Category: Superbikes

1. 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)

2. 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

3. 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.

4. Second row for Rea at Donington

   Posted on 12:00am Saturday 26th Mar 2011

   Castrol Honda rider Jonathan Rea will start tomorrow’s two second-round World Superbike championship races at Donington Park in the UK from the second row of the grid after setting the eighth fastest time in this afternoon’s Superpole qualifying sessions.
   
   Rea’s Spanish team-mate, Ruben Xaus, was unable to progress beyond the first stage of Superpole and will start from the fourth row as his compatriot, Carlos Checa, took his second pole position of the season.
   
   Rea improved the setting of his CBR1000RR after yesterday’s tyre problems and was fastest in this morning’s second free practice session. However, he and his crew opted to use one of his two qualifying tyres in Superpole 1, which meant he was left with no qualifier in the final shoot-out with which to improve his time.
   
   In seeking to improve his own set up for Donington’s sweeping curves and stop-start hairpins, Xaus went the wrong way and the 33-year-old was unable to improve on his best time from yesterday.
   
   The first of tomorrow’s two 23-lap races around the re-invigorated 4.023km (2.5 mile) Donington Park circuit will start at 12.00 local time, with the second outing at 15.30.
   
   Jonathan Rea – P8
   
   Today was not so bad really, although I guess we could have gone a bit faster in Superpole 1 on the race tyre so that we didn’t have to use a qualifier. But we wanted to make sure of getting into the last eight and I then had to go out on a second-hand qualifying tyre which ran out of grip pretty quickly. We’ve worked hard all day trying to cover all the bases for tyre options. With the temperature changing, we need to know which of the three combinations works best in all conditions but the track temperature tomorrow will really dictate which one we use. We still need to find some time in the final corner – I need a little bit more en gine braking at the end of the turn and a bit more punch to get out. I feel OK in the first three sectors though but it’s going to be a very tactical race. The ones who’ve worked hardest over the weekend will be the ones who choose the right tyre for the race conditions. Hopefully we’ve done our homework.
   
   Ruben Xaus – P16
   
   For me, this weekend is like another pre-season test. We tested during the race in Phillip Island in 30 degrees and now the conditions are much colder so we must test some more things here at Donington! The way the bike behaves is completely different here to Australia. Yesterday we were OK and had some problems in the final section of the track. We tried to improve that today, when it was much colder, and we went the wrong way and I couldn’t improve. We had grip and braking problems. As the crew said: “We know the bike, but we don’t know you so well yet.” Of course, I know myself, but I don’t know the bike so well yet! I’m much happier than I was in Phillip Island though, because there we were lost. I hope tomorrow we can make two good races and get some good top ten points and go to Assen with even more good information.
   
   Ronald ten Kate – team-manager
   
   We’re definitely in better shape than we were 24 hours ago. It seems we have quite some pace, but tomorrow will be all about tyres so we won’t really know how much pace until the races are done. I believe we have found ourselves a race tyre so considering yesterday’s set back I’m quite satisfied with Jonathan’s second row start. On Ruben’s side, we went in the wrong direction today. Luckily we realised that and we’ll turn things around for tomorrow when the aim will still be for him to finish inside the top ten.
   
   2011 World Superbike championship, round two – Donington Park, UK
   Final qualifying results:
   1 Carlos Checa (ESP) Ducati 1m28.099s
   2 Leon Haslam (GBR) BMW 1m28.365s
   3 Tom Sykes (GBR) Kawasaki) 1m28.556s
   4 Jakub Smrz (CZE) Ducati) 1m28.561s
   8 Jonathan Rea (GBR) Castrol Honda 1m29.438s
   16 Ruben Xaus (ESP) Castrol Honda 1m29.613s

5. I, Superbiker" - In Cinemas across the UK for one night only on Monday 14th March 2011

   Posted on 12:00am Wednesday 2nd Mar 2011

   "I, Superbiker", the new no-holds barred full length motorcycling documentary film, will be presented in a special screening event across the UK, for one night only on Monday 14th March and Ace Cafe London has a pair of tickets to attend the evening screening at the Apollo Cinema, Piccadilly. The winner of this pair of tickets being chosen at the cafe on the evening of Friday 5th March, monthly Streetfighter night at the Ace.

    

   DVD's of "I, Superbiker" are also up for grabs as raffle prizes at the cafe on each of the five Friday evenings through April, being the 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th with a pair of VIP tickets to attend the Easter BSB race weekend at Brands Hatch being the top prize at the cafe on Streetfighter night, Friday 1st April, no fooling!

    

   The high octane documentary intimately follows the great British hope Tommy Hill, whose parents have sacrificed their home, holidays and finances to support his burning ambition to be Britain's number one superbike racer.  Tommy commented, "British Superbikes is motorcycle racing at its very best and this film shows that brilliantly.  It's amazing to see BSB on the cinema screen.  Its a massive sport with a great following - now hopefully people who don't know it that well can see what an incredible event it is."

    

   Alongside Tommy Hill, "I, Superbiker" is a revealing portrait of the highs and lows of fellow racers, James Ellison, Josh Brookes and Gary Mason, riding through tortuous conditions and risking life and limb at every race meeting.  Motorcycle fans and thrill seekers alike will be able to experience the gladiatorial speed, strength and tenacity of the riders as they battle their way through the dramatic 2010 BSB season.

    

   The film's writer, producer and director Mark Sloper of 400TV commented "I wanted to capture the emotion and passion of motorcycle racing - a classic motorcycle racing film that might be set in the 2010 season but can still be fresh in years to come."  He added, "I also wanted it to appeal to people outside of the motorcycle industry and fan-base. And I wanted to try an change outsiders perceptions of motorcycling."

    

   www.isuperbiker.com