Category: Superbikes

1. Castrol Honda riders happy after two-day Misano test

   Posted on 12:00am Thursday 15th Sep 2011

   The Castrol Honda team has completed a two-day test at the Misano circuit in Italy with riders Jonathan Rea and Ruben Xaus declaring themselves happy with progress. The test was Rea’s first visit to the circuit where he crashed in June, sustaining a wrist injury that kept him out of action until two weeks ago.
   
   With three rounds still remaining in the 2011 World Superbike season, the team has been working on developments for the current CBR1000RR. However, Rea and Xaus were also joined by Japanese rider Makoto Tamada at the Misano test and tried some development parts for next year’s racing machine.
   
   In spite of a brief rain shower this afternoon, the test was conducted in temperatures of more than 30 degrees ahead of next week’s 11th round of the series at Imola, just an hour up the road from Misano.
   
   Jonathan Rea
   
   It’s been a real proper test, this, and we had a lot of stu ff to work through. On top of that, Pirelli also brought some new rubber to try so, in the end, we actually ran out of time. We probably needed the rest of this week to get through everything, but we can definitely see the potential of the fly-by-wire system that I tested for the first time today. Also, I’m able to ride a lot more in my comfort zone with this new package and it helped with engine braking, too. Going back to Misano was no problem for me and, in fact, I was going through the corner where I crashed faster than I did during the race weekend in June. Pirelli brought a lot of soft rubber and we could have used a qualifier to try for a time, but we had to keep our heads down and keep focused on the work we had to get through. The lap time is probably about where we are at the moment, but we know that the next step forward will push us back to the front.
   
   Ruben Xaus
   
   Well it felt good to be back on a bike again properly f or the first time since the Brno crash in July. Of course, after two days of testing, I was tired, but it felt like a naturally tiredness. We’ve been testing some different electronics and the bike is much easier to control. The feeling is much better and the bike definitely feels stronger and faster. It’s been a good two days for motivation and to give me confidence heading into Imola next week – I’m feeling like I can really go for it when we get there.

2. Double podium for Simpson at Donington Park

   Posted on 12:00am Tuesday 13th Sep 2011

   Antrim’s John Simpson took two second place finishes at Donington Park for round ten of the Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Cup Championship to further consolidate his Championship lead.

   Simpson placed his T3 Racing Triumph in second place during qualifying for the Cup race and 16^th overall. He had a race long battle with David Paton who is his main title rival. They swapped places a number of times between first and second with Simpson having to settle for second place and take home as many points as possible. He also finished in 12^th place in the overall race.

   The second race of the weekend was action packed with a red flag due to rain and a red flag due to fluid on the track. On the initial start Simpson jumped straight into the lead and held it for six laps. He was relegated to second for three laps and that is when the rain came on stopping the race.

   On the re-start Simpson opted to use a different tyre which unfortunately wasn’t up to temperature when the race started. He didn’t make such a good start and found himself in third place. This part of the race was halted after just four laps thanks to Paton’s machine dropping fluid on track. This gifted second place to Simpson in the Cup race and 13^th place overall.

   Simpson said: “We were having a problem with over-heating this weekend. At the start of the race I was pulling away and then the warning light came on and I could feel a drop in power. All through the turns the bike was fine as it has plenty of torque, but as soon as I hit the straight I was losing out on power. I decided to make sure I finished and took it easy. On the re-start I went for a zero tyre which just wasn’t up to temperature and didn’t work for me. Either way I’ve still got the lead by 80 points so I’m happy enough.”

   Jimmy Dye had a difficult first outing at Donington Park in the Oulton Park Metzeler National Superstock 600 race re-run, aboard his T3 Racing Triumph.

   He started from 20^th on the grid and had progressed through to sixteenth place in just two laps. He was pushed back to 18^th but was on the move again when another rider wiped him out at the Esses on lap seven of the ten lap race.

   The second race of the weekend saw Dye start from 28^th but worked his way up to 17^th place picking off eleven riders. Unfortunately for Dye he had a big moment and almost high sided which lost him a number of places. He finally came over the line in 20^th position.

   Dye said: “During qualifying I couldn’t get the bike to turn so we made some big changes which worked but I lost out in qualifying as we were having this problem. The changes worked and in the Oulton Park re-run I felt good and was going well until I got wiped out. We ran the same settings in the second race and it was working great. Then I got out of the seat and started having problems with rear grip and turning the bike again. I had an excursion across the gravel which lost me a few places. It’s been a difficult one but I’m off to Silverstone for a test so we should be in good shape for the next round."

3. Jonathan Rea to return at Nurburgring

   Posted on 12:00am Tuesday 30th Aug 2011

   Jonathan Rea will make his long-awaited comeback to the Castrol Honda team in this weekend’s (2-4 September) tenth round World Superbike championship event at Nurburgring in Germany.

   The Northern Irishman has been out of action since a raceday warm-up crash at Misano in Italy on 12 June. In addition to fractures to his arm and collarbone, Rea required complex surgery to repair ligament damage to his right wrist following the crash.

