Abrupt end to a Positive Weekend for Harms
A crash in Race one ended what looked set to be a strong weekend for Doodson Motorsport rider Robbin Harms at the latest round of the British Superbike Championships.
Oulton Park in Cheshire is well known for being one of the most technical circuits in the UK; with an undulating layout mixed with blind entry corners it rewards riders with track knowledge and presented an even greater challenge to Robbin Harms, who was racing at the track for the first time.
During practice Harms progress was clear as his times dropped by over a second a lap in each session, culminating in making the second phase of qualifying for the first time this year.
Placed 18th on the grid the improvements were still forth coming in the race day morning warm up session as the Doodson Motorsport racer cut another half second off his lap time following further set-up tweaks.
The first of the days two races were held in near perfect conditions for both the riders and the massive bank holiday crowd in attendance.
The Dane fired off the line and had already made headway ending lap one in 14th. By lap four he’d passed Chris Walker to take 12th then overtaking Jacob Smrz the following lap elevating him to 11th.
However the momentum came to an abrupt halt as Harms lost the front end at over 100mph entering the fast left hand “Cascades” corner. Fortunately the rider walked away unscathed however the bike wasn’t so lucky – having barrel rolled across the gravel it was stopped by a metal girder supporting a Marshal’s post before finally coming to rest on top of the tyre wall.
The extensive damage to the bike was too bad to repair with only a couple of hours to spare before the start of the second race bringing the weekend to an early conclusion.
Robbin remarked:
“This race meet we worked hard to find a good set up which we managed in the warm up. So starting the race with the best set up this season I felt strong and ready for Oulton Park which is a track I really enjoy. The race pace I made was easy and I never really got a real fast lap in before the crash. I pushed too hard in the entry and lost the front, a simple crash. Unfortunately the bike got damages badly and wasn’t able to get ready for the second race. A really shame because we had the pace for top 8 if not more today. It’s been a hard start to the season but today we had a breakthrough with the setup and race pace which makes us stronger for the next races“
Doodson Motorsport team manager Tom Tunstall concluded:
“It feels like the punishment didn’t fit the crime and we were unlucky with the level of damage. However Robbin and the team had done a great job at this difficult racetrack, it’s just a shame didn’t get chance to show our potential which was for top ten finishes. However in racing you’ve got to get to the flag to prove it.”
With a six week break until the next round at Knockhill in Scotland its some consolation that time is back on the team’s side to repair and regroup for Round Four.
More, from a press release issued by Mar-Train Racing:
EASTON INVOLVED IN SECOND RACE THRILLER AT OULTON
Mar-Train Racing’s Stuart Easton took second place in the Bank Holiday Monday British Supersport race at Oulton Park, only losing out on a potential clean sweep of pole position and two victories right at the death – when Alastair Seeley nipped in to take the win after a tight last corner manoeuvre. The British Supersport class again produced the best racing action of the weekend. Easton now holds second place in the championship standings just two points adrift of Seeley after the opening six races. Stuart Easton: “It’s disappointing to lose a race at the last corner but I have to be happy with the weekend as a whole. The Mar-Train Yamaha was working really well in race two and I found it very easy to follow Seeley, so much so that I’m surprised he hung in when I led. Credit where credit is due though as I thought I had it covered. It’s a long year though and to have four wins and a second place from six races is a solid base to build on. Glenn Irwin was on the coat tails of the lead group in the early stages but eventually crashed out at Lodge corner on lap nine. Irwin said: “I’m frustrated as I couldn’t stay with the lead group for any more than about five laps. Track time is definitely a factor in that though and with a few issues and a crash I did very few laps over the weekend at Oulton. My crew worked well all weekend and I have to thank them and say sorry for the spills. If we can grab a test during the break we can make up for that lost track time and our aim will to be back with that lead group at Knockhill.” Tim Martin – Team Principal: “We have to be really pleased with what we achieved this weekend and continue to make good progress with Stuart, which was reflected with a pole position, a win and a second place. Glenn had a problematic weekend with a few technical issues and crashes but the pace that he has shown is very promising for the rest of the season. Motorpoint British Supersport Championship, Race 2, Oulton Park: Alastair Seeley [Kawasaki] Stuart Easton [Mar-Train Racing] +0.061sec Billy McConnell [Triumph] +9.739 Jason O’Halloran [Honda] +10.006 Glen Richards [Triumph] +10.144 Graeme Gowland [Yamaha] +11.155 Championship Standings: Alastair Seeley 122 points Stuart Easton 120 Billy McConnell 98 Ben Wilson 74 Graeme Gowland 62 Glen Richards 57 10th – Glenn Irwin 33
Mar-Train Racing’s next event is the International North West 200 [May 14/16/18] where Stuart Easton will be in Supersport and Superbike action. More news to follow later this week on the Mar-Train Racing Superbike built specifically for the Northern Ireland road race.
More, from a press release issued by Chrissy Rouse’s publicist:
Rouse turns up the heat with two wins at Oulton Park CHRISSY Rouse doubled-up with two Triumph Triple Challenge victories in the Bank Holiday sunshine at Oulton Park. The Stratstone Triumph Racing rider now leads the championship by 26 points over nearest rival Phil Atkinson after taking two solid wins at the Cheshire circuit on Monday. The 17-year-old Geordie had qualified third for the first race, which opened proceedings at Round Three of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship on Monday morning. At the green light he got a clean start and held his position into the first corner, before searing into the lead moments later and quickly stretching out a small gap. At the end of the second lap the Safety Car was deployed to deal with an incident further down the field, but the youngster kept the pack in check and got a storming break at the restart. He kept a cool head at the front for the rest of the 12 lap race, coming under pressure only once from Charlie King, who passed him on the penultimate lap. But Rouse wasn’t done yet, and quickly came back, taking the lead once again on the final lap to take the win. Still riding high from his earlier success, it was another third on the grid start for the teenager as the pack lined up in the blistering heat for the final race of the day. Once again he was third into the first corner, and then moved straight up to second behind King who had got himself a quick get getaway from pole. He quickly closed in on King and made the pass at Shell Oils on the second lap. Taking control of the race he set a strong pace at the front. King closed up on him on Lap Six and made a move into the lead, but Rouse took it back straight away. From here he came under little pressure, and in the closing two laps pulled the pin and stretched himself a lead, taking the chequered flag at the end of 12 laps by 0.408secs. “Two out of two is brilliant, it’s been the perfect weekend for me and the Stratstone Triumph Racing team,” he said. “Both races went better than I could’ve hoped, and I’m so happy with the results. I’ve now got a 26 point lead in the championship which is just great. “For this weekend I had set my sights on two podiums as I hoped to stretch my lead in the championship. I honestly didn’t think I would be able to get two wins because the competition here in the Triumph Triple Challenge is so strong. “Getting the first win this morning was great and then it was a long day waiting to go out again, but everything was just perfect. My Stratstone Triumph is great, it’s a fantastic bike and I’d like to thank the whole team and all of my sponsors for making this possible.” Rouse and the Triumph Triple Challenge now have a long break until the next round at the Snetterton 300 circuit, Norfolk, in July. Triumph Triple Challenge Oulton Park Race 1 Top Six: 1. Chrissy Rouse 2. Charlie King 3. Freddy Pett 4. Philip Atkinson 5. Dan Helyer 6. Tom Oliver
Triumph Triple Challenge Oulton Park Race 2 Top Six: 1. Chrissy Rouse 2. Charlie King 3. Philip Atkinson 4. Aleix Aulestia 5. Scott Pitchers 6. Tom Oliver
Triumph Triple Challenge Championship Points Top Six after Oulton Park: 1. Chrissy Rouse 111 2. Philip Atkinson 85 3. Charlie King 73 4. Freddy Pett 66 5. Daniel Fuller 54 6. Sam Cox 41
More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision:
SEELEY HOLDS TWO POINT GAP FOLLOWING FRANTIC OULTON PARK
Alastair Seeley celebrated victory in the Motorpoint British Supersport Championship Feature race during the third round at Oulton Park to maintain his minimal two point advantage over Stuart Easton in the standings after making a decisive last lap move on his closest title rival on the final lap.
