCE British Superbike class with Ben Wilson, he had to retire from race one with a technical problem and finished in 19th in the second race.
Ben Wilson – “This year has been so frustrating for us and I don’t know if it is bad luck or what it’s just so disheartening. Everyone is working so hard and I just wish we were able to get the results to prove the effort and hard work that has gone in but sadly it’s just not happening.”
Team Manager Michael de Bidaph – “There is not much I can say about the Superbike, we are working so hard and will continue to do so until we get some good results.
In Supersport both riders were brilliant all weekend, proud of Glenn to take his first race win in the dry. Also Luke battling with Championship leader Billy McConnell was fantastic, he has come on massively this season and both riders were fantastic in race one.
The second race was a little disappointing as Glenn’s confidence was a little knocked after his crash in warm-up this morning, he rode well and got some consistent points for his Championship. Luke was fighting hard also and he is still very much learning his limits and sadly crashed out. We are looking forward to taking the Gearlink Kawasaki team to Assen in a couple of weeks.”
2014 GEARLINK TEAM SPONSORS
AKRAPOVIC – B & C EXPRESS – CN TRADING (GLENN) – DAYTONA (BEN) – DAMEN LEATHERS – DBR – FORCEFIELD – GALFER – GB RACING – GEARLINK LTD – GOODRIDGE – JAMES JAMIESON CONSTRUCTION (GLENN) – JOHNY WILLS PHOTOGRAPHY – K-TECH – KTtapeuk.co.uk – MARK TALBOT (GLENN) – MEGASTORE247 (GLENN) – MET HEALTHCARE (GLENN) – MWR AIR FILTERS – NGK SPARK PLUGS – OCTANORM – PERFORMANCE PARTS – PERFORMANCE FRICTION BRAKES – PRO CLEAN – PRO-BOLT – R & G RACING – RENTHAL – ROCK OIL – SAMCO SPORT – SHARK HELMETS – SHOEI HELMETS (LUKE) – SIDI (LUKE) – SIGMA PERFORMANCE – SINNIS – SKIDMARX – SOLO SIGNS – TIM TODD SURFACING – TSUBAKI – VALE LIVESTOCK – WWW.1STCHOICE-FLOORING.CO.UK (LUKE)
More, from a press release issued by Gavin Hunt’s publicist:
Hunt’s down and out at Donington
Gavin Hunt was denied a top six finish at Donington Park on Sunday with the Northern Escalator Kawasaki rider crashing out of round ten of the 2014 Pirelli National Superstock 1000cc Championship. The Manxman was holding onto an excellent seventh place at the time and battling with a group of riders for fifth place.
The weekend didn’t get off to the greatest of starts for Gavin as he found himself back in a lowly 26th place after the first practice session but he went almost two seconds quicker in the opening qualifying session later in the day to leap up the order to ninth place overall. He went quicker still on Saturday with a time of 1m32.381s and whilst a number of other riders did likewise, he remained in ninth to line up for Sunday’s race on the third row of the grid.
A brilliant start to the race saw the Douglas rider complete the first lap in sixth place right in the wheel tracks of the official Honda and BMW entries of Freddy Foray and Lee Jackson and although the rapid BMW of reigning Champion Hudson Kennaugh pushed him back to seventh a lap later, the front eight riders had already opened up a good-sized gap over the chasing pack. A top eight position, at least, was very much on the cards but, having just set his fastest lap of the weekend on lap four – a time of 1m31.997s which was jus just 0.4s outside of the lap record – it all went wrong for Gavin on the fifth lap when he crashed out at the entry to the Esses, bringing his race to a cruel and early end.
The DNF and no-score means Gavin has slipped back a place to 13th overall in the Championship table with just two rounds of the series remaining.
Gavin Hunt: “I’m gutted with the how today’s race ended as I felt really good out there and although I was lacking a bit of top end speed to the BMWs, I was able to carry some really good corner speed and get away with the leading group. I made a brilliant start to the race and although I got pushed back to seventh, I was lapping comfortably quicker than what I had done in qualifying and I’m sure I could have at least equalled my best result of the season of seventh.”
“A couple of the riders in front of me though were quite slow through the corners and it meant my normal, racing line was compromised, which was what happened on the fifth lap. I was running really quickly into the entry of the Esses but the rider in front wasn’t and the front end just tucked on me. It’s a racing incident but frustrating as there wasn’t much I could do. On the plus side, I’ve been strong all weekend, consistently in the top ten, and we just need a bit more luck to convert our strong pace into a strong result. As always, thanks to the team for all their hard work and, hopefully, I’ll be able to repay them with a good result next time out.”