   After completing a successful two-day test at Assen in the Netherlands last week, Rea, 24, has chosen a favoured circuit to make his return. In the last two visits, he has taken his Honda CBR1000RR to two wins, a second and a fourth place at the 5.137km Nurburgring, which sits 70km south of Cologne, adjacent to the famous Nordschleife road circuit.

   Rea will be joined for the weekend in the Castrol Honda World Superbike Team by Japanese rider, Makoto Tamada, who returns to the series for the f irst time since riding as a replacement in the final round of last season’s championship.

   Tamada will replace Ruben Xaus, who is still suffering the after effects of his race one crash at Brno in the Czech Republic in July. Despite testing on the first day at Assen last week, Xaus’s back injury prevented him from completing more than a handful of laps and the Spaniard has opted to miss Nurburgring.

   Hailing from Ehime in Japan, Tamada, 34, completed two full World Superbike seasons on Kawasaki machinery in 2008 and 2009 following five years with Honda in MotoGP, which resulted in two Grand Prix victories. Earlier in his career, he also scored three wildcard World Superbike victories at Sugo in Japan in 2001 and 2002 and is a regular podium visitor in Japan’s famous Suzuka 8 Hour race.

   Jonathan Rea

   I can’t wait to get back on the bike in a race weekend situation at Nurburgring. The test at Assen last week was great for me to ride and work with the team again, but I’m really looking forward to doing it for real again this weekend. Assen was also good from a confidence point of view, because the lap time was pretty good and I was able to complete a lot of laps without any pain from the wrist. Unfortunately, I’ve missed a few races because of the injury, but I’ve got a new target for the end of the season and I know what I need to do to achieve that. The good thing is that the guys have been working really hard back at base since I’ve been away, and there were some good new things to test last week. I’m really looking forward to using them this weekend.

   Makoto Tamada

   It's great to be back racing in the World Superbike series. I want to thank Castrol Honda for giving me this opportunity. I am looking forward to working with the team and Jonathan, and I’m also looking forward to meeting my Euro pean fans.

   Ronald ten Kate – team manager

   Everyone is really happy that Jonathan is back for this weekend. He did a race simulation at Assen, which showed that he’s quite fit again. It’s certainly been a troublesome mid-season with injuries, but we’ve had good results with Jonathan at Nurburgring in the last two years, so we’re all thrilled to have him back for this one. We’re also looking forward to welcoming Makoto Tamada back to the championship. His level of experience will provide good feedback on the bike since we are already looking ahead to 2012. We are working on the development of new parts for next season so it will be good to hear his opinion, too.

   2011 World Superbike Championship, round ten, Nurburgring, Germany – schedule (local times):

   Friday 2 September
   11.30    Free practice (60 min)
   15.30    Qualifying pract ice (60 min)
   Saturday 3 September
   10.45    Qualifying practice (45 min)
   13.45    Free practice (45 min)
   15.00    Superpole 1 (14 min)
   15.21    Superpole 2 (12 min)
   15.40    Superpole 3 (10 min)
   Sunday 4 September
   09.20    Warm-up (15 min)
   12.00    Race 1 (20 laps – 102.740km)
   15.30    Race 2 (20 laps – 102.740km)

4. Foggy and Whit return to The Isle Of Man with popular Chat Show for Manx Grand Prix Festival

   Posted on 12:00am Friday 12th Aug 2011

   Two legends of motorbike racing, Carl Fogarty and James Whitham, are bringing their popular chat show 'Givin It Gas' to the Isle of Man. The popular pair will be appearing at the TT Grandstand's VIP Club on the evening of Wednesday 31st August.

   Opinionated and hilarious, this is four-times WSB champion, Carl Fogarty, with his good friend and former British champ, TT Races ITV pundit James Whitham, at their irreverent best - live and uncut.

   Both have competed on the Isle of Man with Carl a three-time TT Races champion and Jamie also recording podium finishes. They enjoyed contrasting fortunes at the Manx Grand Prix with Carl winning the 1985 Lightweight Manx Grand Prix Newcomers Race, while Jamie recorded a DNF in the same race.

   With their own unique brand of verbal sparring, Carl and James provide insight into today's world of racing, recall former glories and disasters, and discuss the burning issues of the day.

   Carl said: "I've got loads of happy memories of the Isle of Man, both on and off the track and I'm really looking forward to coming back to the Island during the Manx Grand Prix, where it all really began for me. There's always a good bit of banter between us but it's also a opportunity for fans to say hello and ask their questions."

   James added: "I have known Carl for many years and this is a good opportunity for a lot of individuals, who don't really know what he is like in private, to see the real Foggy. He is a lot more relaxed these days and the chat shows we have done previously have been a right good laugh."

   The evening event, which will start at 8pm, will run for about 2 hours and will feature on-stage chat and a question and answer session and fans will also have a chance to get autographs from Carl and James. Tickets priced £25 can be bought at www.mgpfestival.com or via official Manx Grand Prix Travel Agency Regency Travel on 01624 694455

5. Double win for Jones at Brands Hatch

   Posted on 12:00am Wednesday 27th Apr 2011

   The Triumph Triple Challenge got off to a thrilling start at a sunny Brands Hatch with former BSB rider Luke Jones grabbing the first two wins of the season.

