British Superbikes
BSB: Strong finish for Worx Crescent Suzuki in Spanish tests
Source: bikeracenews.com - Friday, 12th March 2010, 8:53 GMTJack Valentine: “Still work to do but confident that we’ll be well prepared for Brands Hatch” The Worx Crescent Suzuki team concluded seven days of testing in Spain today reporting excellent progress made in preparing the 2010 Suzuki GSX-R1000’s for the upcoming British Superbikes Championship. Having set fastest and second fastest times at last weekend’s tests at [...] Read article
Josh Brookes quickest at Guadix
Source: Insidebikes | Carole Nash ยป BSB - Thursday, 11th March 2010, 15:17 GMTJosh Brookes is top of the unofficial timesheets, ahead of Tommy Hill, on the second day of the Guadix British Superbike pre-season tests. The Australian, who won points at last week’s Phillip Island Word Superbike event, finished around three tenths faster than Hill with a time of 13.6 seconds as he practised on the Spanish circuit. There were some problems on the opening days of the test, with snow interfering with the riders being able to start the test. Brookes put the time to good use however and spent it working on Honda’s new Motec ECU control system and Ohlins suspension. Brookes said: “We did lose out yesterday unfortunately due to the weather but we have made some really steady progress today and I am now definitely feeling more confident about the first round at Brands Hatch.” “We still have a few areas that we can work on when we are back testing in the UK, like the suspension and fuelling but we are leaving here happy with the work we have done.” Hill was in second position followed by Swan’s James Ellison, who was also last season’s runner-up and who has spent time getting reacquainted with the machinery of Honda and managed to beat former champion Ryuichi Kiyonari as well as team mate Stuart Easton. In sixth position was Suzuki’s Yukio Kagayama who was narrowly behind Stuart Easton, while bringing up the rear were Simon Andrews in seventh and Gary Mason in eighth. There is still one more day left of testing of the Guadix testing in Spain, however, HM Plant will reportedly not be participating in the test. Read article
Win an exclusive Leon Camier signed Pirelli BSB book
Source: British Superbikes 2009 - BSB Blog - Mirror.co.uk - Wednesday, 10th March 2010, 12:08 GMTWe've teamed up with Pirelli, the sole tyre supplier for British Superbikes, to offer an exclusive Leon Camier signed Pirelli BSB book, packed full of facts, news and beautiful photography from the 2009 season. We have two of these glossy official BSB books to give away. See below for details on how to enter. Leon Camier had a stellar year in 2009 and almost made his his first BSB title look easy! He's been nabbed by the World Superbike series to partner Max Biaggi in the Italian Aprilia Racing team, a real baptism of fire but at least he has the benefit of 2 years on Pirelli tyres. You can follow the exploits of all the BSB riders and the Brits in World Superbikes (Camier, Haslam, Byrne, Rea, Sykes) here at mirror.co.uk Pirelli have been the sole tyre supplier for BSB for three years now and the aim of the organisers was to level the field by introducing one tyre, for fair and close racing. Whilst there will always be other factors like electronics and team budgets, tyres were the single biggest source of frustration for riders and fans as rival brands tried to get one rider up to the front with 'special' tyres. Pirelli are at every race with a promo truck where fans can find out more and put their questions. Click here to enter the competition Read article
Michael Laverty aims for Relentless Suzuki title glory
Source: British Superbikes 2009 - BSB Blog - Mirror.co.uk - Wednesday, 10th March 2010, 12:08 GMTMichael Laverty will be back on the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship grid in the familiar colours of Relentless Suzuki after sealing a deal to return to the team this year. The news of Laverty's arrival boosts the team's line-up with the 2007 British Supersport champion joining reigning National Superstock 1000 champion Alastair Seeley as the pair vie for Suzuki's first BSB crown since 2004. Laverty said: "I am really happy to be back in BSB with the Relentless Suzuki team and I really think we can have a great season. "I have raced all of the boys before apart from Yukio (Kagayama) and Josh (Brookes) and I honestly believe that there is no clear favourite for the title and we have the chance to shine. "I know that the team have made some real steps forward over last year and I come back to familiar territory, knowing the tracks and the whole of the TAS team. "I believe that the Relentless Suzuki has stepped up a notch from when I last raced it in BSB in 2008 and with factory parts we have a really strong package to fight for the title." The 2010 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship season kicks off at Brands Hatch on Easter weekend (3/4/5 April). Read article
BSB: Champion Kiyonari joins Brookes at HM Plant Honda
