Lots of interest in our stand at the NEC!

It was great to meet so many folks at our stand at the Motorcycle live show at the NEC. We knew our position across the aisle from Harley-Davidson’s stand was prime, but we could not have forecast the the level of interest in the brand new Akrapovic exhaust range for Harley-Davidson machines. 

Harley 883 Iron at the NEC

 There was also a significant interest from touring riders in our EU compliant Remus slip-ons exhaust mufflers. More and more riders are becoming aware that increased enforcement of EU exhaust regulations is taking place on the continent. These Remus slip-ons carry the all-important EU ‘e’ mark that authorities check for. It was also great to talk to riders who noticed that more and more UK dealers were fitting this equipment to their demo bikes.

It was good to see an interest in our Hyperpro suspension products and Galfer wave disks. There is still a lack of general awareness as to just how much a motorcycle’s handling and braking performance can be improved with these two products. They are often overlooked in a ‘personalising’ budget, but those who have done it tell us they would never change back…….

Performance Parts Ltd - Bionics for your bike. Better. Stronger. Faster...

www.performanceparts-ltd.com

GEARLINK KAWASAKI MISS TITLE BY ONE POINT

Despite taking a win, second and fourth place in the final three races of the Fuchs Silkolene British Supersport championship at Brands Hatch; it was not enough to secure the title for Gearlink Kawasaki rider Ben Wilson who lost out by just one championship point to rival Alastair Seeley. But although Seeley may have won the trophy Wilson has been heralded by the fans as the people’s champion and provided them all with a fantastic display of racing throughout the season.

Wilson- missed title by Gnats whisker

Going into the final round Wilson (29) trailed Seeley by 14 points and knew he had to win all three races in order to lift the trophy and although a tough challenge Wilson was determined to give it a go and see what unveiled.

Wilson was handed a lifeline in the first race as Seeley crashed leaving Ben to claim all 25 points and go into the final two races with an 11 point advantage over his rival. But with a damp track greeting him on Sunday, Ben made a cautious start in the slippery conditions and was swallowed up in the pack as they rounded the first corner. He recovered well and soon found his way through to fourth place. But Seeley was ahead of him and at the end of the race the advantage was down to just four points meaning Ben would have to win the final event to be sure of the title.

But it wasn’t to be as, although the Lincolnshire ace held the lead for the first four laps he was overhauled by Seeley who went on to take both the win and the title by a margin of just one championship point.

Meanwhile David Jones was unable to add to his points tally at Brands Hatch. He was riding well in the first race and up into the top 10 until he lost the front at Stirling Bend caused him to crash, his race over.

In race two David was circulating in a group of riders all challenging for 15th position. Positions changed at almost every corner and he finally crossed the finish line in 19th position.

The final race resulted in another 19th place. This time David had a lonely ride remaining in 19th to the chequered flag.

Ben Wilson - arguably one of the most entertaining riders

Ben Wilson - To say I am disappointed is an understatement; I am devastated as I had my heart set on winning the title this year. I managed to get the lead in the last race but made a couple of mistakes and that allowed Seeley to get ahead.  Once he got the gap on me it was all over. To be fair the gap didn’t increase but fair play to him, he rode a good race and in the end took the title from under my nose. I want to say a big thank you to everyone at Gearlink Kawasaki, all my sponsors, supporters and also my family who have been behind me all season. I am just sorry we couldn’t have brought the title back for them.

David Jones – I had a good battle in the first race but unfortunately it got the better of me and I went down. But overall we have made huge progress with the bike.  Nineteenth was not a good result for me in the last two races, I was hoping to be in the top 10 but it didn’t happen. I was faster than everyone ahead of me in race two but there were damp patches and when you go to overtake you go onto the wet stuff resulting in running wide and having big slides. That ruined that race for me and I went into the final event hoping to do much better. But I think I suffered a bit from lack of confidence from going down on Saturday and then the damp conditions earlier and once we got underway I had a few issues with the bike and I just wanted to bring the bike home safely. I would like to thank Norma and Michael and the Gearlink Kawasaki team for giving me the opportunity of riding for them over the past few races, I have enjoyed the experience immensely.

Michael de Bidaph – team owner and manager – We came to Brands Hatch with a big task on our hands to win this championship and we thought we may be able to do it. But Alastair Seeley has upped his game and has been phenomenally quick around here all weekend. But in the first race Ben pushed him into making a mistake and we thought it was all coming back our way. The rain this morning did us no favours whatsoever as Ben had to be careful because the track was so slippery and then in the final race we knew it was always going to be hard to beat Alastair and all I can say is that I am so disappointed, for Ben, myself and the team. I wanted to win for all our sponsors who have been so good to us. It is hard to take this at the moment but we will get over this and look to see what we are to do next year. 

David has been chipping away again this weekend but his results havent been great perhaps because of the set up which we will look at after the weekend.

I would like to say a massive thank you to all our sponsors; I can’t name them all but they all know who they are. We couldn’t have done it without them and I appreciate what they have done for us.

Performance Parts Ltd are please to support, sponsor and supply Gearlink Kawasaki. For more information about the performance parts we have for YOUR bike please visit www.performanceparts-ltd.com

Performance Parts Ltd - Bionics for your bike. Better. Stronger. Faster...

HM Plant Honda Ends Season On A High

The HM Plant Honda team missed out on the British Superbike Championship title this year, but at Brands Hatch yesterday (Sunday) Shane 'Shakey' Byrne put in a sensational performance to celebrate a double race victory to end the season on a high for the team.

Byrne: Certainly not a Shakey finish...

In the second race of the weekend on Sunday morning, Shakey got off to a flying start from the front row as he moved into second at the first corner but quickly took the lead and continued to head the field until the chequered flag. Kiyonari meanwhile finished in sixteenth place in the second race of the weekend.
In the final race of the season on Sunday afternoon, Shakey again demonstrated the impressive pace of the HM Plant Honda Fireblade to secure the final win of the year by 4.434 seconds, which secured him third place in the overall standings. Kiyo just missed out on a top ten finish in eleventh place and finished sixth in the championship overall.

The National Superstock 1000 Championship race was unfortunately cancelled following a crash that caused the race to be red flagged and Jason O’Halloran was therefore unable to complete the final race of the year.

