British Superbikes
Metzeler impressed with new tyre after Brands test
Source: Insidebikes | Carole Nash » BSB - Sunday, 21st March 2010, 0:39 GMTThe bosses at Metzeler were celebrating this week as their new Interact tyres proved their worth, beating the Brands Hatch short circuit lap record by half a second. Steve Plater took his HM Plant Honda Fireblade to an impressive unofficial time of 47.2 seconds, half a second below the lap record of 47.83. He also ran consistent mid 47’s during a long, race simulation test, one which left him extremely encouraged by the potential of the new Superstock tyre. “Very encouraging times today especially with the race duration test but it’s also very easy to get carried away by times, especially around the Brands short circuit,” he claimed. “Other tracks may fare differently for me. “I didn’t race Superstock last year so I have no reference point but the tyres were spot on today, no worries. I can’t wait to get back down here for the racing proper in a couple of weeks.” Steve will line-up against a strong list of ex-British Champions for the super competitive Metzeler National Superstock Championship in 2010, which will once again run alongside the British Superbike series. The class includes three ex-British Supersport Champions; Plater, Glen Richards (Padgetts Honda) and three-time champ Karl Harris (GR Aprilia). Other top riders include Isle of Man hero John McGuinness (Padgetts Honda) and Richard Cooper debuting the high-powered Jentin Racing BMW S1000RR. Reigning Metzeler Superstock Champion Alastair Seeley has moved up to the British Superbike Championship leaving his Relentless by TAS Suzuki ride to Dennis Hobbs. Scott Smart returns on the Moto Rapido Ducati whilst Howie Mainwaring (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) lines up with a chasing pack showing strength in depth. The Metzeler National Superstock Championship will also have two high profile races at the Silverstone MotoGP giving an exciting showcase for the series, tyres and riders. Read article
Peter Ward On Astro Racing Team Bike For 2010 BSB
Source: British Superbike News - Wednesday, 17th March 2010, 14:02 GMTPeter Ward - BSB Championship - Cadwell Park 2009 It has now been confirmed that the Astro Racing Team will be on the grid of the British Superbike Championship for 2010 in the Evo series with Peter Ward as their rider. Taking a step-up from the Superstock 1000 championship, the team will be participating in their first full season with in the British Superbike class to be supported by Scott Smart. Peter Ward, know as ‘Pesky’, competed in a number of rides during the 2007 and 2008 seasons in British Superbikes having mainly participated in the Supersport and Superstock series and so will not be totally new to the class despite having stated that he will now have to train harder to achieve his aims. Read article
Ducati return to TT with Rutter
Source: Insidebikes | Carole Nash » BSB - Wednesday, 17th March 2010, 11:08 GMTDucati will be returning to the Isle of Man TT for the first time in seven years in 2010 after Michael Rutter and his British Superbike Championship team ridersmotorcycles.com will use machinery from the legendary Italian manufacturer in four out of the five solo races. The road racing veteran will ride his Ducati machinery, fully updated to 2010 specification, in both the Superbike and Senior races as well as racing the team’s 749RS in the two Supersport races. Rutter last rode a Ducati at the TT in 1996 and the last official Ducati effort on the Island was in 2003, when John McGuinness rode the 998cc MonsterMob machine. Rutter’s recent outings at the TT in 2007 and 2009 were blighted by injury and machinery issues, with his 2008 entry coming shortly after his split with the NW200 Yamaha team in British Superbikes. Despite that setback however, he still lapped consistently in the 125mph bracket with a best result of seventh in the Pokerstars Senior race. The 37-year-old also boasts a strong pedigree on the TT Mountain Course, having taken victory in the 1998 Supersport race and recording eight other podiums. He currently holds the 18th fastest lap time. “I’m really pleased to be returning to the TT with Ducati and I’m really excited and optimistic about our chances,” said Rutter. “Obviously last year didn’t quite go to plan with all the problems so I’m eager to come back with a fully competitive package and show what we can really do. “When we went racing with the Ducati at the end of 2009 it was all a bit last-minute and very rushed, but I could see there was a lot of potential with the bikes and I think we will be really competitive next season with updated engines and electronics. “I’m looking forward to riding the 1098R around the course and I’m sure we’ll be right in the thick of the action. It’s also great to have the use of the 749 for the two Supersport races. “It has proved how competitive it is at British Championship level and I can’t wait to take on the 600cc machines on the V-Twin in the two Supersport races at the TT as well.” Martyn Quayle, Tourism and Leisure Minister for the Isle of Man, added: “We’ve really tried to encourage as many manufacturers as possible to come to the TT so that there is lots of variety for fans on the grid. “Ducati is one of the great names in the TT’s history and with Michael Rutter on board as well, it is very exciting to see them coming back to the Isle of Man with such a competitive proposition.” Read article
BSB: Moto Rapido Ducati remain in National Superstock 1000 for 2010
Source: bikeracenews.com - Monday, 15th March 2010, 20:03 GMTFinancial issues cause Moto Rapido Ducati to re-consider move to EVO Class Moto Rapido Ducati have taken the decision to remain in the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 series for 2010 after plans to run Scott Smart in the new British Superbike Evo class encountered financial problems. The move has been determined after a proposed title sponsor pulled [...] Read article
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 » 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