   Jones, on the KGD Racing Triumph, took the first pole position of the year too in the scorching conditions with a time of 49.245secs. Lining up next to Jones was Tom Ward riding the Stocks Garage machine, he was just 0.229secs behind. Tom Hayward riding the Daniel Weston Racing bike slotted into third place as he stepped up from the 125 class. And completing the front row of the grid was Tommy Dale on the Power2Connect/11KV bike.

   Phil Atkinson who finished second in the Championship last year had a tough time on track qualifying in a lowly 10^th position. The South African rider suffered from handling issues which he hoped to rectify before the race.

   Peter “Pesky” Ward, former BSB Superstock Cup Champion and current Triumph test rider, qualified in sixth place on the second row of the grid. This weekend is his first run out on the Peter Ward Racing Triumph so he was happy with the result and was feeling confident ahead of race one.

   Jones said: “We made some changes to the suspension from yesterday as the bike was squatting too much but it felt a lot better today in qualifying. The Triumph feels really agile having come from Superbike last year. I’m pleased with pole let’s hope I get a result in the race.”

   Race one got off to good start for Hayward who took the holeshot into Paddock Hill bend closely shadowed by Jones who didn’t waste any time slotting into the lead at Druids. 16-year old Tom Ward moved up into second place pushing Hayward back to third with Pesky running in fourth.

   Another former 125 rider, Tom Weeden was making his presence felt taking fourth place off the more experienced Peter Ward. Just two laps in and Jones was beginning to make a break with Tom Ward going with him. Weeden had now moved up another place and was running in an impressive third position.

   The top four had settled into the race until lap seven when Tom Ward crashed out of second place at Graham Hill bend. This promoted Weeden to second and Pesky to third, an out-of-the-seat moment for Weeden allowed Pesky to slide under him also at Graham Hill bend. He put his head down to try and reel in Jones who now had a 5 second lead.

   Weeden wasn’t settling for third place and whilst trying to pass Pesky on the run into Druids he crashed out of the race. His fall pushed Piers Hutchins wide allowing Ashley Beech to capitalise on the tumble and he nabbed third place in the race.

   Pesky took second place and Beech completed the podium.

   Jones said: “I got a reasonable start and was second into the first corner. I wanted to get clear and make a break so I got into the lead and put my head down for three laps to pull a gap. I watched my board and when I saw the gap I backed off a little and just brought it home.”

   Ward said: “I’ve not raced with these guys and girls before so I just wanted to settle in. The gearing isn’t quite right so I need to sort that out for race two. I’ve only had a few laps on the bike this weekend so it’s a good start.”

   Beech said: “I only got my bike on Friday so I’ve only managed one practice start. So when the race started the bike came off the line like a drag bike it! It wanted to wheelie so I ended up mid pack. I just went steady into the first turn and then started picking them off. I knew I was in the pack for the podium so I was going to have a go. Weeden crashing really helped me as he pushed Hutchins wide so I’m hoping for another good result tomorrow.”

    The grid for race two was set on lap times from race one leaving Jones in pole but promoting Beech to second, Tom Ward lined up in third place and Weeden completed the front row.

   Jones got the holeshot closely followed by Weeden, Beech and Pesky. Jim Lovell and Tom Ward both had short races with Lovell crashing out at Druids on the opening lap and Tom Ward going out with a technical issue.

   Jones tried to break away like he did in race one but Beech who had moved into second decided to go with him. The pair broke away from the chasing pack with Beech just a breath away from Jones the entire race. At one point he was just 0.049secs behind the hard charging Jones. He had hoped to out drag him to the line but his plan failed due to a big moment on the final lap.

   16-year old Weeden was doing his best to hold onto his third place in the race but the more experience Pesky had other ideas passing the youngster with just two laps to go.

   Jones took his second win of the weekend, Beech finished second and Pesky took the final podium place. Jones is now leading the championship on 50 points with Beech and Pesky in joint second with 36 points each leaving Hutchins in third with 22 points.

   Jones said: “It was hard leading from the start and it took me a while to get going. I knew Ash was close so I just did my best to make no mistakes and keep to my lines to take the win. I’m looking forward to Oulton Park as I can’t wait to get back out on the bike. I feel I’m learning it now so I’ll have a play with the suspension and see what happens.”

   Beech said:  “That was good as I caught him quickly. I thought I could slipstream him to the line but when it mattered I had a near high side and ended up out of the seat. The bike feels better and I’m getting faster and faster. By Oulton Park I should be able to give him a run for his money.”

   Ward said: “I changed the gearing for warm-up and it still didn’t feel quite right so I changed it again for the race. I got stuck behind Weeden for too long but I got a podium and more points so it’s all good.”

   The Triumph Triple Challenge will hit the track again for round two at Oulton Park in Cheshire on 30^th April – 2^nd May.