Shakey said: "That win in the first race of the day race felt like I had just won the championship! We gave it everything at the weekend and I wanted nothing less than two race wins on Sunday. We had a good start but in the first laps I didn't do a very good job of avoiding the damp patches and I had a few moments - in fact more than I think I have had in my whole career! I didn't know who was behind me but I knew I wasn't prepared to let them through as I wanted that win badly. The second win was great for me and the team but at the same time I felt a bit empty as all that hard work and great wins but for no championship title.
 

“After the first race of the day I didn’t initially realise I couldn’t still win the championship, but then the boys said to me just get out there and enjoy it and that’s what I did. Every lap I kept thinking why did Donington and Silverstone go so wrong? I was desperate to achieve the last two wins of the season and on Sunday we won the battle but we didn’t quite manage the war. The double win was a great result for the HM Plant Honda team for all their hard work all season. Missing out this year means I have something to come back for next year and I will certainly be throwing some grenades then!”

Kiyo- not back at HM Plant next season

 Kiyo said: “It has been another difficult weekend for me and I am disappointed that I couldn’t have a better result to end the season. We have worked hard and I need to thank the HM Plant Honda team for their support to try and help me improve over this year.”
Jason said: “I was really looking forward to the final race of the season as we really wanted to end on a high for the HM Plant Honda team, but unfortunately it wasn’t possible. We had been improving all weekend and I was feeling confident for the race, but I just want to thank the HM Plant Honda team for their support this season, particularly when I was injured.”

Team Manager Havier Beltran concluded: “Shakey did a fantastic job by taking the double win at Brands Hatch and he couldn’t have done any more. At the beginning of Sunday the championship was realistically unfortunately out of reach so all he could do was end the season with two victories and that is exactly what he did and it was a classy performance from him and we couldn’t have asked for more.

“It has been a difficult season for Kiyo; with him the HM Plant Honda team has won three BSB titles and scored 43 race wins which makes him the most successful rider in BSB history. We want to thank Kiyo for the successes we have celebrated together over the years. He will always be part of the Honda family and we wish him all the best for the future, in whatever he decides to do, as he will not be returning to the HM Plant Honda team in 2012.

“For Jason it was disappointing that the race was cancelled and he was unable to end the season with a result and full race but we obviously want to send our best wishes to the riders involved in the accident that caused the stoppage. We are now already looking ahead to winter preparation for next season where we will be looking to come back even stronger.”


For further information about Honda, the HM Plant Honda team and its riders please visit
www.honda.co.uk or www.honda-racing.co.uk

Performance Parts Ltd are please to support, sponsor and supply HM Plant Honda. For more information about the performance parts we have for YOUR bike please visit www.performanceparts-ltd.com

Performance Parts Ltd - Bionics for your bike. Better. Stronger. Faster...

 

SWAN YAMAHA CELEBRATE BSB CHAMPIONSHIP WIN AT BRANDS HATCH

The Swan Yamaha team are celebrating tonight after Tommy Hill secured a maiden MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship title with a sensational performance in the final race of the year to beat title rival John Hopkins to the line by just 0.006 seconds. The second place meant that Hill was crowned champion with a two point advantage at the end of the season.

Tommy Hill - BSB Champ!

 Hill had missed out on a podium in the second race with a fourth place and just two points separated him from title rival Hopkins ahead of the last race of the year. In the final race the pair swapped places five times on the final lap, which would decide the outcome of the title. Hill narrowly crossed the line ahead to secure second and with it a maiden championship title for the team.

Michael Laverty was caught out by the drying conditions in the second race but in the season finale he was embroiled in the fight for the final podium positions before ending the race in fifth place. Laverty ended the season fourth in the standings for the Swan Yamaha team.

Hill said: “I am gobsmacked to have won the title for Swan Yamaha; this has been my goal and I was trying to stay as relaxed as possible in that final race. The season has put a lot of pressure on everyone and that reflects on everyone. We have been regularly finishing in the top three and that has therefore been the benchmark and the whole of the Swan Yamaha team have been working so hard all year to make this possible. It has just been a complete shock for me and I feel like we should be having another race next weekend now! It wasn’t until the other riders started congratulating me that I even realised I had won as it was so close between myself and Hopper.

“It has been a long hard season and it came down to that one race. Everyone wanted a Showdown and that is what we have given them; it really was make or break time and I knew I had to do everything possible to beat Hopper. I knew Michael (Laverty) was behind me, but then when I knew it was Josh (Brookes) I had to just go for it. Coming across the line we didn’t know who had finished second and with it the title. At the moment I feel like I need someone to punch me or something to bring me back to reality. I just want to go out and race again now! I just want to celebrate now with my family, friends and the whole of the Swan Yamaha team and I need to thank everyone for their support this season.”

Laverty said: “Today has been a great result for the Swan Yamaha team and congratulations have to go to Tommy for winning the title. I rode my hardest to try and protect him and the rest of the hard work he did himself. There is a lot of satisfaction for the team tonight but at the same time I am disappointed that we were not able to come away as the champion. We have been fast all season long and we showed again yesterday with the win that we have the pace. It has been a great year and I need to thank the Swan Yamaha team for all their support.”

Team Owner Shaun Muir concluded: “We delivered everything we set out to achieve at the start of the season although we have made life difficult along the way! It didn’t start the best for Tommy this weekend but he couldn’t have done more in that race. Big thanks also have to go to Michael for his support in the final race as he did a great job of acting as Tommy’s wingman. We want to take this opportunity to thank all of our sponsors, partners and supporters who have made this possible.”

For more information visit www.swanyamaha.co.uk

Performance Parts Ltd are please to support, sponsor and supply Swan Yamaha. For more information about the performance parts we have for YOUR bike please visit www.performanceparts-ltd.com

Performance Parts Ltd - Bionics for your bike. Better. Stronger. Faster...

HOPKINS SECOND IN BSB CHAMPIONSHIP – BY 0.006secs

Samsung Crescent Racing's John Hopkins has missed out on the British Superbike Championship by the smallest ever recorded deficit: 0.006-seconds.