In the Sprint race Easton fought out a race long battle with Seeley to take his fourth victory of the season after the pair had switched places throughout the race as the Championship continued to produce some scintillating action. Billy McConnell completed the podium finishers ahead of his Smiths (Gloucester) Triumph team-mate Glen Richards.
The pair were set for a another intense tussle in the Feature race after Seeley had taken the lead on board the Gearlink Kawasaki on the opening lap from Easton and defending champion Richards, with the Smiths Racing Triumph rider aiming for his first podium of the season. The trio were jostling for positions with Seeley and Easton soon scrapping within inches of each other for the lead.
On the penultimate lap the pair swapped positions again and Easton then held the position into the final lap, but Seeley was pushing hard and saved his best move for the last corner as he edged his way ahead at Lodge then held the lead on the drag to the line.
Seeley said: “I learnt from the Sprint race when Stuart defended more there that might be a chance and I had to have a go to try and break his winning spree. The team had given me an awesome bike, we made some small changes. In the first race we touched but if you want to win you have to do that! In the Feature race he got the gap but I just got the hammer down and could see where I could make up some time and I got in there and got the win.”
The scrap for third was equally as fierce as McConnell was able to get ahead of Richards. Jason O’Halloran was closing in on the fight for third as he had his best performance of the season so far for Samsung Honda. O’Halloran and McConnell then switched positions over the closing laps, but the Smiths Racing Triumph rider doubled up on third places after a last lap move. Ben Wilson ended the race seventh after his hard fought ride from the back of the grid for Gearlink Kawasaki.
Motorpoint British Supersport Championship, Oulton Park, Sprint race: 1. Stuart Easton (Martrain Yamaha) 2. Alastair Seeley (Gearlink Kawasaki) +0.109s 3. Billy McConnell (Smiths Gloucester Triumph) +3.475s 4. Glen Richards (Smiths Gloucester Triumph) +3.975s 5. Graeme Gowland (Seton Tuning Yamaha) +4.265s
Motorpoint British Supersport Championship, Oulton Park, Feature race result: 1. Alastair Seeley (Gearlink Kawasaki) 2. Stuart Easton (Martrain Yamaha) +0.061s 3. Billy McConnell (Smiths Racing Triumph) +9.739s 4. Jason O’Halloran (Samsung Honda) +10.006s 5. Glen Richards (Smiths Racing Triumph) +10.144s
Motorpoint British Supersport Championship standings after Oulton Park: 1. Alastair Seeley (Gearlink Kawasaki) 122 2. Stuart Easton (Martrain Yamaha) 120 3. Billy McConnell (Smiths Racing Triumph) 98 4. Ben Wilson (Gearlink Kawasaki) 74 5. Graeme Gowland (Seton Tuning Yamaha) 62 For more information please visit www.britishsuperbike.com
More, from a press release issued by MWR Kawasaki:
MWR Kawasaki Continue Progress At Oulton Park
The MWR Kawasaki team endured a day of mixed fortunes at Oulton Park today with both James Egan and Harry Hartley making good progress in round three of their respective Pirelli National Superstock 1000 and 600 Championships but ultimately ending the day without scoring points.
South African Egan battled hard in what were two very competitive qualifying sessions to take 32nd on the grid for the 15-lap Pirelli National Superstock 1000 race and, just as in previous rounds, he continued to improve. With beautiful sunny conditions bathing the Cheshire venue and in front of a record crowd, a fastest lap only half a second adrift of riders running in the top ten meant he was rewarded with 23rd place at the chequered flag.
Conditions were also ideal for the Pirelli National Superstock 600 race and 16-year-old Burnley rider Hartley started the race from a season’s best of 18th on the grid although gearbox problems in morning warm-up placed him on the back foot for the 14-lap race. Sadly, the problem resurfaced and his race was over before it had really begun as he crashed out at Druids on the opening lap after hitting a false neutral.
James Egan: “Progress has definitely been the key word this weekend and each time we’ve gone out, we’ve taken a chunk off our lap times. Even though we tested here last week, the increase in pace running against the top riders meant we encountered a few new problems but the team worked so hard all weekend and I felt really comfortable on the bike. We’ve got a good base setting with the bike now which is a good sign and my lap times are edging closer to the group ahead who are fighting for the points and to be getting closer all the time is very encouraging.”
Harry Hartley: “It’s been another tough weekend for us but with every meeting we are making progress. My lack of experience on a four-stroke makes it even harder as the pace is so fast and it was disappointing to crash out. We know what we need to do and aim to come back stronger at Donington Park and challenge for points next time out.”
Mark Webster, Team Owner: “It’s been a weekend of variation for the team but there are plenty of positives to take and the pace of the riders is getting better all the time. We suffered with a few gearbox problems with the 600 and Harry hit a false neutral in the race, which sent him tumbling out. It’s a shame as his pace is getting stronger and stronger all the time and when all the pieces of the jigsaw come together, I’m confident he’ll not only get in the points but will score a very strong result too.
“James is continually improving and when you look at the lap times, it’s plain to see how competitive the class is but the encouraging part is that the gap to the riders in front of him is closing at each meeting. His lap times now are on a par with riders who were fighting it out at the head of the field last year and he’s making progress all the time. It’s been a bit of a mixed bag this weekend but there are plenty of positives to take and we’re moving forward and making progress.”
