Hopkins within striking distance of the podium at Knockhill for ePayMe Yamaha
John Hopkins scored the ePayMe Yamaha team their best result of the 2016 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship season so far yesterday (Sunday) at Knockhill, claiming a fourth place in the opening race and finishing just 0.114s from a podium finish.
As the team headed north of the border, confidence was high following the recent test at Snetterton and Hopkins was instantly showing a strong pace, running inside the top five in free practice, with the combined times putting him just 0.3s adrift of the pace-setting lap in the dry.
The American rider was confident of pushing for a leading position in Datatag Qualifying, with the wet conditions setting in for the afternoon giving the team another challenge, but Hopkins was determined and qualified on the second row with team-mate Stuart Easton starting from the seventh row in an incredibly close session.
In race one Hopkins was dicing with the leading pack and had enjoyed a spell at the front of the field. The ePayMe Yamaha rider narrowly missed out on the team’s first podium finish but was aiming for an even stronger performance in race two as Easton finishing in 17th place.
Hopkins made another strong start to race two, battling within the freight train of riders inside the top six when a crash ended his hopes of a repeat performance. The Californian sustained a shoulder injury and is visiting specialists this week to ensure a rapid return to fitness.
Hopkins said: “The first race was great for us; the ePayMe Yamaha was working really good and we were then just trying to improve a little bit of the mid-range power as we were just losing a little bit of punch coming out of the corners.
“The bike felt great all race-long and I had been monitoring the gaps between us and I was trying to save my tyre until the end of the race to try and make a move on the brakes, but I just ran out of time. I did go for it and I got alongside Mossey coming out of the fast left-hander, but he was too defensive and there was no room for me to get through.
“We wanted to build on that for race two but unfortunately I crashed. I will be seeing some doctors this week to see what we can work on with it so that I am back to full fitness as soon as we possibly can.”
Easton said: “It was another tough weekend for us and it was disappointing for me as it was my home race, but we have looked at what we can work on for the next round. We had a good test at Snetterton recently so I am hoping that when we go back there we should be in a stronger position to repeat the top ten finish we had at Brands Hatch.”
Team owner Tommy Hill commented: “The weekend was going so well and John felt really confident of two strong finishes and it definitely started out that way with our best ever finish with a fourth place in race one and so close to the podium.
“In race one John was lacking a bit of the punch out of the corners but the podium really did feel like it was on reach – something that we know that we are capable of achieving. We made some improvements for race two before the rain and again John was in a strong position until an unfortunate crash.
“He has been for a check up today and will be seeing his specialist so fingers crossed he will be back to full fitness soon. We were all gutted for him though as he had such a strong performance and we know we have more to come like that this season for sure.
“Stuart had a frustrating weekend and we have been struggling together to find out what he needed to move forward at Knockhill, but we have been working as a team to try and get him back to where we know he is capable of being ready for Snetterton.”
More, from a press release issued by Waznie Racing:
With big points up for grabs this past weekend at Autodrome St Eustache, just outside of Montreal Quebec, defending Mopar Canadian Superbike Champion Jordan Szoke didn’t disappoint during his quest for an 11th National Superbike title.
With racing on both Saturday and Sunday Szoke started his Mopar Express Lane backed BMW Canada S1000RR from pole position after qualifying almost a second faster than his nearest rival at 45.122 seconds around the 1.93km (1.2-mile) 10-turn road course.
Szoke grabbed the lead early on Saturday afternoon to acquire the 2 point bonus for most laps lead and 50 points for the victory. Giving him a 23 point lead with one race left during this double header weekend.
“I knew this was a weekend we could take advantage of things,” said Szoke. “For some reason I seem to go well here and you need to take advantage of the opportunities when they’re there.”
Szoke claimed victory during Sunday’s 22 lap race completing a sweep of Mopar Canadian Superbike double header action after an exciting battle during the early laps. Szoke took the lead on lap 9 and pulled clear of the field. Szoke has won all the Superbike action at Autodrome St Eustache since 2012.