In a day of tough breaks at the final round of the 2011 British Superbike Championship, Hopkins suffered an electrical glitch on the first lap of the first race today, but was able to reset the bike's ignition trackside and recovered from last place to 12th. His championship rival Tommy Hill meanwhile finished fourth, to narrow Hopkins' championship lead to just two points. Hopkins' team-mate Jon Kirkham was able to help in damage control by placing a superb second, ahead of Hill.

Hopper: brought something special to the BSB

In the final race of the series Hopkins held third place for 16 laps before being passed by Hill. Both then passed James Ellison to be second and third going into the last lap with the gap between them just 0.060-seconds. In a lap which saw countless pass and re-passing, their race – and the championship – was decided by the final lunge for the finish line, which Hill made by the smallest advantage measurable. Jon Kirkham had been challenging for fifth place when he crashed (uninjured) at Druids on the fifth lap.

John Hopkins: "Well I don't feel great obviously, but I don't feel completely empty either. This has been a great season, I gave it everything I had but it just wasn't to be. So hats off to Tommy for taking the title.

"I couldn't be more grateful to the Samsung Crescent Racing team, they gave me everything including the best bike out there. I came into this year on a make or break basis in terms of my racing career but with their help I'm now set for a world championship ride next year. The team has put me there. I'm hugely grateful."

Jon Kirkham: "I had a great first race today, it was good to show what I could do, to be on the podium again was brilliant – and it secured me the Riders' Cup, for being best of the rest (first non Title Fighter)!

Kirkham: Rider's Cup winner

"In the second race I didn't have the rear tyre performance I had for the first, it was spinning up and when I pushed it – I really wanted to be in the top-five there, helping Hopper – it just let go.

"I sit here now and the year has just gone so quick; it's been an enjoyable year and to race with the Samsung Crescent Racing team has been brilliant. Big thanks to them for a giving me such a great year."

Jack Valentine, team manager: "I'm speechless. It's impossible to put into words how this feels. It's hugely disappointing, yet I find I'm happy as well – I think that's the pride I feel for the team. What they've achieved this year has been brilliant, an unbelievable job.

"Racing will always be a story of ifs and buts and we've plenty of those to take away from this weekend – what if Hopper's electrics hadn't suffered that glitch in the first race; what if JK had stayed on and got in the mix? But the story of the championship isn't down to one or two isolated moments like those, there's more to it than that and everyone has those moments during the year. We just have to take away the positives. We were there and we got to within literally an inch or so of the title. We did everything we could.

"So I'd like to say a big thank you back to my riders as well, I've appreciated everything they've done this season. Hopper has been an inspirational rider to work with, very giving, very open and always positive – we'll have so many great memories of this season with him. JK has been through an incredible journey this year, making the step up to the big time – and today he showed he's now one of Britain's top riders for sure. Then huge thanks to Lez and Dale and their crews, all of them have been incredibly professional – and inspirational – this season. It's been a great team. And finally, to Samsung, FIXI and all our sponsors – thanks for everything, without their support we wouldn't be here, the support has been brilliant. We hope they enjoyed the ride as much as we did.

"One more thing, then: bring on 2012!"

Performance Parts Ltd are please to support, sponsor and supply Samsung Crescent Suzuki. For more information about the performance parts we have for YOUR bike please visit www.performanceparts-ltd.com

Performance Parts Ltd - Bionics for your bike. Better. Stronger. Faster...

HM Plant Honda set for final season Showdown at Brands Hatch

The HM Plant Honda team are gearing up for the final round of the 2011 British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch this weekend as Shane 'Shakey' Byrne still has a mathematical chance of lifting a third title following the three races at his home circuit.

Shakey has had two challenging Showdown rounds, but is confident that the HM Plant Honda team can strike back this weekend in a final chance to become 2011 champions. Shakey, who recently became a father again for the second time, had a brief test at Cadwell Park on Monday with a short session on circuit to make some final improvements ahead of the races at Brands Hatch and admits he won't be going down without a fight. Ryuichi Kiyonari is looking to end his season on a positive note after a difficult year for the defending champion. In the National Superstock 1000 Championship Jason O’Halloran is eager to put in a strong performance on his second round back from injury.

Shakey- Brands is like his back garden

Shakey said: "Brands Hatch is like my back garden so performing strongly there is always important to me as I get so much support. We come into the final three races at Brands Hatch on the back foot after the first two rounds of the Showdown but that's how it is. Nothing short of three race wins will be enough and myself and the HM Plant Honda team will be doing everything we can to achieve that. We had a few laps at Cadwell Park on Monday lunchtime but we utilised the time well and we were able to test a few changes that we didn't have time for at Silverstone. We were only using old tyres but we were not too far off; in fact on one lap we were as quick as one of my race laps from the round there in August. We are taking the positives from that to Brands Hatch this weekend and if we do win the races and something incredible happens then we could still be champions again."

Kiyo: wants to finish the season on a high note

 Kiyo said: “I think Brands Hatch will be a good track for the HM Plant Honda team and we have been working hard to make improvements for the final rounds, but I really want results. I don’t want to end the season in the same way as we have at other rounds. It won’t be easy, I know but it is my favourite track and with three races we have a better opportunity to make changes. It has been frustrating but I want good results this weekend for myself and the team.”

Jason said: “I can’t wait to get out on the Grand Prix circuit as I missed the round in August whilst I was still out injured. I came back at Silverstone and unfortunately things didn’t quite work out for us there but we really are ready and fired up for this weekend now. It has been a tough season so I really want to get the best result possible for the HM Plant Honda team.”

Team Manager Havier Beltran concluded: “It is time for the final Showdown and for Shakey it is still mathematically possible for him to win the title; he is down on points compared to the leading pair, but as we saw last season anything can happen. It won’t be easy but the whole HM Plant Honda team is motivated for a good end to the year and we are confident in the package of the Fireblade that we can be in contention for the wins. We hope that this weekend we can resolve the issues that Kiyo has been experiencing in order for him to have a better final round and for Jason in the Superstock class we are confident that he can have a positive end to his season.”


For further information about Honda, the HM Plant Honda team and its riders please visit
www.honda.co.uk or www.honda-racing.co.uk

Performance Parts Ltd are please to support, sponsor and supply HM Plany Honda. For more information about the performance parts we have for YOUR bike please visit www.performanceparts-ltd.com

Performance Parts Ltd - Bionics for your bike. Better. Stronger. Faster...