Pirelli National Superstock 1000cc Championship (15 laps) 1 Victor Cox (Kawasaki) 2 Hudson Kennaugh (Kawasaki) 3 Joe Burns (Kawasaki) 4 Filip Backlund (Kawasaki) 5 Daniel Johnson (Kawasaki) 6 Marshall Neill (Kawasaki) 23 James Egan (MWR Kawasaki)
Championship standings (after three rounds) 1 Jenkinson 53 pts 2 Cox 39 3 Burns 37 4 Kennaugh 36 5 Backlund 33 6 Johnson 31
Pirelli National Superstock 600cc Championship (14 laps) 1 Jordan Simpkin (Yamaha) 2 Luke Hedger (Kawasaki) 3 James Lodge (Kawasaki) 4 Joe Collier (Triumph) 5 Levi Day (Kawasaki) 6 Tim Hastings (Kawasaki) DNF Harry Hartley (MWR Kawasaki)
Championship standings (after three rounds) 1 Simpkin 65pts 2 Hastings 48 3 Lodge 48 4 Collier 45 5 Hedger 29 6 Campbell 26
The next round of the Pirelli National Superstock 600 and 1000 Championships take place at Donington Park over the weekend of 24/26 May. For further information, please visit www.mwrkawasaki.co.uk or www.britishsuperbike.com.
More, from a press release issued by Quattro Plant Kawasaki: Walker shines for Quattro Plant Kawasaki at Oulton
The Quattro Plant Kawasaki were back in action over the Bank Holiday weekend for round three of the 2013 British Superbike Championship and Chris Walker excelled around the Oulton Park circuit in Cheshire. The Nottingham rider was back at the venue that saw him claim a famous victory twelve months ago and he was again in fine form throughout and this was borne out with an excellent sixth place in qualifying. A good start to the first race though was undone when he got caught up in Keith Farmer’s crash and almost came to stop. Despite losing ten places, he fought hard and after a good battle with PJ Jacobsen he was eventually rewarded with a solid ninth. The second race went more to plan and although it was a lonely race and front grip was an issue due to the warm temperatures, Chris took an excellent sixth place. The result moved him onto 43 points and up to a superb sixth overall in the Championship table. Team-mate Danny Buchan had another tough weekend, unfortunately, and a spill in the opening laps of qualifying left him with back injuries and he was forced to withdraw from Monday’s two races. There was also disappointment for National Superstock 1000cc Championship contender Kyle Wilks as he crashed out of the race on the sixth lap, fortunately without injury. Pete Extance, Team Manager: “Chris had another fantastic weekend and we can’t ask any more of him at the moment. He was strong in every session and qualified in a superb 6th place but, unfortunately, got caught up in Keith Farmer’s crash in the first race and had to take avoiding action. He fought back for ninth place but race two went more to plan and he thoroughly deserved his sixth position. Chris seems to be in a very determined mood this season and with a few improvements on the bike over the winter he is very positive. He’s moved into the top six for the first time this season and now has his sights set firmly on Knockhill with high hopes for more strong finishes.” “Danny continued to have a few niggling issues and a crash in qualifying put a premature end to his weekend with a tweaked back. We now have to concentrate on the roads season for 4 weeks and then look forward to Knockhill in mid-June.” The series now takes a six-week break before resuming at Knockhill in Scotland on June 14-16 but the team will be out in force in a week’s time with James Hillier and Steve Heneghan contesting the International North West 200 road races in Northern Ireland. The meeting takes place from May 14-18.
More, from a press release issued by Honda East of Toledo:
HONDA EAST KICKS OFF 2013 ROADRACE SEASON
Maumee, OH Honda East Yamaha Suzuki of Toledo’s rider Eddie Kraft won all four of Sunday’s WERA races this past weekend at Grattan Raceway, located in Belding, MI. Eddie turned the fastest lap of the weekend and set a new personal best lap, less than half a second off the 600cc lap record in his first time on the bike since having a second wrist surgery just short of three months ago. Eddie rode a Honda East-backed 2012 Yamaha R6, fitted with Pirelli tires.
“It was a fun weekend”, Kraft states. “Honda East has continued to back our team during my down time this past winter, which has been a big vote of confidence. I wasn’t sure if I’d be ready to ride, but as Friday’s practice progressed I became more comfortable on the bike and decided to give the races a shot. Dr. James Chao said there’d be a 50% increase in mobility as part of the procedure and I can see some of that improvement already in riding the bike, which has been great. My dad, Doug Cornett and Aaron Bagwell were a huge help and I can’t thank them and everyone at Honda East enough for helping me get back out here.”
Kraft continued, “There were quite a few fast riders and new talent on the grid this weekend, so I was just happy to be on the bike and able able to race with them. We used the latest Pirelli V2 tires for the first time and they worked extremely well. We ran the same rear tire all day both Saturday and Sunday without a drop in performance, which is something we’ve never done before. I’m really looking forward to putting more laps on these new Pirelli tires.”
As a family owned and operated Ohio motorcycle dealer, Honda East’s philosophy is to treat each customer like a family member, every visit. Our award-winning sales staff will strive to meet and exceed your expectations, whether you are purchasing a new vehicle, calling with a question, picking up a part, or just looking in our shop. Located in Northwest Ohio, Honda East is the #1 ranked dealership in both Ohio and Michigan; offering a full line of sport bikes, cruisers, dirt bikes, ATVs, scooters, watercraft and snowmobiles not only by Honda, but Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Aprilia, Sea-Doo, Ski-Doo, Can-Am, Kymco, Bombardier, Polaris and Artic Cat. Honda East prides themselves on the best out the door deal, period. No games, no hassles.
The team would like to thank Pirelli Tires, SportbikeTrackGear.com, Animal Aid Foundation, Oakley, Hanshaw Engines, Pit Bull, Dynojet, Sharkskinz, Motul, NGK, Worldwide Bearings, Chicken Hawk, Shoei Helmets, Motion Pro, Full Spectrum Batteries, Ohlins, Knox Armour, RS Taichi, M.C. Designs, Spider Grips, Spiegler, XT Racing and Andrew Swenson Designs.
For more information on Honda East, visit hondaeast.com. For information and news on the racing team, please visit witchkraftracing.com.