“We did our homework this winter and Fast Company helped us get more power out of this engine.” Says Szoke atop the podium. “I’m really glad I was able to bring home the victory here in front of all these passionate fans. I’m proud to represent some of our sponsors that were able to make it here today and bring them home a win. Thank you for all your support.”
Szoke has remained undefeated in Mopar Canadian Superbike action for 10 straight races.
TSN
Catch coverage of Round Two and Three of the Canadian Superbike Championship by tuning into TSN Canada’s Sports Leader.
Szoke now leads the Mopar CSBK standings after three of seven races with 162 points to the 129 of Riedmann and Young’s 109 leading into Atlantic Motorsports Park double header weekend July 16-17 in Shubenacadie Nova Scotia, Canada.
More, from a press release issued by KTM North America:
PAASCH AND YATES SPLIT KTM RC CUP VICTORIES IN UTAH
Round 6 – MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup – June 28, 2016
TOOELE, Utah – Round 6 of the KTM RC Cup Series took place at the Utah Motorsports Campus over the weekend in conjunction with the seventh round of the MotoAmerica Championship Series. Brandon Paasch extended the points lead with his fifth race win of the season on day one, while Ashton Yates followed up with his second-career race win on day two.
During the timed qualifying sessions, Anthony Mazziotto III set a positive tone for himself as he qualified on pole for the weekend. In race one, Mazziotto got off to the early lead with Yates close behind, as Paasch hung back in the 3rd place position. Alejandro Gutierrez put himself at the tail end of the lead group early on, followed by Jody Barry close behind.
Mazziotto and Yates swapped the lead several times through the first half of the race, showcasing an exciting battle up front. Paasch and Gutierrez eventually jumped into the mix as they led moments of the race as well.
With only three laps to go, Paasch assumed the lead position with Mazziotto, Yates, Gutierrez and Barry close in tow. However, Mazziotto reclaimed the lead on the white flag lap as the lead-pack diced back-and-forth through the final moments of the race. Paasch made a final move around Mazziotto in the “Attitudes” section, and Yates did the same as he rode past Mazziotto and into the 2nd place position.
Paasch held on to capture the victory, followed by Yates in a close 2nd and Mazziotto in 3rd.
“I was pushing the whole time and trying to stay in the front one or two and it wasn’t working for awhile,” Paasch said. “I kinda just put my head down and did a couple of quick laps and caught back up. The last lap I made some passes that I saw last year. They worked apparently because I got beat by getting passed like that last year.”
Barry put forth a solid ride to capture 4th place, while Gutierrez rounded out the top five. Nolan Lamkin finished a career-best 6th place in race one, followed by Renzo Ferreira in 7th, Cory Ventura in 8th, Jackson Blackmon in 9th and Sean Ungvarsky in 10th.
In race two, it was once again Mazziotto, Yates and Paasch in the lead pack as they pulled a gap on the rest of the field early on. Gutierrez and Roadracing World-backed Wild Card entry, Daniel Costilla, kept themselves in the top-five running all race long as they pushed to catch the top three riders up front.
Mazziotto and Yates went head-to-head for the lead battle once again, while Paasch followed quietly behind in 3rd. With only three laps to go, a rider went down and remained on the course, which resulted in a red flag to call the race early. The official results were determined based off the running order on lap five, giving Yates the race two victory, with Mazziotto in 2nd and Paasch in 3rd.
“No one knows when a red flag will happen, but it’s probably the first time that it’s ever turned my way,” Yates said. “I was feeling good all weekend and it feels really good to get a win. I like this track a lot and I’ll take the points to Laguna.”
Gutierrez climbed one position from race one to finish 4th in race two, while Wild Card rider Costilla rounded out the top five in his first MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup appearance. Lamkin matched his best finish of the season with another 6th place in race two, followed by Josh Serne, Jackson Blackmon, Cory Ventura and Benjamin Smith rounding out the top ten.