 

SWAN YAMAHA SET FOR SEASON SHOWDOWN AT BRANDS HATCH TITLE DECIDER

 The Swan Yamaha team are gearing up for the title-deciding final round of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch this weekend as the team challenge for their maiden title with Tommy Hill and Michael Laverty both in contention.

Hill arrives at his home round with an eight point deficit to championship leader John Hopkins and will be going all out for the final three race wins of the season. Laverty on the second of the Swan Yamahas is mathematically still in with a shot of the title despite being 44 points adrift ahead of the title leader and is determined to end his season on a high. The Swan Yamaha team will be looking to build on their run of podium finishes; Hill has secured top three positions in the previous nine races and Laverty has also consistently scored podiums over the past three rounds.  

Hill - looking to keep the Swan Yamaha ahead of Hopkins

Hill said: “Brands Hatch is it; the three most important races of the season and everyone is focused on the weekend. We all love the Grand Prix circuit and everyone in the Swan Yamaha team will be doing everything we can to come away as champions. We have moved forward since the round there in August when we won and this is the weekend where we need to step everything up again; this is the last chance and we really want this title. We can’t underestimate any of our rivals as everyone is going to be pushing hard. Last year was a different scenario and I will be coming out fighting as hard as I can to win again this weekend and hopefully that will be enough to be the 2011 champions.”

Laverty said: “The last round at Silverstone was a bit frustrating as we deserved more, but the pressure is off me now because of my position and I can come into Brands Hatch feeling confident of a strong end to the season for the Swan Yamaha team. We have an outside chance of the title now, but at the same time you never know what can still happen; we have seen that before! We are ready for the battle this weekend and we won’t be giving up just yet. We always want the two Swan Yamahas at the front in every race and this weekend that will be what we are aiming for again. They are going to be three tough races, but we will be doing everything to win.”
 
For more information visit www.swanyamaha.co.uk
 

Performance Parts Ltd are please to support, sponsor and supply Swan Yamaha. For more information about the performance parts we have for YOUR bike please visit www.performanceparts-ltd.com

Performance Parts Ltd - Bionics for your bike. Better. Stronger. Faster...

HOPKINS READY FOR THE FINAL SHOWDOWN

Samsung Crescent Racing's John Hopkins leads the 2011 British Superbike Championship as it heads to the final round this weekend at the Brands Hatch GP circuit in Kent. Hopkins has an eight-point lead over nearest rival Tommy Hill but with three races on the programme – equivalent to 75 points to the winner of all three – there's still everything to race for.

Team-mate Jon Kirkham in turn leads the Riders' Cup, for the best rider outside of the Title Fighter's Showdown, and with top-five and podium finishes in recent rounds he looks set to make the Cup his, while also lending valuable support to Hopkins in the battle at the front.

Hopper: Ready to Rumble!

John Hopkins: "I'm really keen to get started into the weekend. The points gap that I have is a great advantage but not really a comfort, the strategy still has to be 'race to win', anything less and we won't have the championship. But I'm confident we can do just that. Th e Samsung Crescent race bike has a great set-up, I love riding it, and with the data we took from our previous visit to the GP circuit – together with the track knowledge I gained – it puts us in a strong position coming in.

"My injured finger gets stronger each day and I don't expect it to be a problem. Again I'll have to manage it – and with three races there'll be a lot of work to do – but I think we proved at Donington Park and Silverstone that it's not affecting my racing. There's mental pressure as well, but it's nothing new to me, nothing I can't deal with. The job stays the same: go for the holeshot, take the lead and stay out of trouble. Get the win. It's racing. I love it!"

Kirkham - leading the Rider's Cup

 Jon Kirkham: "I'm really looking forward to the weekend. I love the circuit and so after having a bad time here earlier in the year I'll be going all-out to put in the best performance, finish the year on a high. I've got the bike the way I like it now so I'm aiming to be there in the leading pack again. I want to get the points to make the Riders' Cup mine, but if along the way my being in there helps John's championship then so much the better."

Jack Valentine, team manager: "Showdown time! Here we are again, just as last year, let's hope we can finish the job this time. As a team we're preparing the way we always do – everything  100% and everything sorted so we give our riders everything they need to do the job.

"With just eight points the lead we're nowhere near applying tactics, we're in the same boat as everyone, we have to win races to win the championship. Maybe if we get a win in the first race on Saturday we might be able to play tactical on Sunday, but we know it's when you start being too clever, or start relaxing – that's when the problems come. For the riders, they prefer to race to win, it's pro bably the safest strategy.

"Hopper's a great racer in any case, he's shown all season long that he can respond to challenges, I don't see anything changing this weekend. Business as usual for him. JK's had a brilliant end to the year. Mid-season it got away from him for a bit, but since Cadwell Park he's been brilliant, he's on the pace all-race and his race craft improves with every battle. His presence in the top-five could yet make every difference to the championship outcome. Everything is readied: the riders, the bikes, the team. Let's race!"

Performance Parts Ltd are please to support, sponsor and supply Samsung Crescent Suzuki. For more information about the performance parts we have for YOUR bike please visit www.performanceparts-ltd.com

Performance Parts Ltd - Bionics for your bike. Better. Stronger. Faster...

HOPKINS WINS AT SILVERSTONE BSB

John Hopkins extended his lead in the 2011 British Superbike Championship with a win and a third today, at Silverstone circuit in Northamptonshire. Hopkins will take an eight-point lead to the final three-race round at Brands Hatch GP in a fortnight's time.

Hopper- Looking to wrap up the title at Brands

 Hopkins' Samsung Crescent Racing team-mate Jon Kirkham again proved he can run with the Title Fighters. However in race one he was judged to have jumped the start and was given a ride-through penalty, effectively ending his race. Kirkham rode at his best in the second race as part of the seven-bike leading group, eventually placing sixth.

John Hopkins: "I'm very happy with the weekend's results. Part of me knew we were in damage limitation mode as I was sure I'd have fight through the pain barrier at some point, with my finger only days after major surgery. The team, though, made my job much easier by giving me such a good set-up based on the limited number of laps we did in practice and qualifying – I need to say it's a massive thanks to them.