More, from a press release issued by Team WD-40:
FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON ALL SMILES FOR TEAM WD-40 IN OULTON PARK SUNSHINE The summer sunshine delivered more than just sunglasses and smiles for Team WD-40 as young racer Joe Francis claimed his first race win of the season. The 15-year-old, from Backford near Chester, produced a stunning ride in the Monster Energy Motostar race at Oulton Park to claim his first win of 2013 and close the gap to current championship leader Tarran McKenzie to just five points. Indeed such is the intensity of the rivalry between Joe and Tarran, that the two battled for the lead in the closing stages of the race, before Joe pulled out a fantastic overtake on the last lap and held on for victory by a mere 0.055 seconds. This was the first victory of the season for Team WD-40 and with Joe’s team–mates, Jon Railton and Tommy Aquino in the National Superstock 1000 riders continuing to improve, it probably won’t be the last. “Oulton Park is my home track, so to win here on a packed day in front of many family and friends is extra special,” said Joe. “The fact I was able to perform the final overtaking manoeuvre on the last lap has given me a real boost and I’m now focusing all my efforts on the next race and continuing my challenge for the championship title. “This victory has been down to a team effort that involves my family and everyone associated with Team WD-40 and GR Motosport.” The race itself turned into one of the best spectacles of the British Superbike season as four bikes swapped places up to five times a lap, before Joe emerged with the win. Such was the crowd excitement that Joe was mobbed by fans at Team WD-40’s base after the race, with many having their picture taken with the youngster. Joe added: “I couldn’t believe the amount of people who came to congratulate me after the race; it was very humbling to think people go out of their way to do that. “I just want to win races and if I can entertain the crowds at the same time then I’ll be very happy.” In Superstock 1000, Tommy qualified 16th and Jon 29th on the grid, and both riders progressed up the field during the race as they tried out new set-ups on the bikes. Jon climbed up the field to finish in 24th place as he continued to improve his pace throughout the weekend and he’s confident of continuing his progress. “We tried different set-ups throughout event and they worked as we got more pace out of the bike all weekend,” said Jon. “The new tyre brought in for this season has meant the set-up I used on the bike last year doesn’t deliver enough pace, so I’ve been trying new ones to give me the pace I know the bike is capable of. “I’m taking many positives from the weekend as our times improved and we made up some good places during the race. “Now I need to test a couple of new set-ups, particularly around the suspension, and hopefully be further up the field at one of my favourite race tracks, Donington Park, next time out. “As a team we’re improving things all the time and the atmosphere around the garage all weekend has been fantastic, particularly so when my team mate Joe won his race. “It spurs all of us on to try and achieve even greater things as the season progresses.” Tommy had only ridden about 40 laps on the Oulton Park circuit before, so he was giving away a great deal of knowledge and experience of the track to nearly all the other riders. His 14th place finish and more points for the championship made his ride even more impressive. He said: “I’m pleased that I got some championship points, but I was frustrated not to make any more places during the race. “Team WD-40’s manager, Brent Gladwin, keeps reminding me that I’m not only competing in a new championship, but I have to learn every race track that I’m currently going to. “It’s a steep learning curve and one I’m enjoying, although I’m desperate to get in to the top ten and continue my progress up the championship table.” Team WD-40’s manager, Brent, said: “I’m very proud of all three riders and delighted with the form they showed throughout the weekend. “Joe’s victory was simply brilliant and it is something the whole team can take pride in. It could be the catalyst we need to get all bikes racing for podium places. “He may only be 15-years-old, but Joe is proving himself as a rider who can achieve even greater things. We hope he continues his form throughout the season. “Jon and Tommy are competing in probably the most competitive race series in the UK, so their performances this season have been very good. “Both are trying new things with their bikes and I’m sure they’ll be terrorising the top ten before long. “Overall Oulton Park was a fantastic weekend and something everyone associated with the team can be pleased with.” David Whittome, UK marketing manager for team sponsors WD-40 Specialist, said: “Joe thoroughly deserves the praise given to him after such a fantastic win. Everyone at WD-40 Company is very proud of his achievement at Oulton Park. “We’re also delighted at the continued progress of Jon and Tommy, as talk of Team WD-40 increases before, during and after races.” WD-40 is the new title sponsor of GR Motosport. The company has just launched seven new products specifically for use on motorbikes, under its recently launched WD-40 Specialist Motorbike brand. www.wd40specialistmotorbike.co.uk/ www.teamwd40.com Team Partners Cargolink Express, L&A Reinforcements, Carrino access flooring, The Air Con Experts, F&G Commercials, Bennetts Motorcycle Insurance, Kent Holiday Cottages, RS Components, 3 Squared, Signsxtra Technical Partners Kawasaki, Scorpion Red Power, Dynojet UK, Swinton Motorcycles, R&G racing, PPG Paint, Goodridge, Pipercross, Solo Motorcycle products, Super B, MG Competition, Dellorto
More, from a press release issued by Paul Bird Motorsport:
Byrne Bounces Back To Claim Victory At Oulton Park
Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki’s reigning MCE British Superbike Champion Shane Byrne overcame the disappointment of a race one crash to take the victor’s spoils in the second race at round three of the series at a sun-drenched Oulton Park today. Leading the championship by 15-points coming into the bank holiday Monday action, Shakey was again strong throughout the two days of practice and qualifying and was an ever-present in the top three eventually qualifying in second place for the first of the two 18-lap races.
In front of a record-breaking crowd at the Cheshire venue, Byrne was looking good in race one as he shadowed the Honda of Alex Lowes but on lap 12, the triple British Champion from Sittingbourne, Kent slid off the Minxflix-backed Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R at Britten’s chicane to end his hopes of adding to his three victories to date.
Disappointed but undeterred, the 36-year-old responded in ideal fashion in race two and although it was another epic battle with Lowes and Josh Brookes, Byrne always had enough of a gap to prevent the others from attempting an overtaking manoeuvre and he duly took his fourth win of the year to take his MCE BSB winning tally to 45.
Meanwhile, team-mate Keith Farmer put in his best qualifying performance to date to claim his first ever MCE BSB front row start with an excellent fourth place but that was about as good as it got for the 25-year-old from Clogher in County Tyrone. The young Ulsterman’s first race lasted only half a lap when he was clipped by another rider which sent him crashing out but regrouped for the second race and put in a solid ride to take eighth, enough to keep himself in the same position in the championship table.
As for Byrne, he trails Lowes by a single point going into the next round at Knockhill on June 16th but importantly, has two more Podium Credits than his Honda rival which count towards the title-deciding end of season Showdown.
Shane Byrne: “Getting that win in the second race has definitely put a smile on my face and it was the best way of saying sorry to the team for crashing in race one. The crash was a strange one as I didn’t do anything differently on that lap but the front just folded on me without warning and that was that. I was determined to come back stronger and whilst I’d like to say I was controlling it from the front, it was extremely difficult as Josh and Alex kept the pressure on throughout. I was happy with the set-up of the bike and to finish the weekend with a win was just what we needed.”