The series now has a four-week break until the penultimate round takes place at Silverstone on October 3-5.
Pirelli National Superstock 1000cc Championship – 14 laps
1 Jason O’Halloran (Honda)
2 Adam Jenkinson (Kawasaki)
3 Joe Burns (Kawasaki)
4 Lee Jackson (BMW)
5 Hudson Kennaugh (BMW)
6 Freddy Foray (Honda)
DNF Gavin Hunt (Northern Escalator Kawasaki)
Championship Points (after ten rounds)
1 Buchan 215pts
2 O’Halloran 187
3 Jackson 149
4 Jenkinson 95
5 Backlund 88
6 Kennaugh 84
13 Hunt 29
More, from a press release issued by Josh Daley Racing:
Josh Daley Racing
Donington Park
www.facebook.com/JoshDaleyRacing
It was a confidence building weekend for the Josh Daley Racing team at round nine of the Motorpoint British Supersport Championship at Donington Park. Racing in the Evo Championship he secured two good results with a ninth and brilliant fifth place in the two Supersport races.
Josh came to a circuit he enjoys riding at and was looking forward to making progress and continuing his improvement through the season. He had a few more technical problems during free practice but after several hours of work overnight he had a strong qualifying session and started the first race from 24th place on the grid. He worked hard in the Evo class and finished the 10-lap race in ninth place in the Evo class.
He was placed in 25th position for race two on Sunday and he was keen for a strong result in the Evo race. He got a good start managed to avoid a big crash and was 10th Evo rider after lap one, he worked hard and pushed through the pack to make it up to fifth place in the Evo class and just outside the main Championship points finishing in 16th position.
Josh Daley – “I’m happy with my results this weekend and we have made some really good progress with the bikes and in each sessions I managed to take a big chunk off my time. The race on Saturday was difficult and I didn’t have the feel on the bike I would have liked. We made some big changes over night and I was really pleased with how the race went today. It was a bit of a lonely race after getting caught up with the first lap chaos, luckily the safety car came out and allowed me to catch up. I was just concentrating on finishing and scoring some points in the Evo class, overall I am happy with how this weekend has gone and I am looking forward to my next round which will be Silverstone, I will be missing Assen as my Dad is having an operation on his elbow. Once again thanks to Dad for all his support plus to all my loyal sponsors it is much appreciated.”
2014 JOSH DALEY RACING TEAM SPONSORS
FLEETSMART UK LTD – PUTOLINE OILS – NO FEAR ENERGY DRINKS – LINDSTRANDS LEATHERS – SHARK HELMETS – WEISE GLOVES – DAYTONA BOOTS – IMPACT SAFE T ARMOR – KAYS WELDING SUPPLIES LTD – MFG CONSTRUCTION LTD – FJG LOGISTICS LTD – TOILETSPARES.CO.UK – E2E SOLUTIONS – MOTORCYCLE CENTRE ORRELL – MTC EXHAUSTS – INTEK ADHESIVES – SPEEDYCOM.CO.UK – LBF SOLUTIONS – JONES IT UK – HVH FITNESS – WICKEDDIPS NW – PRF RACEKITS – CLUB 88 MEMBERS
More, from a press release issued by INcompetition Racing:
INcompetition Racing
Donington Park
www.facebook.com/INcompetitionracing
David Allingham made a welcome return to the Motorpoint British Supersport Championship at Donington Park this weekend. Having missed Cadwell Park following a crash at Oulton Park where he sustained an injury to his thumb that required an operation.
David rode through the pain barrier at Donington and made vast improvements in every session he went out on track. The team made various changes from practice to qualifying and he placed the INcompetition Yamaha on 20th on the grid for the sprint race on Saturday. He got a good start and was lying as high as third in the Supersport Evo Championship class. He was battling for an Evo podium but was unable to get the better of Josh Corner on the final lap and had to settle for fourth.
He moved to 17th on the grid for race two and after avoiding a huge crash on the start he was running first in the Evo Championship class but was unfortunate to crash out at the Esses on lap five.
David Allingham – “This wasn’t the weekend I was hoping for, I really wanted to be on the podium in the Evo class in both races here but it just wasn’t to be. The first race went ok I was a little bit annoyed with my start and I felt like I should have been further up the pack but all in all it wasn’t a bad result with a broken thumb.
I was really confident going into race two and got the start I wanted coming around the first lap in ninth and first Evo bike by quite a large distance. The safety car was out was out for the first few laps and when it went in Luke Jones and Rispoli got past me. I managed to stay with that group and felt like I could make a move on Rispoli until I crashed out at the Foggy Esses. I was really annoyed with myself but can’t wait for Assen, I will hopefully be fully fit by then and back battling for podiums and wins. A huge thank you to all my team and sponsors and hope I can make amends at the remaining rounds of the season.”