"The first race – well, I won! It wasn't easy and Michael Laverty was tough opposition, even when I passed him I couldn't drop him, so I was relieved to take the chequered flag.

"Then we had a real race on our hands – my hand – to get the swelling out of my finger before race two. The team had a specialist work with me over the weekend, and through icing, then laser treatment and elevating we kept on top of it.

"Race two was difficult as I didn't have the grip from the rear tyre that I'd had in the first race. It was sliding around from the beginning and while I tried to conserve it I was struggling toward the end of the race. I was still able to challenge Tommy Hill for second, but with the red flag coming out with a lap to go (due to another rider's engine 'blowing up' and putting oil on the track) I ran out of time."

Jon Kirkham: "A good weekend as again I was on the pace. But the jump start in race one was annoying. The starter kept us on the grid for what felt like an age and I could sense my clutch was cooking, then it jumped – I stopped it with the brake, and I was stationary when the race started, but was still judged to have jumped. I was gutted. 

John Kirkham- on the pace

"Race two started well because the team had the forethought to get me sorted with a soft tyre in what was left of my first race, so I was able to put in a fast lap for a front row qualifying position. I was pleased I was able to race with the top guys, and passing Shane Byrne I thought I might have a chance of a top-five, but then he passed me back and before I could have another go we got the red flag. But to be less then three-seconds behind the winner I know I have the pace now to regularly ride at the front."

Jack Valentine, team manager: "I'm very pleased with the outcome. Hopper has been magnificent again this weekend, he's riding competitive, controlled races with a badly injured hand – and winning! The effort he's putting in is amazing.

"JK is now at home with the pace of the leaders, he's in there with them and he's putting in passes, his race craft improves with every race and he's able to play the team-mate Hopper needs, dicing with the Title Fighters, taking points from them when he can.

"So I've no complaints, the boys performed. But for the red flag in race two we might have slightly better results on both their accounts. But we're talking 'ifs'; to come away with an eight-point lead in the championship is a great outcome. Just three more races to go..."

Performance Parts Ltd are please to support, sponsor and supply Swan Yamaha. For more information about the performance parts we have for YOUR bike please visit www.performanceparts-ltd.com

Performance Parts Ltd - Bionics for your bike. Better. Stronger. Faster...

PODIUM FINISHES FOR SWAN YAMAHA AHEAD OF SEASON SHOWDOWN

Swan Yamaha’s Tommy Hill and Michael Laverty secured podium finishes at the penultimate Showdown round of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship at Silverstone today as the team now prepare to fight for the title at the deciding finale at Brands Hatch.

Hill and Laverty at Silverstone

In the opening race of the day Laverty took the lead before championship leader John Hopkins passed him on the ninth lap at Stowe. Laverty was trying to regain the position but a mistake cost him the chance of victory as he had failed to see the last lap flag or pit board on the final lap and had to settle for second. Hill took third place as he fought hard to maintain his podium finishing form that has seen him maintain second in the overall standings ahead of the final round.

In the second race Laverty again took the lead before the leading Title Fighters battled for the podium positions. Hill then hit the front, but with four laps remaining he was pushed to second but still scored vital points for the championship as Laverty secured fourth. Hill lies second in the standings, eight points adrift of the championship leader whilst Laverty leaves Silverstone in fourth place overall.

Hill said: "We have left Silverstone second in the standings and still ready for the title fight at Brands Hatch. I was feeling frustrated with third place in the first race; it wasn’t a bad result in terms of a podium finish and consistency is important but not when a certain American is winning races ahead of us. I really thought we could challenge for the win and we did pull them in towards the end after they had got a bit of a gap. We obviously wanted more in race two and again I had mixed emotions for that race as I was pleased that I had John (Hopkins) behind me for the championship, but also I want to win badly for myself and the Swan Yamaha team. We had a few issues with set up this weekend and I did struggle with grip but I knew I just had to push on because every point counts. Josh (Brookes) came past me and I wanted to have a go but the championship tapped me on the back of my head and I knew that the points would be critical coming in to Brands Hatch and the last three races.”

Laverty said: “Race one was going to plan and I was feeling comfortable with the pace and I followed John (Hopkins) for a few laps but I made a stupid mistake because I hadn’t seen my pit board or the last lap flag and so I didn’t take a punt to get passed him. I was a bit frustrated with that and I wanted to make amends in the second race. In the second one I took the lead on the first lap, but John Hopkins got passed me and before I knew it I was back to third. I was suffering with some brake issues and the race was getting a bit messy as everyone was making lunges and it was all pretty hectic! I think if I had been able to get to the front I could have controlled the pace but I just didn’t get the chance I needed. We will re-group though and come back for Brands Hatch and the last three races of the season ready to get back on that podium.”

Swan Yamaha team owner Shaun Muir concluded: “I am delighted that we leave Silverstone still in contention for the championship and the racing today just shows that all of the riders out there are giving it everything. The title will go down to the wire and it was just a shame that the race was red flagged as I think Michael could have made a move to take the last place on the podium.”

For more information visit www.swanyamaha.co.uk 

Performance Parts Ltd are please to support, sponsor and supply Swan Yamaha. For more information about the performance parts we have for YOUR bike please visit www.performanceparts-ltd.com

Performance Parts Ltd - Bionics for your bike. Better. Stronger. Faster...

Shakey recovers to score two fifth places at Silverstone Showdown

HM Plant Honda’s Shane 'Shakey' Byrne overcame his difficult qualifying session at the penultimate round of the British Superbike Championship at Silverstone with a determined ride in the two races secured him a pair of fifth place finishes ahead of the final round at Brands Hatch.

Shakey - all smiles going into the final 3 races

 
In the first race Shakey had to carve his way through the field following some radical changes following qualifying as the team tried to solve the chatter issues they had been suffering throughout free practice and qualifying. The gamble paid off and after a strong start the former double champion was through to fourth by the third lap. He fought with the Title Fighters and was able to score points in fifth, which he followed up again in race two despite leading for two laps. The HM Plant Honda rider now heads into the final round at his home circuit 44 points adrift and desperate to secure the final three wins of the season in a bid to keep his title hopes alive.