Keith Farmer: “It’s been a frustrating weekend for me, particularly after qualifying on the front row and whilst I feel comfortable following Shakey and other riders, when I’m riding on my own, it’s a bit of a struggle to do the lap times. I tried a new rear shock and whilst it was better, the bike’s still not where I want it to be. The first race crash was disappointing but I managed to salvage an eighth in the second race but it’s not where I want to be finishing. I have to keep reminding myself it’s only my third full season of road racing and I’ve got to be patient so I’ll keep working hard and come back stronger next time out.”
Paul Bird, Team Owner: “The result in race one was not what we are used to or were expecting but these things happen and both riders showed great resolve to bounce back in race two. Shakey showed his class and was always in control and Keith brought the bike home safely in the top ten which is what we need him to do. Shakey has a two point lead in the Showdown and Keith is within nine points of a top six place so we’re happy enough with where we are. We have a raft of improvements to make to the bikes before Knockhill so hopefully, we can continue to improve.”
More information including bike, team and rider profiles, race calendar etc can be found at the team’s brand new website www.pbmuk.net. The official website of the 2013 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship is at www.britishsuperbike.com.
MCE British Superbike Championship Race 1 – 18 laps 1 Alex Lowes (Honda) 2 James Ellison (Yamaha) 3 Josh Brookes (Suzuki) 4 Jon Kirkham (BMW) 5 Tommy Bridewell (Honda) 6 Peter Hickman (Honda) DNF Shane Byrne (Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki) DNF Keith Farmer (Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki)
MCE British Superbike Championship Race 2 – 18 laps 1 Shane Byrne (Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki) 2 Josh Brookes (Suzuki) 3 Alex Lowes (Honda) 4 Jon Kirkham (BMW) 5 Tommy Bridewell (Honda) 6 Chris Walker (Kawasaki) 8 Keith Farmer (Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki)
Championship Standings (after three rounds) 1 Lowes 117pts 2 Byrne (Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki) 116 3 Brookes 96 4 Ellison 71 5 Kirkham 68 6 Walker 43 8 Farmer (Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki) 34
More, from a press release issued by Honda:
MCE INSURANCE BRITISH SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
ROUND 03 MONDAY 6 MAY OULTON PARK
Weather: Sunny,Warm Temperature: Ambient degrees 20C, Track degrees 34C
LOWES ON HIGH IN TITLE STAKES AFTER WINNING RIDE
Alex Lowes, with his first winning ride of the season aboard the Samsung Honda and then a determined third place, moved him into a single point lead in the chase for the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship ahead of the reigning title holder Shane Byrne who crashed out of the opening race before bouncing back to win the next.
Lowes had shattered the Cheshire circuit lap record to take his second successive pole start and maintained that pace into the opening race, taking the lead early on the opening lap from Kawasaki riding Byrne and then dictating terms at the front although Byrne was always running in close contention.
But at two thirds distance at Brittens chicane Byrne tipped off with Lowes easing to a comfortable victory by over three seconds from Yamaha’s James Ellison with Suzuki rider Josh Brookes in third place. Bathams Honda rider Tommy Bridewell, despite the continuing pain from a leg injury sustained in the previous round at Thruxton took fifth place, ahead of Lloyds British GBMoto Honda’s Peter Hickman whose team-mate Tristan Palmer was tenth.
Jakub Smrz ran twelfth on the Padgetts Honda two places up on former three times champion Ryuichi Kiyonari who was again struggling on the second Samsung Honda – the Japanese rider improved to twelfth in the second race but is still having problems which the team will be working hard to solve ahead of the next round at Knockhill.
Lowes, in total contrast, was full of fire and speed, taking the fight in the second race to the determined Byrne who was keen to set the record straight after his earlier demise. Byrne led at the outset but Lowes grabbed the lead, holding it for three laps before being re-taken.
Byrne took the victory, the 45th of his BSB career ahead of Brookes with Lowes third, maintaining his consistent record of finishing all six races so far on the podium, enough to put him 117-116 ahead of Byrne in the standings.
Bridewell was again fifth with Palmer ninth, three places up on Kiyonari and Smrz while Hickman crashed out on the opening lap. And there was bitter disappointment for Bathams Honda rider Michael Rutter whose celebrations of a milestone 400th race in the series were muted by machine problems which saw him retire from both races.
HONDA RIDER QUOTES
Alex Lowes (Samsung Honda) Race results 1st/3rd Championship position 1st
“I’m overjoyed to win at this circuit where I have struggled in the past and to move ahead in the standings is fine but this is a long season and I have to stay consistent. I had to win here as my twin brother Sam won last week in World Supersports and I cannot have him putting one over me. In the first race I settled into a good rhythm and enjoyed the race. The second race was a bit frustrating and the rising track temperature didn’t help, but I am not making excuses. Once Shane Byrne gets away he is hard to beat but we had a bit of a dust up at the end. I am just enjoying battling with him and the rest of them.”
Ryuichi Kiyonari (Samsung Honda) Race results 14th/12th Championship position 12th “We got some points which is better than at Thruxton and this time we have finished but not reached my targets. The bike is better but we need to be faster still. In 2010 if I had a problem I was able to solve it but this time I am not able to solve what the problem is. I will never give up and I have to keep on trying because something might change.”
Havier Beltran (Team manager Samsung Honda) “This weekend Alex has been on fire, fast and hard working and to win is a fantastic result for the team. He has matured and grown up in some areas and is certainly a different rider now compared to last season. It is disappointing that we have not been able to improve with Kiyo this weekend – he needs to improve and he needs to discuss his problems and we need to come up with a solution.”
