The Stauff Connect Academy launch 3 rider Team
Sheffield’s GR Motosport ltd are pleased to announce a three rider line up over two disciplines for the 2015 Stauff Connect Academy. The Academy was launched at Brands Hatch, the last round of the 2014 British Superbike championship with a clear view of developing young riders through the tier’s of our sport.
The concept is the brainchild of GR Motosport Managing Director, Brent Gladwin and Stauff’s Head of Marketing Iain Stansbie in co-operation with WD-40.
It will see the Stauff Connect Academy bikes run by GR Motosport becoming an integral part of Team WD-40.
Our aim is to develop riders in all areas of the sport to help them achieve their goals, We have a clear structure from Mini Moto through Motocross and into the British Superbike Championships. Just being able to race a motorcycle is not enough today, we need to understand programs for personal preparation both physical and Mental. How to work within a TEAM. How to present yourself to the media, and most importantly to understand the needs of sponsors and how to explain the benefits and excitement of being involved with our sport. Our riders will be schooled in all aspects of the sport to enable them to become the consummate professional.
National Superstock 600
We have put a fantastic Team together in the Stauff Connect Academy livery for 2015 and in Tarran Mackenzie and Joe Irving we feel we would have a great shot at the title. Both Tarran and Joe were Championship contenders in the British Moto3 Championship and the last few Stk 600 champions have come the same route. Tarran stays with the Team for a 2nd year, where in his first he took Podium finishes and 1 Pole position. Taz knows the Team and how we work and we know and enjoy that beaming smile that hides the warrior within.
Welcoming Joe back to the Team is like re-uniting with lost family, 20 years ago at the inception of GR Motosport Joe’s father Mark was one of our first sponsors and in 2005 Joe rode for us in much the same way that Sam is today. Joe has developed into an extremely fit and focused young and being Team mates with Tarran will we are sure bring the very best out of both of them.
Tarran Mackenzie: “I’m really happy to be staying with GR Motosport for the second year in succession! Last year was my rookie year in the Superstock 600 class and I managed to secure 2 podiums and a pole position. I learned lots along the way so with a great bike and fantastic team around me again in 2015 my plan is to go out and challenge for the win every weekend. Taz #40.”
Joe Irving:- “I am really looking forward to a part of the Stauff Connect Academy. Moving out of the Motostar class up to the stock 600 is going to require a lot of learning in a short space of time as I want to be ready and capable to run at the front for the first round. Coming in as a rookie will make it harder for me than my team mate Taz who already has a season under his belt. The four previous Champions did it in their rookie year so it can be done and that is my aim in 2015. Watching the class in previous years I know that they key to success is consistency and my main aim will be to finish every race shiny side up!”
Motocross
We are pleased to welcome 11 year old Sam Atkinson on to the Stauff Connect Academy Kawasaki KX 85, the Northumberland youngster has already won his first race for the and will contest the British Youth National championship along with selected other events. Sam will also start road race training on the Team Metrokit to give him as much diverse experience as possible.
Sam Atkinson: “I am really excited to be part of the Team and moving onto the Kawasaki from KTM. My first race in the Stauff Connect Academy colours was also my first on Michelin tyres supplied by the team I won all 6 races of the 2 day event a great start. I have already had some experience with the Team and the other riders who are great, I plan to visit lots of different tracks this year and get lots of practice. I will be doing the British Youth Nationals this year and I hope to finish high in the Championships for Stauff and all my other sponsors.”
Iain Stansbie:- “Stauff would like to wish GR Motosport every success in the 2015 BSB Season and we will be there to offer support wherever possible. We have seen the team evolve very rapidly over the last two seasons and are proud to support Tarran, who we have come to know very well, along with Joe and Sam, both rising stars in their chosen classes. We are extremely positive for the season and confident that the concept of the Stauff Connect Academy, alongside their determination and talent, will drive the 3 guys onto greater experiences and success. We are all looking forward to the Green and Yellow podiums.”
Brent Gladwin: “2015 is GR Motosport Ltd’s 20th consecutive season of racing an achievement in its self. Our ethos has always been to help in the development of young talented riders,- now in the STAUFF CONNECT ACADEMY and we have created this visible connection from grass roots racing to the British Superbike Championship. As each rider develops he can grow with the Team eventually moving onto the Team WD-40 Superbikes. We have a great Team and 3 very exciting riders in Tarran, Joe and Sam, we are aiming for the stars and would love to win a Championship this our 20th Year.”