Source: British Superbikes 2009 - BSB Blog - Mirror.co.uk - Wednesday, 10th March 2010, 12:08 GMTHM Plant Honda have arguably their strongest line-up in recent seasons ahead of the 2010 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship with the team announcing today (Monday) the return of former double BSB champion Ryuichi Kiyonari alongside Josh Brookes. Kiyonari won two consecutive titles for the Louth-based team in 2006 and 2007 and now the Japanese ace is returning to BSB from the world stage after making an appearance with the team at the Croft round of the championship back in September. Kiyonari is the second former BSB champion to join the grid for 2010 after 2000 champion Neil Hodgson announced his return with the Motorpoint Yamaha team. Kiyonari said: "I am really looking forward to my return to BSB and working with the HM Plant Honda team again as some of my best times were with them. "I don't know what to expect as I know that BSB is never easy and very competitive but I will be giving it everything. "I move back to the UK in January, which is great as I love it there and then we start testing so we are ready for the start of the season." Brookes returns to BSB next season following his meteoric debut in the championship in 2009 with the HM Plant Honda team, taking ten podium finishes and ending his maiden season fourth in the overall standings despite missing nine races. Brookes said: "I am definitely excited about coming back and I now know the whole process so there won't be any of the issues I had at the start of this season. "I come back for my second season knowing the tracks, knowing the competition and having more of an idea of what to expect whereas last year was my first season so it was all unknown. "I have an advantage now as I am back home in Australia training hard and keeping myself sharp; I have been motocrossing and that speed and focus translates to road racing so I am feeling ready. "I am feeling really positive about next season and ready to take steps forward with the team next year as soon as we start testing. Steve Plater will also run in HM Plant Honda colours in the fiercely competitive National Superstock 1000 Championship, with Glen Richards running in Padgetts Honda colours in the Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship and Superstock class. Reigning Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport champion Steve Plater will also be running in Padgetts colours in the Superstock class. General Manager of Honda (UK) Motorcycles Steve Martindale said: "I'm pleased to confirm Honda's commitment to the British Superbike Championship for 2010 and also the team's continued relationship with HM Plant. The British Superbike Championship is very strong and the high standard of rider talent and racing can be seen at every round." HM Plant Chairman John Jones said: "We have been delighted with our relationship with Honda and the exposure achieved from the HM Plant Honda team partnership over the last six years and look forward to that continuing with some great and exciting racing in 2010." Read article
Swan ignite Superbike partnership with SMR
Source: British Superbikes 2009 - BSB Blog - Mirror.co.uk - Wednesday, 10th March 2010, 12:08 GMTShaun Muir Racing (SMR) has today announced that Swan, manufacturer of the UK's number one best selling filter and rolling papers, has become the new title sponsor for the team in the 2010 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship. Swan Honda will be targeting a maiden British Superbike Championship title this season with Stuart Easton and a second rider who is yet to be confirmed aboard the Honda Fireblade. Easton returns for a second consecutive season with the team after finishing third in the overall 2009 standings and is eager to battle for the title. He firmly established himself as the leading Honda rider last year with a total of 14 podium finishes, including a memorable maiden win for both himself and the Guisborough-based team at Croft. Easton said: "It is great news for me to remain with the team for a second consecutive season and after such a positive end to 2009 I am definitely going to be pushing harder than ever this year. "We proved how competitive we were last season and we are only going to come back stronger, with an improved package and even more determined to fight for the championship. "I want to get the best results I possibly can as I want to win the championship for myself, the team and our new sponsor Swan. I know we have a good starting point for our first pre-season test and we have the speed and consistency to succeed. "We will definitely be arriving at Brands Hatch ready to go out and win." Shaun Muir, Team Owner said: "We have had a roller coaster few months, and finally agreeing the partnership with a high profile and iconic brand such as Swan is fantastic news for our team. "Stuart was our number one target for this year and fully deserves his chance with us for a second term. We have identified the areas with the current bike where we can make major improvements and hope to give both our riders a much improved package from that which we finished the 2009 season with. "We hope to soon complete the signing of our second rider and confirm Swan Honda as serious title challengers for the 2010 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship." John Catania, Managing Director of Republic Technologies UK, said: "We are thrilled to work with Shaun Muir Racing as the new title sponsor for the team in the 2010 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship. "Swan Honda look set for a gripping and exhilarating season following a strong finish last year and we are delighted to be the title sponsors of this talented team. After two years of sponsorship of the BSB through our Swan Combi brand, we are excited to announce this additional partnership." The Swan Honda team will take centre stage for an official launch at the MCN London Motorcycle Show at Excel this Sunday (7 February) at 11am. Read article
Ellison fired up after signing for Swan Honda