RESULTS BRITISH SUPERBIKE
RACE1: POS / RIDER / NAT / MOTORCYCLE / TIME / GAP 1 / Alex LOWES / GBR / Honda – Samsung Honda / 29:03.128 / 2 / James ELLISON / GBR / Yamaha – Milwaukee Yamaha / 29:06.476 / 3.348 3 / Josh BROOKES / AUS / Suzuki – Tyco Suzuki / 29:08.588 / 5.460 4 / Jon KIRKHAM / GBR / BMW – Buildbase BMW Motorrad / 29:09.783 / 6.655 5 / Tommy BRIDEWELL / GBR / Honda – Bathams Honda / 29:09.936 / 6.808 6 / Peter HICKMAN / GBR / Honda – Lloyds British GBmoto Racing Honda / 29:23.696 / 20.568 7 / James WESTMORELAND / GBR / BMW – Buildbase BMW Motorrad / 29:28.679 / 25.551 8 / PJ JACOBSEN / USA / Suzuki – Tyco Suzuki / 29:31.430 / 28.302 9 / Chris WALKER / GBR / Kawasaki – Quattro Plant Kawasaki / 29:31.990 / 28.862 10 / Tristan PALMER / GBR / Honda – Lloyds British GBmoto Racing Honda / 29:33.434 / 30.306 11 / Howie MAINWARING / GBR / Kawasaki – MH Kawasaki / 29:42.299 / 39.171 12 / Jakub SMRZ / CZE / Honda – Padgetts Honda / 29:42.600 / 39.472 13 / Josh WATERS / AUS / Yamaha – Milwaukee Yamaha / 29:48.806 / 45.678 14 / Ryuichi KIYONARI / JPN / Honda – Samsung Honda / 29:52.335 / 49.207 15 / Martin JESSOPP / GBR / BMW – Riders Motorcycles / 29:52.809 / 49.681
Fastest lap: Alex LOWES GBR Honda – Samsung Honda 4 1:35.847 162.72 Km/h
RACE2: POS / RIDER / NAT / MOTORCYCLE / TIME / GAP 1 / Shane BYRNE / GBR / Kawasaki – Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki / 29:00.552 / 2 / Josh BROOKES / AUS / Suzuki – Tyco Suzuki / 29:01.340 / 0.788 3 / Alex LOWES / GBR / Honda – Samsung Honda / 29:01.508 / 0.956 4 / Jon KIRKHAM / GBR / BMW – Buildbase BMW Motorrad / 29:12.479 / 11.927 5 / Tommy BRIDEWELL / GBR / Honda – Bathams Honda / 29:12.618 / 12.066 6 / Chris WALKER / GBR / Kawasaki – Quattro Plant Kawasaki / 29:28.766 / 28.214 7 / Howie MAINWARING / GBR / Kawasaki – MH Kawasaki / 29:37.925 / 37.373 8 / Keith FARMER / GBR / Kawasaki – Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki / 29:37.995 / 37.443 9 / Tristan PALMER / GBR / Honda – Lloyds British GBmoto Racing Honda / 29:38.240 / 37.688 10 / Josh WATERS / AUS / Yamaha – Milwaukee Yamaha / 29:38.489 / 37.937 11 / Martin JESSOPP / GBR / BMW – Riders Motorcycles / 29:38.538 / 37.986 12 / Ryuichi KIYONARI / JPN / Honda – Samsung Honda / 29:38.783 / 38.231 13 / Jakub SMRZ / CZE / Honda – Padgetts Honda / 29:39.091 / 38.539 14 / Matteo BAIOCCO / ITA / Ducati – Rapido Sport Racing / 29:42.905 / 42.353 15 / Aaron ZANOTTI / GBR / Suzuki – Aaron Zanotti Racing / 30:40.363 / 1:39.811
Fastest lap: Alex LOWES GBR Honda – Samsung Honda 3 1:35.887 162.65 Km/h
CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS: 1 LOWES 117, 2 BYRNE 116, 3 BROOKES 96, 4 ELLISON 71, 5 KIRKHAM 68, 6 WALKER 43, 7 WESTMORELAND 36, 8 FARMER 34, 9 BRIDEWELL 33, 10 JACOBSEN 31, 11 HICKMAN 28, 12 KIYONARI 27, 13 MAINWARING 22, 14 SMRZ 20, 15 RUTTER 19.
NEXT EVENT: ROUND04 JUNE 16, KNOCKHILL
More, from a press release issued by Smiths Racing Triumph Team:
Double Podium For Smiths Triumph At Oulton Park
The Gloucester-based Smiths Racing Triumph Team enjoyed a solid Bank Holiday weekend of racing at Oulton Park where they were competing in round three of the Motorpoint British Supersport Championship and although they came away with a double podium for Billy McConnell, they left the Cheshire venue with work to be done in order to challenge for victories.
The reigning Motorsport British Supersport Champions took no less than four top five finishes meaning a successful weekend which started with Sunday afternoon’s qualifying session whereby defending champion Glen Richards claimed third on the grid with fellow Aussie McConnell in fifth despite a crash late on in qualifying.
The pair duly took their front and second row grid positions for the 12-lap Sprint race later in the day and it was another close fight with regular sparring partners Stuart Easton, Alastair Seeley and Graeme Gowland but despite the best efforts of the Triumph Daytona 675R pairing, Easton and Seeley were able to make the break and battle for the win leaving Billy and Glen to settle for third and fourth respectively.
Race two today followed a similar pattern only this time Seeley and Easton made an early break which left Richards and McConnell battling for third with Graeme Gowland and Jason O’Halloran. In front of the biggest Oulton Park crowd in years, a classic scrap emerged for the final podium spot whereby McConnell ended up claiming his second podium of the weekend as Richards crossed the line just a couple of tenths further back in fifth.
As a result, McConnell holds third place in the series just 24 points adrift of leader Seeley with Richards in sixth going into the next round at Knockhill on 15/16th June.
Billy McConnell: “We’ve had two really hard races this weekend and it’s been frustrating, particularly in the second race as we got dropped straightaway and were ten seconds back on Easton and Seeley. The chassis on the bike is fantastic and the handling feels really good but we have to remind ourselves that it’s an all-new bike and there’s development to be done. The boys are putting in the hours each and every day and we’re moving forward but we need to fully utilise the break to Knockhill now to bridge the gap. We know that when we get it right, we’ll be running at the front so that’s the aim.”
Glen Richards: “It’s hard going at the moment for me and I can hold my hand up and say I’m not riding at my best so it’s a case of doing all I can and trying everything to get back onto that podium and particularly the top step. Like Billy says, we need to keep it in perspective with the Triumph Daytona 675R being a new bike but we’re losing a few tenths here and there, which is what we need to address. We’ve got to keep working hard and keep developing the bike so the pieces of the puzzle come together and there’s no doubt in my mind we’ll be back after the break a lot stronger.”
Rebecca Smith, Team Manager: “We’ve done really well this weekend to get the results that we have and two podiums and four top five places is a good return. We’re awaiting a few parts that will aid the development of the bikes and I’ll admit I perhaps underestimated the size of the task we’d undertaken as working with a new bike is something we haven’t done before. Billy rode really hard all weekend and I can’t praise his two podiums enough whilst Glen struggled slightly more, having a few suspension issues during practice and then an engine problem in the first race. We changed everything for him for the second race and once again he rode hard for fifth. There are positives to take but we know the task ahead of us and we’ll be getting stuck in over the next few weeks to make sure we’re right on the pace at Knockhill.”
Motorpoint British Supersport Championship Race 1 – 12 laps 1 Stuart Easton (Yamaha) 2 Alastair Seeley (Kawasaki) 3 Billy McConnell (Smiths Racing Triumph) 4 Glen Richards (Smiths Racing Triumph) 5 Graeme Gowland (Yamaha) 6 Glenn Irwin (Yamaha)
Motorpoint British Supersport Championship Race 2 – 16 laps 1 Alastair Seeley (Kawasaki) 2 Stuart Easton (Yamaha) 3 Billy McConnell (Smiths Racing Triumph) 4 Jason O’Halloran (Honda) 5 Glen Richards (Smiths Racing Triumph) 6 Graeme Gowland (Yamaha)
Championship standings (after three rounds) 1 Seeley 122pts 2 Easton 120 3 McConnell 98 4 Wilson 74 5 Gowland 62 6 Richards 57
For further information please visit www.smithsracing.co.uk or the official championship website www.britishsuperbike.com.