Ryuichi Kiyonari again struggled to find a set up to give him confidence in the races; in the opening race a problem on the grid caused him to be moved to pitlane as the team worked to resolve the issue. The defending champion should have started from the back of the grid but took his place on the fourth row and was subsequently given a ride through penalty. He rejoined but finished in 28th position and outside of the points. In the second race Kiyo again was unable to find the pace to run with the leading group and he could only finish in 13th position.

Shakey said: "We certainly didn't come to Silverstone to score two fifth places but if someone would have offered me that on Friday or even Saturday afternoon I would have snapped their arm off for it. It was a learning experience for me in the first race after we made some radical changes; it was just annoying that we found the pace at that point in the weekend despite the boys working so hard in the garage to turn things around. I was trying to get everything perfect in race two after leading for a few laps and then John (Hopkins) came past me in the slipstream down the straight and that was it. Maybe I could have had an answer for third or fourth on the last lap, but from 13th we turned it around well in the races. We are on the back foot coming into the final round at Brands Hatch but the championship is still far from over."

Kiyo said: “It was another difficult weekend and then to have a mechanical problem on the grid for the first race was disappointing. I didn’t realise that I needed to start from the back of the grid so I took my grid position and then saw that I had a ride through penalty. We had made changes that had some good and bad points, like we have had in previous rounds. I couldn’t go fast enough again and I am not happy with the results. I don’t want to end the season like this so for Brands Hatch I want to be back fighting with the other Title Fighters.”

Kiyo- not an easy season

 
Jason said: “It felt great to be back on the HM Plant Honda Fireblade after being out for so long with injury although the weekend didn’t go completely according to plan. I felt good being back out on the Honda Fireblade and it was just a shame that we had problems that meant we couldn’t challenge in the race. We showed we were capable of a strong finish in free practice and now we want to get to Brands Hatch and crack on for the final race of the season.”

Team Manager Havier Beltran concluded: “It was a massive turn around for Shakey with the big changes that were made ahead of the races. It was just a shame that we hadn’t been able to achieve that earlier in the weekend. To go from 13th to fifth was a big step forward and with three races there is still all to play for; we just need to figure out how to beat our competitors. We struggled with Kiyo’s machine set up, again he wasn’t comfortable and it was another disappointing weekend – of course we need to try and resolve this for Brands Hatch. In the Superstock class it was really unfortunate for Jason to have suffered an electrical problem on his comeback, especially as we had suffered problems during qualifying too. The whole HM Plant Honda team now is focused on how we can improve for Brands Hatch and the final three races of the Showdown.” 


For further information about Honda, the HM Plant Honda team and its riders please visit
www.honda.co.uk or www.honda-racing.co.uk 

Performance Parts Ltd are please to support, sponsor and supply HM Plant Honda. For more information about the performance parts we have for YOUR bike please visit www.performanceparts-ltd.com

Performance Parts Ltd - Bionics for your bike. Better. Stronger. Faster...

HM Plant Honda prepared for Silverstone Showdown

The British Superbike Championship reaches the penultimate round this weekend at Silverstone as Shane 'Shakey' Byrne and Ryuichi Kiyonari prepare to close the point deficit in the overall standings as Jason O’Halloran returns from injury in the National Superstock 1000 Championship.

 
Shakey currently lies third in the standings, 25 points behind the championship leader following the opening Showdown round at Donington Park. Shakey had taken a fourth place in the first race before a collision with Michael Laverty in race two meant a determined ride back from a crash to eighth place. This weekend he is determined to make amends and put the HM Plant Honda Fireblade back on the podium in a quest to close in on the title leaders Kiyo meanwhile lies sixth in the standings and as he continues to regain his podium finishing pace the defending champion is seeking a stronger performance this weekend.

 In the National Superstock 1000 Championship Jason returns from injury prepared for the final two rounds of the season. He has been sidelined since the Knockhill round following a crash but is looking forward to his return this weekend with the HM Plant Honda team.

 Shakey said: “I am looking forward to Silverstone and getting back out on the HM Plant Honda Fireblade. Basically, this weekend we are taking everything we have learnt so far this season and condensing it so that we can start in a stronger position. The team have been working hard since Donington Park to see what else we can try, but we have a few changes to refine in practice and then we will be focused on the races and doing everything we can to put the HM Plant Honda Fireblade back on the podium again.”

 Kiyo said: “The first Showdown round at Donington Park was disappointing as we didn’t score points in Race one, so at Silverstone we have to try and catch up in the points and get ourselves in a better position for the final round at Brands Hatch. The problems we have been having are not easy to solve, but I still think it is possible to fight with the other Title Fighters. The title won’t be easy to win now but I haven’t given up because anything can still happen; we saw that at Donington with Shakey and Michael. I will be trying hard to be back on the podium because I still want to win for the HM Plant Honda team.”

 Jason said: “I can’t wait to get back on the HM Plant Honda Fireblade this weekend for the first time since my crash. I had waited to make a return when I felt that I would be able to ride like I need to and when I felt I had got my strength back to where it needs to be to race. Recently I have had a couple of rides on a Honda CBR1000 and it felt good, so I am looking forward to rolling out again on Friday and then getting some good results before the end of the season.”

Performance Parts Ltd are please to support, sponsor and supply HM Plant Honda. For more information about the performance parts we have for YOUR bike please visit www.performanceparts-ltd.com

Performance Parts Ltd - Bionics for your bike. Better. Stronger. Faster...

HOPKINS: MORE SURGERY ON INJURED HAND

 With a week to go to the penultimate round of the 2011 British Superbikes Championship, Samsung Crescent Racing's John Hopkins continues his fight to be 100% fit for the final races as he recovers from hand injuries sustained at the MotoGP round in the Czech Republic in August.

Hopper: Finger surgery since Donington!

Despite sensationally winning both races at Donington Park BSB a week ago – and taking over the BSB championship lead – Hopkins knew his hand still wasn't sufficiently healed and so rushed back to California to consult further with his surgeons. X-rays revealed areas still fractured with his middle finger not locating in the knuckle – the finger has now been micro-plated and screwed.

John Hopkins: "There was a lot of pain in my fingers at Donington Park, and I knew it wasn't right and in fact I was very worried I'd aggravated the injury. So I rushed back to see my surgeon on the Monday.