2014 IN COMPETITION RACING TEAM SPONSORS
EHA GROUP – BMOR – INCOMPETITION – MODE PERFORMANCE – GB RACING ENGINE COVERS – PRO BOLT – PIPE WERX – SILKOLENE – MAXTON – HEL – RARE BOY – MAG EUROPE – SC TARMAC
More, from a press release issued by Jake Dixon Racing:
Jake Dixon – Donington Park
www.facebook.com/JakeDixonRacing
18-year-old Jake Dixon from Dover made the best of a tough weekend on the Appleyard Doodson Macadam Yamaha this weekend at round nine of the Motorpoint British Supersport Championship, Jake gained an 11th and seventh in the two races over the weekend at Donington Park.
Sadly on Friday Jake was plagued with more bad luck with his Yamaha and suffered a technical problem in both free practice sessions and he was only able to complete a handful of laps and so it was difficult to find a set up on the bike for qualifying on the Saturday. Saturday was his first opportunity to set up the bike on a circuit he has never raced in the Supersport class after missing the round last year through injury.
Jake ended up qualifying 11th for the opening sprint race on Saturday but with little track time Jake had to fight to try and hold his position at the end of the 10-lap race. His mechanics worked hard through the night to find a better set up for the main feature race on Sunday and starting from 12th and avoiding a pile up just after the start, Jake was able to get his head down, complete his best lap times of the weekend and finish in seventh position, he is still lying in eighth place in the Championship standings.
Jake Dixon – “It was another troublesome weekend for the team and maybe just some bad luck has come our way but once again the team worked as hard as they could to get me out on track for both races. It was tough using qualifying to set up the bike as I was a day behind everyone else; we did the best of what we could.
Racing is always a tough sport and obviously there are good and bad weekends, I’ve had a few problems in recent weekends but it makes me more adamant and determined to want to go out there and secure some strong results. I was feeling really confident before these few issues we have had and I hope I can run up near the front end at the three remaining races in the Championship. As they say things can only get better and I won’t give up trying as I still want that podium and would love to win a race this season.
Thank you to all my personal sponsors for sticking by me once again and I hope to repay them with some strong results again soon.”
2014 Personal Sponsors
Shoei – Daytona – Forcefield Body Armour – Ovendens – Mutleys – Feridax – Transtore Logistics – Herbalife – WIZ Racing – www.freestylextreme.com – anyone wishing to sponsor Jake this season with product or funding please get in touch – [email protected]
Team Sponsors
Appleyard – Macadam – Doodson – Yamaha
Facebook – www.facebook.com/JakeDixonRacing
More, from a press release issued by Mar-Train Racing:
TOUGH WEEKEND AT DONINGTON PARK FOR SEELEY AND MAR-TRAIN RACING
It was a tough weekend all round for Mar-Train Racing and Alastair Seeley at Donington Park, with just an eighth place in Saturday’s sprint race to show for their efforts during round nine of the British Supersport Championship.
But with a potential 150 points still up for grabs, the team will not give up their title challenge without a fight in the remaining three rounds, as Seeley looks to overcome a 59-point deficit to series leader Billy McConnell.
Seeley who crashed out of Sunday’s feature race, when a potential podium was on the cards after his crew had made incremental and positive changes to his Mar-Train Racing machine, said: “We made massive progress in race two and our times reflected the hard work everyone has put in. I clipped the kerb at the Foggy Esses and dropped off Stapleford and then lost the front on a white line at Old Hairpin.
“We were chipping away to the front group and realistically we could have been on the podium in Sunday’s race. I am happy with the progress we have made and it’s not over yet. We move on to Assen next but thanks to Tim, Andy and the boys for a big effort.”
Team Principal Tim Martin said: “There’s no hiding the fact that we are all disappointed. It’s the first time as a team we haven’t been on both podiums at Donington Park since we joined the British Supersport Championship in 2012. But this is not a finger pointing exercise and we must now go to Assen in two weeks’ time to restore some pride first and foremost.
“The boys all worked hard this weekend and did everything they could to give Alastair a bike that he felt comfortable on, but it just didn’t work out for us. If we look at the facts, Alastair has gone quicker at Donington than he has done before on a Supersport bike, but the bar has been raised and we didn’t meet it this time around.
“We all know the Mar-Train Racing R6 Yamaha is capable for the job, and also what Alastair is capable of, he just needs to get himself back into the correct frame of mind and put in a big effort in these final six races.”