More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki News Service:
DOUBLE PODIUM FOR BROOKES AND TYCO SUZUKI
Josh Brookes and his Tyco Suzuki team are well in the hunt for top honours in the 2013 British Superbike Championship after a double podium success at Oulton Park’s May Bank Holiday third round.
Brookes battled to third place in race one but was disappointed at having to drop off the front-running pace in the final stages with a lack of rear drive grip. A shrewd set-up change from his crew for race two allowed the Aussie to run right at the sharp end for the duration of the 18-lap encounter; and second place gave him his fourth podium from the opening six races this season.
His young team-mate PJ Jacobsen had a difficult weekend with a number of mechanical issues, but still holds 10th place in the championship standings after eighth place in the opening encounter and a DNF in race two while running inside the top eight.
Josh Brookes:
“We ran with the best of the new settings we tried for race one, but I ran out of grip after about five laps, even though the tyre looked brand new at the end of the race. The guys made a suspension set-up change for race two and big credit to them as it improved the bike and gave me a tyre to challenge Shakey and Alex at the front. I enjoyed the race and although we could do with a couple of wins, we’ve made progress and I’m happy with that.”
PJ Jacobsen:
“It was a difficult weekend: the first session was rained off and we only got one free practice in FP2 as we got a mechanical in FP3; then in qualifying we suffered another problem but I went into race one with a good attitude and eighth was a great result- my best ever in BSB. In race two I was looking for a whole lot more but we were forced to retire, which is a pity, as I believe I could have challenged Chris Walker for sixth.”
Philip Neill – Team Manager:
“Another typical Oulton Park weekend with success but a little bit of frustration. Josh and his crew worked hard to find a setting that allowed him to challenge stronger for the win in race two, but two BSB podiums is not something we should ever be disappointed with and keeps us well in the hunt. What can I say for PJ, apart from when the lad has bad luck, he really has bad luck. Taking the positives, he showed a great attitude and got stuck in and is gaining confidence and more experience all the time.”
MCE Insurance British Superbike race one result:
1. Alex Lowes (Honda) 2. James Ellison (Yamaha) +3.348s 3. Josh Brookes (Tyco Suzuki) +5.460s 4. Jon Kirkham (BMW) +6.655s 5. Tommy Bridewell (Honda) +6.808s 6. Peter Hickman (Honda) +20.568s 7. James Westmoreland (BMW) +25.551s 8. PJ Jacobsen (Tyco Suzuki) +28.302s 9. Chris Walker (Kawasaki) +28.862s 10. Tristan Palmer (Honda) +30.306s
MCE Insurance British Superbike race two result:
1. Shane Byrne (Kawasaki) 2. Josh Brookes (Tyco Suzuki) +0.788s 3. Alex Lowes (Honda) +0.956s 4. Jon Kirkham (BMW) +11.927s 5. Tommy Bridewell (Honda) +12.066s 6. Chris Walker (Kawasaki) +28.214s 7. Howie Mainwaring (Kawasaki) +37.373s 8. Keith Farmer (Kawasaki) +37.443s 9. Tristan Palmer (Honda) +37.688s 10. Josh Waters (Yamaha) +37.937s
More, from a press release issued by Suzuki GRANDys:
SUZUKI GRANDYS DUO ONE-TWO AT ALPE ADRIA SBK
Suzuki GRANDys duo riders Marko Jerman and Andy Meklau raced to first and second places in the opening round of the Alpe Adria Superbike Championship at Adria Raceway in Italy on Sunday.
GSX-R1000-mounted Jerman – who broke the track record with a time of 1’14 .911 – also finished runner-up in the Superstock 1000 class with team-mate Meklau fourth.
The Polish GRANDys duo team also scored a podium in the Superstock 600 class as Daniel Bukowski raced his GSX-R600 into second position.
Jacek Grandys – Suzuki GRANDys duo Team Manager:
“I am happy with such a good start to the season. There’s a lot of high-points to take away and the next rounds will be held on tracks that are well known to our riders and I hope that we will again be at the front.”
Marko Jerman:
“I am glad that my title defense began with a victory. I felt good on the short track and there was a chance for two wins, but I am really happy with this result. The season is long and everything is still ahead of us.”
Daniel Bukowski:
“I do not remember when the last time I rode on the new circuit for me and I forgot how much fun it is learning a new track. We are returning from Italy very positive for the upcoming season and ready for the next round. I’d like to thank the whole team, who as usual did a great job.”
Superbike results:
1. M. JERMAN (Suzuki) SLO 2. A. MEKLAU (Suzuki) AUT 3. J. PROSENIK (BMW) SLO 4. J. HALBICH (Kawasaki) CZE 5. I. SIKORA (BMW) POL
Superstock 1000 results:
1. M. FILLA (BMW) CZE 2. M. JERMAN (Suzuki) SLO 3. M. CHOY (BMW) BUL 4. A. MEKLAU (Suzuki) AUT 5. M. SEMBERA (BMW) CZE
Superstock 600 results:
1. D. NORI (Yamaha) ITA 2. D. BUKOWSKI (Suzuki) POL 3. J. CHROBAK (Kawasaki) HUN 4. D. TIBALDO (Yamaha) ITA 5. L. TOMMASINI (Triumph) ITA
More, from a press release issued by Lozpah-Jones Racing:
#146 CALE JONES ON THE PODIUM IN WERA EXPERT DEBUT AT GRATTAN RACEWAY
NEWARK, OHIO – In his WERA Expert debut, Cale Jones (#146) finished on the podium in every race he participated in at the Pirelli/WERA North Central Sportsman Series event at Grattan Raceway in Belding, Michigan. Jones made his impressive first appearance onboard a Lozpah-Jones Racing sponsored 2007 Suzuki GSX-R600, built by Hanshaw Racing Engines, finishing in third place in four feature races on Sunday, May 5, 2013.
The Sunday podium finishes weren’t the only success for Jones this weekend. Having never ridden at Grattan Raceway, Jones took the opportunity to get familiar with the track for Sunday’s events by riding in Saturday, May 4’s non-points race. This resulted in a second place finish in the Middleweight Solo Expert Class, only seconds away from first – taken by a rider whose home track is Grattan.