"The x-rays showe d that my middle finger wasn't locating properly in the second knuckle. Fortunately the bone area that had previously been crushed was now nicely healed and so my surgeon was able to put in screws and plates so as to stabilize the finger.

Riding through the pain barrier - with no painkillers

 "I could feel straight away that the finger was much stronger and it's improved every day since. I'm now very confident that I'll be able to ride at near-enough 100% at Silverstone next weekend."

Jack Valentine, team manager: "I was amazed John was able to ride through such pain at Donington Park. He wouldn't take pain killers and we could tell by the end of the second race it had been a tough ordeal for him.

"The news now is all-good, John's surgeon identified the issues and has done an incredible job in returning the stability John's knuckle and finger needed. John's very excited by the progress he's made and we can now look forward to him being physically much better prepared for the Silverstone round. He took the lap record there at the World Superbike round we attended earlier this year. We think he'll now be able to continue with that kind of pace. We can expect to be very competitive."     
    
 

Performance Parts Ltd are please to support, sponsor and supply HM Plant Honda. For more information about the performance parts we have for YOUR bike please visit www.performanceparts-ltd.com

Performance Parts Ltd - Bionics for your bike. Better. Stronger. Faster...

   
  

Challenging start to the Showdown for HM Plant Honda

The HM Plant Honda team had a difficult start to the final three round Showdown for the British Superbike Championship title at Donington Park last weekend as Shane 'Shakey' Byrne and Ryuichi Kiyonari continue to fight for the title.

Shakey and Kiyo had qualified in fifth and seventh place respectively for the first race and following an impressive start off the line Shakey took the lead on the opening lap, he then swapped places with Michael Laverty for the lead before holding the position for nine laps before Tommy Hill forced him wide at Goddards which saw him drop to fourth. Shakey then was forced to settle for the position and the points as the tyre spun on the rim, slowing his pace. Kiyo meanwhile retired from the first race of the Showdown with a suspected engine braking problem.

HM Plant's Shakey Byrne

In race two Shakey started from second on the grid with Kiyo in seventh and he got another strong start from the front row. However as the pack entered Redgate corner for the first time Shakey collided with Laverty and the pair crashed out. Shakey was able to rejoin the race and a determined ride saw him carve his way through the pack and up the order to finish in eighth position. Kiyo again struggled to run the pace of the leading pack and finished in sixth place.

Shakey said: "We have been up against it this weekend. We had a game plan that looked like it would work - we couldn’t let the Yamahas get to the front so I tried to get into the lead as soon as I could in race one. The final sector has been my weakest all weekend and Tommy was able to pass me twice at the same point. I then had the tyre spin on the rim and I had no answer to him. It had sent us wide the second time which I know wasn’t intentional or malicious and I am not blaming him for trying but it meant the others got a gap and I couldn’t close it back. But that is what the format of the championship now produces and we all want to win the BSB title. In race two we made an improvement and got a good start. I basically got alongside John Hopkins and waited for him to brake and I thought it was absolutely perfect as I got the inside. Unfortunately though Michael was there too and we went down. It was another frustrating moment in the weekend for me and to be 25 points behind really makes me feel for the whole of the HM Plant Honda team. It is not where we need to be but we can learn from the weekend.”

 Kiyo said: “It was a hard weekend for me. In race one we had a problem with the engine and it was very disappointing to not have finished the race as we need to be scoring points for the championship. In the second race we tried a different setting to try and improve again but after five laps we had a problem with front chatter and then the rear was spinning and I couldn’t do the lap times to stay with the other riders. I think it puts us in a difficult position to win the championship now but I won’t give up because different things can still happen and we can still win.”

Performance Parts Ltd are please to support, sponsor and supply HM Plant Honda. For more information about the performance parts we have for YOUR bike please visit www.performanceparts-ltd.com

Performance Parts Ltd - Bionics for your bike. Better. Stronger. Faster...

HOPKINS DOMINATES DONINGTON BSB, LEADS CHAMPIONSHIP

John Hopkins stormed to a dominant double win today at the tenth round of the 2011 British Superbikes Championship at Donington Park. The wins put Hopkins in the lead of the BSB championship with just two rounds to go.

Hopkins' Samsung Crescent Racing team-mate Jon Kirkham was also in great form, fighting for podium finishes and placing 5-3 to strengthen his position as leader in the Rider's Cup, the competition to be the best rider outside of the Showdown's Title Fighters.

Hopper and Kirkham - on the podium again

John Hopkins: "This is a very special double-win for me. It's good to come back from injury and to immediately win and to take over the championship lead. But as well this is a day of remembrance back at home, for the victims of 9/11, so I'm thinking of those people and their families, and this is my tribute to them.

"We enjoyed some great racing today. I was careful to conserve my tyres in the first race and I let the opportunities come to me, Tommy Hill's mistake when passing Shane Byrne played to my advantage and then it was just a matter of planning and waiting for the chance to pass Michael Laverty, and that came four laps from home. I had plenty of pace left in the bike, and in the tyres, to take it from there.

Two wins and a lead in the Championship!

"The second race was actually harder. I got most of the racing done early, I was in the lead by the fourth lap, but the lack of distractions meant the pain in my fingers was very obvious. The bike was awesome, though, from half distance I was able to pull four-tenths a lap on Tommy and once we got to a two-second buffer I just controlled it from there."

Jon Kirkham: "I'm really pleased. I was looking for two top-fives this weekend, so a fifth and a third is more than job done. I got caught behind Ryuichi Kiyonari early in the first race and this let the leaders get away, it was only a matter of a couple of seconds, but it's so hard to pull that back given the pace at the front.

Podium finish and Rider's Cup lead

"The second race was brilliant fun. I could see from my pit board that I was being chased hard and when Kiyo slowed I had to pass quickly and make something of a break if it wasn't going to get messy. I got my head down and from there to the end of the race I wouldn't let my speed drop. So the gap grew quite comfortably and I was surprised at the end to see Tommy's bike coming into view. To share the podium with John today was fantastic."

Performance Parts Ltd are please to support, sponsor and supply Samsung Crescent Suzuki. For more information about the performance parts we have for YOUR bike please visit www.performanceparts-ltd.com

Performance Parts Ltd - Bionics for your bike. Better. Stronger. Faster...