Championship Points
Billy McConnell 301
Graeme Gowland 300
Alastair Seeley 242
Glenn Irwin 232
Luke Jones 203
Luke Stapleford 203
More, from a press release issued by Michael Hill Promotions:
Uribe Bounces Back To Salvage Good Points At Donington Park
Despite crashing out of the battle for the final podium place in the opening race of the weekend at Donington Park on Saturday, Jayson Uribe bounced back with a fighting 4th overall in yesterday’s second race aboard his FPW Honda.
Because of the Cadwell Park race cancellation due to bad weather, the weekend was a little different for the BSB Motostar competitors with a race on Saturday as well as their usual Sunday race.
Running a strong 3rd in the first encounter, Jayson unfortunately saw his run of consecutive point scoring finishes come to an end courtesy of a high speed crash as he negotiated the Craner Curves. Thankfully unhurt he was declared fit for race 2 and after starting from the back of the grid because of technical problems in the qualifying he steadily worked his way through the field to claim 7th at the flag, the 4th rider within the Moto 3 category.
The weekend on the whole was still a positive one and Jayson retains his 3rd position in the overall standings as the championship heads to the Netherlands for the next round in a fortnight.
Jayson Uribe – 3rd in the BSB Motostar Championship standings after Donington Park: “We had a tough weekend. We struggled with bike issues in every session, but we definitely learned a lot. I only managed around 10 laps of practice before race 1, due to fuelling issues and one small wire that was throwing everything off. I was feeling a bit nervous as spots of rain were starting while we were waiting on the grid. I got a good start and settled into 3rd position for my class. I got passed on lap 5 which knocked me off the podium, so I upped my pace but unfortunately crashed flat out in 6th gear going down the left hander of Craner Curves. There was minimal damage to the bike and I was soon fixed up at the medical centre and cleared to start race 2. I started dead last as my bike cut out before I managed a single lap in qualifying but I managed to work my way up to 7th overall and had a great battle on the last few laps to take 4th in the Moto 3 category. With everything that happened I am happy with my performance in race 2. I tried my best and we beat who we needed to beat to retain 3rd position overall in the Moto 3 championship.”
More, from a press release issued by Birchall Brothers Racing:
BIRCHALL RACING – DONINGTON PARK
Ben and Tom Birchall travelled the short distance to their local circuit of Donington Park to take part in the two Eastern Airways F1 British Championship races at the weekend resulting in two convincing victories and a new lap record for the Mitchells of Mansfield supported riders. Ben and Tom entered the races as wild cards and therefore were excluded from the points and also the prize fund but they were happy to take part in the two races and to entertain some of their sponsors and supporters who seldom get to see them race in the UK.
The world championship riders dominated free practice and qualifying and began the first 12 lap race on Saturday from pole position. As the lights went out Ben and Tom headed the field around Redgate and steadily pulled away to establish an unbeatable lead crossing the finish line some eight seconds ahead of Hegarty and Neave. They also set a new lap record of 1m 34.426s breaking the existing record already held by the brothers and set earlier this year in the World championship race.
The second race on Sunday was run over eight laps of the Leicestershire circuit and once again Ben and Tom began from pole and set off at a fast rate of knots to establish the lead. They continued to extend their lead and crossed the finish line for their second win of the weekend with an advantage of over seven seconds from Hegarty and Neave. Once again the Mansfield brothers showed their class and set yet another new lap record with a flying lap of 1m 33.472s shaving a further second from the record time set the previous day.
On their slowing down lap the brothers stopped on the track to speak to one of the marshals and to present him with the winners trophy from the first race. The marshal had spoken to Ben and Tom earlier and asked if they remembered him. He went on to tell them he was the first person to reach them after the crash in the Isle of Man and he pulled the pair to safety. Ben and Tom were delighted to meet him and as a token of their appreciation for his help he was presented with the winning trophy.
Ben commented: “It was great to be back with the Eastern Airways Sidecar championship especially at Donington Park as the circuit is very close to my heart and I have to thank the organisers for letting us race this weekend.
“The icing on the cake was meeting the marshal that pulled us out of the outfit after our crash at the Black Dub. It was nice to be able to thank him and give him the trophy as without the marshals and the medics the racing that we all love cannot happen. They play such a massive part in our racing and we are so grateful to their dedication to the riders.
“It was great to race in the middle of the day and for Sunday’s race be featured in the live TV coverage. We appreciate being involved with BSB as it is such a fantastic series.”
Ben and Tom return to World championship duties and will contest the final race of the 2014 series at Le Mans on September 20. Free practice will take place on Friday, September 18, two qualifying sessions on Saturday and an 18 lap race on Sunday. Although the championship has already been decided there is still plenty to race for and they will be hoping to end their season with a win.