“I started off slow this weekend, as I really had to focus on learning the track,” said Jones. “After a few practice sessions, I settled in and everything started coming together. I’m very happy with the results this weekend and excited for what the rest of the season holds in store. I really want to thank the WERA organization for putting on a great event, and Jamie Hanshaw for building us an awesome engine. We can’t wait to get to our home tracks in the Central Ohio rounds of the championship so we can really mix it up with these guys.”
About Cale Jones From Newark, Ohio, Cale Jones (#146) is a WERA Expert motorcycle road racer. Riding a Lozpah-Jones Racing sponsored 2007 Suzuki GSX-R 600, 2013 is Cale’s first WERA Expert season. Cale is also a veteran who served with the Marines in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Having only raced one year previously in the Central Ohio Moto Series with multiple podium and first-place finishes, Cale is a promising up-and-coming racer – one to put on the radar.
About Lozpah-Jones Racing Lozpah-Jones Racing is a North Central US Expert Motorcycle Road Racing Team based in Newark, Ohio. A venture by software executive and entrepreneur Mark Campanella and road racer Cale Jones, Lozpah-Jones Racing features the race skills of Jones on a 2007 Suzuki GSX-R 600. To learn more about Lozpah-Jones Racing, follow the team’s updates on Facebook and Twitter at www.facebook.com/lozpahjonesracing and www.twitter.com/lozpahjones.
More, from a press release issued by Ricky Corey Racing:
Ricky Corey Racing – AFM Round 2 Race Report
As we went into the second round of the AFM season, again (like round one) the grid for Formula Pacific was the largest it’s been in many years and the level of competition was stacked with lots of talented riders on extremely fast bikes.
We had a good setup for the race and our RCR Performance Yamaha YZF-R1 is now making more horsepower than ever thanks to Graves Motorsports’ world class racing parts combined with RCR Performance racing engine builds. We were also able to fine tune some better chassis geometry and Dunlop Racing Tires as usual provided us with the best rubber available.
“I gridded up in the Formula Pacific race on pole position knowing that there were several other riders that showed a good pace earlier in the day in the Open Superbike race. In the Formula Pacific race the green flag dropped and I was able to get the hole-shot and led through the first three turns but another rider was fast to pounce and made a fantastic block pass on me into turn four on the first lap. At this point I decided to follow for a couple of laps to get a better idea of where his strong and weak points were. On lap four I used the power of my RCR Performance Yamaha R1 to get alongside going up the back straight and made the pass on the brakes into turn seven for the lead.
“I was able to pull slight advantages here and there but he fought back hard and remained within striking distance. He then made a pass attempt on me braking into turn seven but was unable to get it done and contact was made between his front tire and my rear tire. This stood him up and made him run wide giving me the advantage starting the final lap. I knew he had lost some time but I was unaware that the gap was just a little over a second.
“I took it easy on the last lap thinking I had a good lead and could just cruise in for the win, but as I backed off slightly, the other rider had turned up the heat and caught up to me going into the last turn on the last lap. I was completely unaware that he was within striking distance at this point and when he attempted a block pass on me, I turned into an asphalt berm enabling him to get the better drive out of the last corner and take the win.
“I have to give a huge thanks to all of the AFM staff and turn workers for putting on another safe and flawlessly run race weekend, to my family and girlfriend for always being there and supporting me, to Axial Video for the amazing onboard video and live coverage, to Corey and Son’s Paving, San Jose Yamaha, Accu-Products, Graves Motorsports, Brake Tech, Ferodo, Zooni Leathers, ERC Racing Fuel, Dunlop Racing Tires, Sharkskinz, GP Frame and Wheel, and Techtronics USA,” said RCR Performance owner and rider Ricky Corey.
Onboard video footage is available for viewing at the Ricky Corey Racing website: http://www.rickycoreyracing.com
On-demand playback of the AFM live coverage stream can be viewed at: http://www.axialvideo.com/afm-races-live/cat_25.html
(The Formula Pacific race is race #9)
More, from a press release issued by Michael Hill Promotions:
Uribe Claims Top Ten Finish At Oulton Park Talented American Jayson Uribe, 14, claimed his first top ten finish in the Monster Energy British Motostar championship with a gritty ride to claim 10th position in the 125cc category at Oulton Park yesterday.
Oulton was also the first race of the year in which Jay would compete under his familiar Rock and Sons Racing banner, so to have such a successful weekend was satisfying for all concerned including former racer and well respected engine guru Ian Emberton who noted that Jayson was one of a few riders competing at this ultra competitive class with a standard cylinder setup. Ian will remain with Rock and Sons Racing for the remainder of 2013.
The weekend started well with Jayson running towards the sharp end in the opening practice sessions. With the sun finally breaking through fully for practice 2, Jayson continued with his pattern of knocking seconds off of his practice laps ending the first day of competition well inside the top 20. Jayson also tested a new 125cc spec Pirelli tyre that required modifications to the suspension as well as tyre pressure set up.
Sunday was official qualifying day, and after making several suspension adjustments (compression and rebound) Jayson had qualified provisionally in 13th position out of the 28 riders competing.
Jayson Uribe – 13th after first qualifying session: “The bike felt stable. I changed my body positioning to fit the track. I still am having some front end chatter issues, so we are going to address those for Qualifying 2. I tried to follow people, piggybacking their lines, and on the last lap I put my head down and gave it everything that I had. That is when I was able to make my best lap, beating my previous personal best lap time for that session by 0.5 of a second.”
With the warmer conditions for the final session, Jayson was unable to better his lap times and would eventually qualify in 16th position overall for the race.
On Monday, the weather was fantastic, with afternoon temperatures soaring to nearly 16 degrees. Despite an average start Uribe soon had a group of faster riders in his sights and the hard charging Uribe set about passing them. Riding with a maturity way beyond his 14 years, he kept his head down, evaluating their riding styles, watching for where he felt that he was faster and then made several well controlled passes. At the flag, Jayson had achieved his first top 10 BSB finish with a very encouraging 10th position in the 125cc class and a 13th overall finish in the Motostar class.
Jayson Uribe – 10th position (125cc), 13th position (motostar): “I had few good battles with Taz Taylor and Bradley Hughes. It was close racing, we were out braking each other and trying to get better drives onto the straight. I really enjoyed riding with them.” Motorcycle racing is an expensive sport and as the year’s go by the importance of top spec machinery plays an even greater role. Jayson, who is racing on a shoe string budget and is currently living in Long Eaton with his Mum, is using a converted mail van as his “caravan”, and has to make the most of what he has available. His motorcycle was shipped over in suitcases in March only to be reassembled in a farm house barn by his Dad. Living proof that desire and tenacity can trump big bucks some of the time if Lady Luck shines your way.
The next round of the Monster Energy British Motostar championship takes Jayson to Scotland and the Knockhill circuit just north of Edinburgh in 5 weeks.