PODIUM FINISHES FOR SWAN YAMAHA AT DONINGTON PARK

The Swan Yamaha team had mixed start to the Showdown as Tommy Hill claimed a double podium finish whilst Michael Laverty secured a second place in race one before a crash left him scoring just two points in the second race at Donington Park.

The opening race of the day saw both Swan Yamaha riders in an epic dice for the first victory of the Showdown. Laverty had taken the early lead in the first race before Shane Byrne stole the position on the third lap. Laverty then dropped to third as Hill moved ahead but with four riders switching places after Hill made a move on Byrne at Goddards it gave Laverty the chance to take the lead. Laverty then maintained his position until the final threea laps when John Hopkins edged ahead and Laverty and Hill completed a double podium performance in second and third respectively.

The second race almost ended prematurely for Laverty when he collided with Byrne at Redgate on the opening lap and as the pair ended in the gravel he then had to pick up the Swan Yamaha to try and salvage some points. He was able to finish in 14th position and set the fastest lap of the race in the process. Hill had taken the lead on the opening laps but was passed by Hopkins and despite his best efforts finished in second place to put him three points behind in the overall standings.

Michael Laverty and Tommy Hill

Hill said: "I was gutted with the first race result today despite finishing on the podium as we just didn’t have the speed. The Swan Yamaha team changed the engine between races to see exactly what the problem was and how we could fix it for race two. We got into a rhythm over the opening laps and then the pace dropped off and I knew the guys behind us were closing in. I knew we had to do something so I made a lunge from about six bike lengths back and I didn’t quite make it. In the second race I saw Michael make a brave move when he dived for the apex. I just let them carry on as I knew what would happen. I settled down into a rhythm and John Hopkins came passed me and there wasn’t much I could do. It hasn’t been the worst weekend for me with two podiums but we needed wins and we need to change that at Silverstone."

Laverty said: "I was happy to be on the podium again in the first race. I got to the front but to be honest I was surprised when Shakey came passed me as I wasn’t sure he would have the pace after the way the weekend had gone for him. I let him run the pace and then I knew I had to get my finger out and make a move to get back in the lead. I passed Shakey with the melee at Goddards but then it was all a bit busy as we went into Redgate! I was on the outside but then I saw John Hopkins went for the same line so I took a chance on the inside and it paid off. I held John off for a few laps but I didn’t want to do something risky and end up in the gravel; there will be fairing bashing to come but I didn’t want to risk it in the first Showdown race! I was feeling confident for the second race and I wanted to get to the front as soon as possible. Shakey had done the same move in race one and we went for the apex but he hadn’t seen me. It is frustrating but it was a racing incident. It will be an uphill task now but we knew we had the pace which makes it even more disappointing. The pressure is slightly off me now as I can just try for wins rather than being too conservative but anything can still happen and I will fight until the bitter end for the title."

Team Manager Gary Ekerold said: "Coming off the three wins at Cadwell Park it was always going to be hard to manage expectations of the Swan Yamaha team but for Tommy it has been a great weekend with two podium finishes. Michael obviously had a disappointing second race but we have banked points for the championship and now we look ahead to Silverstone where we know we can be strong."

Performance Parts Ltd are please to support, sponsor and supply Swan Yamaha. For more information about the performance parts we have for YOUR bike please visit www.performanceparts-ltd.com

Performance Parts Ltd - Bionics for your bike. Better. Stronger. Faster...

HM Plant Honda set for BSB Showdown at Donington Park

The HM Plant Honda team return to action this weekend for the opening Showdown round for the British Superbike Championship at Donington Park as the final phase of the season gets underway in Leicestershire.

Shane 'Shakey' Byrne currently lies second in the overall standings, just seven points adrift of the championship lead and following the previous round at Cadwell Park believes the HM Plant Honda team will be ready to challenge for victories again this weekend. The last time Shakey raced at the track he secured a pole position and two race wins on his way to securing his second BSB title in 2008. 

Defending champion Ryuichi Kiyonari currently lies sixth in the standings ahead of the Donington Park event and knows that he needs to start winning races again to ensure that he moves up the order ahead of the final two rounds at Silverstone and Brands Hatch after this weekend.

The team will not replace the injured Jason O’Halloran in the National Superstock 1000 Championship this weekend, but the Australian is expected to return at the penultimate round at Silverstone.

Shakey said: “I am really buzzing about getting to Donington Park and the Showdown now. The HM Plant Honda team have worked hard all season and now we are planning for the final three rounds and formulating our plan of attack! We found some changes at Cadwell Park to make the HM Plant Honda stronger and we have been winning races and on the podium all season so there is no reason why that should change now it is the Showdown. To be champion everyone knows you need to work harder, push harder and myself and the HM Plant Honda team are going to be giving one hundred and ten percent to try and end the season as the 2011 British Superbike champions.”

Shakey - hoping to fly at Donny. (pic from MNJ Photography)

 
Kiyo said: “For Donington Park we have some ideas on some more improvements we can make following the test and then the three races at Cadwell Park as we have a better understanding. I am half looking forward to this weekend and the Showdown starting and half nervous; I think the six of us are probably all the same! The circuit is one of my favourite though and I have missed it since the last time we raced there so for me I am excited to be back there. I think the Showdown is going to be harder than the Main Season as it is a different pressure now. There are so many different stories that can happen before the final round at Brands Hatch and we cannot make any mistakes, but you also need to try and win every race as otherwise it will not be enough to be champion. I hope we can do that at Donington Park this weekend.”

Kiyo - looking to be on it... (pic from MNJ Photography)

 Team Manager Havier Beltran concluded: “It is now the important part of the season and ahead of the Showdown both Shakey and Kiyo know what they need to do and that is to win races and consistently finish ahead of the other riders. Since Cadwell Park the whole team have been working hard so that we can approach the final three rounds ready to fight for the title and we are confident that we have the best package with the HM Plant Honda Fireblade to retain the number one plate.”


For further information about Honda, the HM Plant Honda team and its riders please visit
www.honda.co.uk or www.honda-racing.co.uk 

Performance Parts Ltd are pleased to supply, support and sponsor HM Plant Honda. For more information on the performance parts we have for your bike please visit www.performanceparts-ltd.com

Performance Parts Ltd - Bionic for your Bike- Better. Stronger. Faster...