Source: British Superbikes 2009 - BSB Blog - Mirror.co.uk - Wednesday, 10th March 2010, 12:08 GMTSwan Honda has today confirmed their completed line-up for the 2010 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship with James Ellison joining Stuart Easton to form one of the strongest teams on the grid in a bid to secure a maiden BSB title. The completed line-up was unveiled in front of thousands of fans at the MCN London Motorcycle Show. Ellison returns to the team focused and determined after finishing runner-up in 2009 following weeks of uncertainty over his BSB return when he was left without a ride. However, Swan Honda seized the chance to re-sign the Kendal rider who last rode for the team during the 2008 season. Ellison was the most consistent title contender in 2009 and was the only rider to score points in each of the 26 races taking 14 podium finishes, with four of those race victories. Ellison said: "I'm so grateful to Shaun Muir and SMR for giving me the opportunity to race in BSB this year. I know the whole Swan Honda team have pulled out all the stops to give me this chance to fight for the title. "It's been a very difficult winter not knowing if I would be racing, as I was left in a really difficult position at the end of 2009. I knew that if I had any chance of winning the championship it was with this team, so my first phone call was to Shaun when I was left without a ride. "The team was strong when I was with them in 2008, but they have moved on so much since then. This is all down to their work ethic and solid team structure, which is exactly what I need to go one better in the championship this year. "I class the team as family and I know the Honda like the back of my hand, so I'm confident we will be strong out of the gates and I am really looking forward to working with my old crew chief Mick Shanley again. "I want to thank my fans, friends, family and my wife Sarah for standing by me and always believing in me; I promise I won't let you down this year!" Team Owner Shaun Muir concluded: "To say I am delighted to have James back on board is an understatement. We were disappointed to lose him at the end of 2008, but James is determined and passionate about his racing and took his best opportunity at that time. He left us on good terms and for that reason have held him in high regard. "He brings a real hunger and desire to challenge for the title and I have no doubts that Stuart and James will bring the best out of each other. "The whole team have worked together for a number of years now and this is the first year where there is a real competition in our own garage, something that is vital in challenging for a championship. I am sure that it is going to be a great first year for Swan Honda." Brands Hatch hosts the opening round of the 2010 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship on Easter weekend (3/4/5 April). You can purchase your tickets now by calling 0870 950 9000 or visit www.brandshatch.co.uk Read article
News From Final Day of RobMac Racing BSB Cartagena Testing
Source: The Latest Motorcycle News - Sunday, 7th March 2010, 22:35 GMTThe Motorpoint Yamaha Team of Neil Hodgson and Dan Linfoot finished up their preparation for the 2010 British Superbike Chanpionship at a cold and blustery Cartagena Circuit in Spain with a good improvement in lap times and a very good feeling from both riders. Read article
BSB: Gateway of new opportunities open up for CAME in BSB
Source: British Superbikes 2009 - BSB Blog - Mirror.co.uk - Sunday, 7th March 2010, 3:51 GMTCAME the UK's premier supplier of automatic gates and access control equipment has become an official sponsor of the 2010 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship following an agreement reached with series rights holder MotorSport Vision. The CAME group first entered into motorcycle sport sponsorship in June when they were announced as an official sponsor of the World Superbike Championship and personal sponsor to Max Biaggi. The Nottingham-based CAME UK have already experienced BSB in 2009, with on site rights and sponsorship of James Westmoreland in the final round of the Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship at Oulton Park. The components of the BSB sponsorship will see trackside branding at all twelve BSB events together with on-site rights where CAME customers and installers can get an insight into the BSB paddock and experience the worlds leading domestic race series. CAME have also announced that they will become the title sponsor of the official Yamaha British Supersport team fielding 2009 championship runner-up Billy McConnell and James Westmoreland. Paolo Menuzzo, CAME Group President said: "The world of motorcycle racing has always been an example of perfect fusion between sound sporting competition by the riders on the track and high technical competence of the racing teams which assure safety on the circuit. Ensuring safety and teamwork are the guidelines which reflect the spirit of the CAME Group." The CAME Group UK Managing Director, James Bostock added: "CAME UK are delighted to continue the Superbike success of 2009 by extending our sponsorship to the British series. "The UK scene has always produced such competitive championships and we are all looking forward to being a part of the action in 2010. "Sponsoring the Raceways team will provide the nationwide network of CAME installers a competitive and professional team to support and follow in the Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship." BSB Series Director Stuart Higgs concluded: "I'm delighted to welcome CAME UK as a new full time sponsor to the Championship, its very positive news for the series and the Raceways Yamaha team." Read article
WSBK: Leon Camier auctions Phillip Island crash damaged screen for Sport Relief
Source: bikeracenews.com - Saturday, 6th March 2010, 17:46 GMTWSBK star Camier, swaps crash for cash in aid of Sport Relief Aprilia World Superbike rider Leon Camier has put the screen he damaged during his Phillip Island qualifying crash up for auction, with all proceeds going to Sport Relief. It was during the final minute of Superpole 2 that the reigning British Superbike Champion lost the [...] Read article