Next Event: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca / July 8-10, 2016
Race 1 Results –
1. Brandon Paasch
2. Ashton Yates
3. Anthony Mazziotto III
4. Jody Barry
5. Alejandro Gutierrez
6. Nolan Lamkin
7. Renzo Ferreira
8. Cory Ventura
9. Jackson Blackmon
10.Sean Ungvarsky
Race 2 Results –
1. Ashton Yates
2. Anthony Mazziotto III
3. Brandon Paasch
4. Alejandro Gutierrez
5. Daniel Costilla
6. Nolan Lamkin
7. Josh Serne
8. Jackson Blackmon
9. Cory Ventura
10.Benjamin Smith
Championship Point Standings –
1. Brandon Paasch – 246
2. Anthony Mazziotto – 231
3. Ashton Yates – 185
4. Jody Barry – 150
5. Alejandro Gutierrez – 129
More, from a press release issued by Riders Discount/Tuned Racing:
GRANTSVILLE, Utah (June 28, 2016) — The MotoAmerica Superbike Championship of Utah was successful for both Riders Discount/Tuned Racing riders. Bryce Prince not only took two podiums this weekend, but also secured the Superstock 600 championship title. This is Prince’s first national championship.
“I could not be happier with how the weekend in Utah went,” said Prince. “We were able to put the bike on pole position for the third race in a row! I got a terrible start for race one and was not able to catch up to the lead rider. I settled in for second place and was very happy to be on the box again, only needing one point to wrap up the championship. For race two I got off to a much better start, and had a great battle to the line. I drafted past the rider and passed him into turn one with a lap to go. I put my head down to do a good lap, and almost turned my best time of the weekend. I was able to hold him off to the line, to get my seventh victory, and claim the Superstock 600 Championship. To bring home the championship early with a win was great for me. I can’t wait to be back on the track at Laguna! My whole Tuned Racing, Riders Discount, and Quicksilver Powersports Lubricants team has been great to me!”
Quicksilver Powersports Lubricants extends their praise to Prince and the Riders Discount/Tuned Racing team.
“We couldn’t be more impressed or more proud of Bryce and the team’s championship win and partnership this season,” said Eric Reilley, Quicksilver Product Manager. “Congratulations to Mike Pond and the entire team for their major accomplishment.”
Tuned Racing owner Mike Pond is thrilled with how Riders Discount/Tuned Racing has performed this season.
“It still feels surreal, but I am more than proud of the entire team,” said Pond. “We set a plan at the start of the season and it unfolded perfectly due to everyone’s hard work and dedication. These things paired with the best known companies in the industry seemed to make the perfect package that was noticeable at every round. The Tuned Racing, Riders Discount, Quicksilver Powersports Lubricants team paired with Graves Racing Services customer lease bike allowed us to bring home seven wins, 14 podiums, and four pole positions so far this season. I would like to thank the entire team and all of our sponsors for making my dreams a reality!”
Despite five broken bones in his foot, Jason Aguilar also had a successful weekend at Utah Motorsports Campus. Aguilar took fifth in race one and the third spot on the podium alongside his teammate for race two.
“I never thought I would’ve had my best race weekend of the season riding with a broken foot and almost no practice time on Thursday,” said Aguilar. “My team and I got a great set up in very little time and I was able to go fifth in race one and third in race two starting from 13th in class. It was a great weekend for myself and the team. Now I’m looking forward to getting back on my bike at Laguna Seca! Thanks to the team and our sponsors for making this possible!”
2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Championship Point Standings as of 6/25/16:
1. Bryce Prince, 262 points (2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion)
2. Tie: Dakota Mamola/Travis Wyman 148 points
4. Richie Escalante, 135 points
5. JC Camacho, 131 points
About Riders Discount:
Riders Discount (www.ridersdiscount.com) is an online retailer of quality powersports gear, apparel and accessories. A company founded by racers, Riders Discount offers equipment for every riding style to customers worldwide, backed by a knowledgeable sales team and excellent customer service.
About Quicksilver:
Since 1950, discriminating customers have depended on the Quicksilver brand for premium quality marine parts, accessories, and engine care products. Quicksilver is one of the most trusted brands in the markets we serve. It has earned a loyal following by providing the highest quality products for more than 60 years. Quicksilver is a brand of Mercury Marine and Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC).