DOUBLE DELIGHT FOR GEARLINK KAWASAKI AT PARTY IN THE PARK

Gearlink Kawasaki enjoyed a double victory by Ben Wilson at Cadwell Park over the Bank Holiday weekend with Ben picking up the maximum 50 points haul to extend his series lead in the Fuchs Silkolene British Supersport championship back to 53 points over nearest rival Alastair Seeley with three rounds - seven races – remaining. New recruit David Jones rode to a points finish in 15th place on his debut for the team but was forced out of the second encounter with an electrical fault on the Gearlink Kawasaki ZX-6R.

However the weekend’s celebrations were marred by the tragic death of 18-year-old Ben Gautrey who lost his life in the Superstock 600 race on Monday. Ben was a member of the MWR/Gearlink Kawasaki Superstock team and a close friend of Ben Wilson who dedicated his win on Monday to him.

Wilson, from Kirton near Boston, was in fine form throughout the weekend and fastest in free practice and qualifying. He began Sunday’s 12-lap sprint race from pole position but did not get away to his usual fast start. He moved up into second place behind Seeley as they headed towards Turn One and as they crossed the start line for lap two was right on his tail. Wilson was not to be denied the lead and scorched past his rival on the straight and immediately began to pull away.

Ben Wilson - flying, in more ways than one..

Wilson was never troubled again and went on to cross the finish line for his seventh win of the current campaign well ahead of Seeley who finished some 3.4 seconds behind him.

Starting the feature race on Monday from pole position Wilson once again got a sluggish start and was fourth away. But as they went through Charlie’s he was up to second and although Seeley tried to defend his line Wilson passed him on the straight at the start of lap two. This time he was unable to shake off his opponent and the pair circulated less than a second apart for the majority of the 16 laps.  Seeley came within 0.3s of Wilson on lap nine and as they rounded Barn Corner was looking for a way past. But Wilson wasn’t having it and accelerated away. Seeley made a mistake and missed a gear which caused him to lose ground and Wilson pressed on to take the win with an advantage of 3.3s at the chequered flag.

Meanwhile David Jones was getting to grips with his Gearlink Kawasaki machine and posted some respectable lap times during practice and qualifying. He began the shorter 12-lap sprint race from the fifth row of the grid in 15th place and maintained his position through the opening few laps. He moved past Ant Rogers into 13th position mid race before encountering a problem with his machine that caused him to lose power and drop down to 15th on the penultimate lap. But, determined to bring home his first points for Gearlink Kawasaki Jones persevered and completed his race in 15th place to score his first championship point for the team. Sadly he was unable to repeat this in the second race as the electrical problem that plagued his earlier performance returned and he was forced to retire after just three laps of race two.

This double victory gives Wilson a further 50 championship points and he now has an advantage of 53 points over Seeley. But with seven races and a further 175 points on offer at the final three rounds the championship is by no means over and Wilson cannot afford to sit on his laurels. The next round is at Donington Park on September 11 and the Lincolnshire rider will be aiming to secure two more top results to maintain his advantage over Seeley.
 
Ben Wilson - "I didn’t get the best of starts in race one and Alastair got a bit of a break on me on the first lap. I soon got past McConnell and chased after Seeley passing him on the second lap. Then it was just a case of getting my head down, get into a rhythm and pull away from him. I didn’t really want to get into a situation where he was right up with me and trying to dive past at every corner.  On the last lap I had a look behind me as I didn’t realise how much of a lead I had. Race two went much the same way and obviously I am very pleased with the results, it is really special to get a double win in front of the home crowd and it’s a fantastic feeling but all this fades into insignificance after the accident involving my teammate Ben Gautrey. I want to dedicate this win to him and God bless him."

Ben Wilson - dedicated his victory to Ben Gautrey

David Jones – "Since I jumped on the bike at Mallory I have got on quite well with the bike so it was just a matter of knuckling down this weekend to see what I could come up with. First time out here at Cadwell I managed to finish in the points so I am really pleased. The bike is mint, there are just a couple of little issues with set up but you cant get the bike set up perfectly first time out and its just a matter of getting it right then we can begin to knock the seconds off and collect points. I am so sorry that the weekend has ended so sadly for the team with the loss of Ben Gautrey, my thoughts are with his family and team members."

David Jones - solid start with Gearlink Kawasaki

Michael de Bidaph – team owner and manager – "The weekend has gone to plan for us, it couldn’t have been any better. Ben has been great all weekend and just dominated this place, he has been awesome. In race one he just took off, no one else got a look in and he won with a good lead. Monday’s race was not quite so easy. Alastair Seeley came back with some good lap times and was much closer. But Ben always had a little something in reserve and upped his game pushing Alastair into making a mistake. After that it was game over and Ben cleared off and won in true style so it was absolutely fantastic for the team and also for Ben at his home track. It’s been a mega weekend."

"We are so happy with the way that our new rider David Jones has settled in. He has been there or thereabouts and gone better that we expected for his first ride on the Gearlink Kawasaki. Unfortunately he encountered an electrical fault which set him back but he still finished in the points and we are really happy with him. Race two saw the fault reappear and he was forced out in the early stages but we will move on to Donington and see if he can do even better then."

"We had some bad news today when young talented rider Ben Gautrey who rides in our satellite Superstock 600 series unfortunately lost his life when he came off at the Mountain section of the course on the first lap. It is a tragic end to the weekend. It is terrible that we have to deal with this and it has saddened all of the team and of course it has taken the edge off the great weekend we have had with Ben. My heart goes out to his family and friends at this difficult time for them."

Performance Parts Ltd would like to offer sincere sympathies to the family of Ben Gautrey.


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SWAN YAMAHA SCORE POLE POSITION AND ONE-TWO FINISH AT CADWELL PARK

 The Akrapovic equipped Swan Yamaha team put on an impressive show for the fans at Cadwell Park at the ninth round of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship as Michael Laverty claimed his first pole position and Tommy Hill in second.

In qualifying Hill looked set to claim the pole position, but a last lap improvement from Laverty saw him edge out his team-mate ahead of Monday's second race. Sunday’s rescheduled race saw the pair get off to a flying start from the front row with Laverty leading Hill as the pair pulled out an advantage over the field. Hill was shadowing his team-mate for the lead, however at the start of the eleventh lap the race was red flagged for rain. The result means Hill is now three podium credits ahead of his nearest rival Shane Byrne, whilst Laverty confirmed his place in the Showdown.
 Hill said: "It is great for the Swan Yamaha team to have a one-two in both qualifying and the first race here at Cadwell Park today. I was fairly happy with qualifying but I do feel a bit gutted not to have been on pole. I am happy to be on the front row for the second race tomorrow, but I really wanted pole as we had been fastest before that and I knew we had the pace. Congratulations to Michael though, as that was a great lap he did and it is fantastic that we have a Swan Yamaha one-two on the grid. I was looking like I might have improved on my fastest lap but I hit a false neutral into the Hairpin which cost me probably half a second. I was frustrated that the race was red flagged, but I suppose you can’t take any chances although I would have liked for it to go down to the wire as I think the battle was just starting. I think I could have passed Michael, or at least I would have had a go for it in the last laps, but it was a good result for the team.

Michael Laverty wins ahead of Tommy Hill at Cadwell Park

Laverty said: "I am really happy to have taken the pole position for Swan Yamaha for the race tomorrow as it is my first in BSB; I had make some mistakes on the previous lap but I am really chuffed. I was hoping I could just pull it out the bag but I wasn't sure if Tommy Hill was just going to take it back on his final lap. I am feeling pretty happy with the win as it is good for my championship and to consolidate the position in the top six for the Showdown.  I got off to a good start and was able to set the pace but I did make a few mistakes and knew that Tommy was close behind me. The Swan Yamaha was working well and we have more to come. I think it was the right call to stop the race when it started to rain in places and I am chuffed to have claimed pole and a race win today."

Team Manager Gary Ekerold concluded: "All I can say is that today we have had two fantastic results for the Swan Yamaha team. To start with a first and second in qualifying for tomorrow’s races and then for Michael and Tommy to have taken the same result in the first race and by a good margin was an excellent result for the team. We now want to carry that momentum through now that both riders have secured their place in the Showdown."
  
For more information visit www.swanyamaha.co.uk




For more information on Akrapovic and the hundreds of performance parts we have for your bike please visit www.performanceparts-ltd.com


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KIRKHAM ON THE PACE AT CADWELL PARK BSB

 Samsung Crescent Racing's Jon Kirkham raced to two sixth place finishes yesterday at the ninth round of the 2011 British Superbike Championship at Cadwell Park. Significantly Kirkham has regained his sp finishing the second race just three-seconds behind the winner in what was a very tightly fought race. His points haul lifted him to seventh in the championship, just missing out on the top-six Title Fighters that were finalised.

Jon Kirkham: "I'm very happy after this weekend. Working with the two crew chiefs – Dale and Lez – meant we could really push hard on set-up, it seemed everything we did this weekend just made our Samsung Crescent Racing bike better and better.

John Kirkham - delighted with two top 6 finishes

"The first race today didn't go according to plan, though. I got a bad start and got stuck behind another rider for too long, when I did get by it was too late, the leaders had gone. But in the second race I was with the leaders from the start and I stayed with them. But for a couple of mistakes on the last lap I would have been just two-seconds behind at the finish.

"I'm incredibly energised by this weekend, it's great to back on a footing with the best in the championship and I can't wait for the next round at Donington Park, which is as good as my local track. I think we can look to challenge for top-five finishes again."
 
Jack Valentine, team manager: "I'm extremely pleased with JK's performance. We saw the true potential of JK this weekend, he's back to where he was earlier this year. He ran a tremendous race in that last one. His confidence is back and he's showing his ability. There are so many positives to take to Donington Park.

"The Title Fighters was also finalised this weekend. John Hopkins was already fixed into that and we're looking forward to his return at Donington Park. We were lucky this weekend as we didn't lose too many podium points to our rivals and for Hopper there's now only an 11-point difference between him and Tommy Hill, the championship leader, which isn't very much at all with all the races that remain. Hopper knows and likes all the tracks that are to come, so we can look forward to a very competitive and exciting end to the season, both with Hopper and JK."


MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship
Round Nine, Cadwell Park

Race two result:
1.    Tommy Hill (Swan Yamaha)
2.    Michael Laverty (Swan Yamaha) +1.700s
3.    Shane Byrne (HM Plant Honda) +3.460s
4.    Josh Brookes (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +6.067s
5.    Peter Hickman (Tyco Honda) +18.892s
6.    Jon Kirkham (Samsung Crescent Racing) +23.495s
7.    Martin Jessopp (Rapid Solicitors-Bathams Ducati) +24.300s
8.    Graeme Gowland (WFR Honda) +24.424s
9.    Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) +33.228s
10.    Gary Mason (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) +33.534s

Race three result:
1.    Tommy Hill (Swan Yamaha)
2.    Josh Brookes (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +0.632s
3.    Michael Laverty (Swan Yamaha) +1.582s
4.    Shane Byrne (HM Plant Honda) +2.013s
5.    Peter Hickman (Tyco Honda) +2.664s
6.    Jon Kirkham (Samsung Crescent Racing) +3.622s
7.    Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) +8.039s
8.    Martin Jessopp (Rapid Solicitors-Bathams Ducati) +17.537s
9.    Graeme Gowland (WFR Honda) +18.386s
10.    James Ellison (Sorrymate.com Honda) +20.465s

MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship standings after Cadwell Park
(scores adjusted for the Title Fighters ahead of the Showdown):
 
1.    Tommy Hill (Swan Yamaha) 529
2.    Shane Byrne (HM Plant Honda) 522
3.    John Hopkins (Samsung Crescent Racing) 518
4.    Michael Laverty (Swan Yamaha) 510
5.    Josh Brookes (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) 509
6.    Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) 508
7.    Jon Kirkham (Samsung Crescent Racing) 145        
    
We're delighted to support Samsung Crescent Racing and supply them with Akrapovic. For more information on the hundreds of performance parts we have for your bike please visit www.performanceparts-ltd.com

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

Glasgow Bound with Harley Davidson!

Performance Parts Ltd will be attending the 2012 Harley-Davidson Model launch weekend at:

West Coast Harley-Davidson
147-151 North Street
Charring Cross
Glasgow
G3 7DA

on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th September. 

Come and see what we've got for your Harley!

We will be displaying all of our Harley-Davidson related product including Remus Custom Exhausts and the brand new Akrapovic exhaust systems. 

West Coast Harley Davidson - Beautifully laid out store & worth a visit

This will be a great event at a stellar dealership. We look forward to seeing you there! Why not make a weekend of it and include a tour of some beautiful Scottish roads!

For more information on what we've got for Harleys and other bikes please visit www.performanceparts-ltd.com.

Performance Parts Ltd. Bionics for your Bike. Better. Stronger. Faster...

Akrapovič 2011 Celebrates 20 Year Anniversary With Unique Exhibition of Racing Machines

Fantastic gathering of machines, shame it's in Slovenia as we would have like to have seen these 'live' :) We'll try to get some more pics / video...

Akrapovič celebrates its twenty year anniversary this year with an outstanding exhibition of some of the most famous race motorcycles to be held in Slovenia. 

Together, maybe for the first and only time are iconic racing machines, on and off road, from the last twenty years will be on display in one exhibition for a limited period.

 

Star exhibits include: Suzuki GSR-V (Alvaro Bautista), Honda VTR SP-2 (Colin Edwards), Yamaha YZF-R1 (Ben Spies), Kawasaki ZX-RR (Shinya Nakano), Aprilia RSV4 (Max Biaggi), Suzuki RMZ450 (Steve Ramon), Yamaha YZF450 (James Stewart), KTM SXF350 (Antonio Cairoli), KTM LC8 950 Rallye (Fabrizio Meoni) and motorcycles from 2011 such as KTM Rallye 450 (Marc Coma) and Yamaha YZR-M1 (Jorge Lorenzo).

 

A range of engine exhibits and an opportunity for visitors to meet the Akrapovič team behind the successes. Akrapovič, with the help of many of the top motorcycle race teams, have assembled an outstanding exhibition of some of the best racing machines. The exhibition which will run from August 11 to October 2nd 2011 will be held at the Technical Museum of Slovenia, Chateau Bistra, 1353 Borovnica, Bistra 6 near Ljubljana in Slovenia close to where Akrapovič is based. 

Leadership in exhaust system solutions and excellence in innovative titanium technology. The Akrapovič Company was founded in 1990 by Igor Akrapovič, based on the experience he gained in the field of motorcycle tuning and racing. Akrapovič has since become the leading manufacturer of premium exhaust systems for motorcycles and since 2008 also for performance cars. It is also a leader in carbon parts and the innovative use of titanium. Akrapovič exhaust systems are known for their impact on performance, their lightness, durability and sound. Akrapovič has achieved international prominence by the successful support of leading racing teams. 

To-date 57 World Champions, including 8 Champions in 2010, have achieved their success with Akrapovič exhaust systems. The Company operates from state-of-the-art factories in Slovenia, employing 500 people and it distributes its products to over sixty countries.

For more information on Arkrapovic or to see what performance parts we have for YOUR bike please visit www.performanceparts-ltd.com

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

BRAD ANDERSON AND PAR HONDA WIN BRITISH MX1 CHAMPIONSHIP WITH TRIPLE VICTORY AT DUNS

Akrapovic equipped PAR Honda’s Brad Anderson wrapped up the 2011 British MX1 title at Duns yesterday as he blasted to three out of three wins to take the title with one round to spare.

Anderson, who has shown dominance all year and has been gaining momentum with many wins over the last few races, was relieved to have taken the title with a round to go and doing so in style by taking all three race wins at the Duns track. After qualifying third in the wet conditions, Anderson enjoyed a good battle in the opening race of the day with British Championship returnee Billy Mackenzie, to take the first win of the day.

Anderson went on to win the second race in style, and he knew he had to beat his main British Championship rival, Kristian Whatley, in the final outing to take the title. Whatley pushed Anderson hard, but the 29-year-old held out aboard his CRF450R to win the race, the overall and the series at his home race.

In the MX2 class returning from injury Luke Hawkins and Anthony Reville spent their day getting back up to speed, having both only returned to riding one week ago following a long period off the bike. In race one Reville gated well into ninth place, but arm-pump saw the 17-year-old youngster slip back to 17th, while Hawkins maintained a steady pace for a healthy 13th place finish.

In the second race both riders didn’t get the best of starts, but Hawkins made good progress before feeling a little fatigued with his lack of recent bike time, as the track became super rough and bumpy, to take 14th place. A disappointed Reville was forced to retire with a technical problem a few laps into the 20-minute plus two-lap moto.

In the final race of the day neither rider got the starts they had hoped for, and as the track became more one liney, it was difficult to make up time. Towards the end of the moto both racers enjoyed a good battle together with Reville passing Hawkins in the final lap to finish in 15th and 16th places respectively. Both riders hope now to get as much ride time possible before the last British Championship round at Hawkstone Park.

Brad Anderson #60: MX1 1st Overall – 2011 British MX1 Champion
“Today went pretty awesome. After I saw the track before the races I really didn’t think I’d come away with three wins, as it was so wet. I put the hammer down in the first one. In the second one Whatley was pushing us all the way and the same in the last one as he didn’t want us to win it here, but I wanted to wrap the championship up today and everyone has done an awesome job. I’m over the moon. I’d just like to thank Paul, Neil, Geoff, Fox Racing, ISO Scaffolding, RGS builders, Rochford's Garage, Route 77 Energy and everyone that has helped us, as I couldn’t have done it without them. I’m now looking forward to the British Grand Prix and the Nations, which I can concentrate on. I hope we can put on a good show for the British fans.”

Luke Hawkins #12: MX2 14th Overall
“I only went out on the bike last Sunday to see how I felt and it was okay so I started to do some motos. I had a bit of a rest and did some training and once we found out I had got an entry we went out again on the bike in the week. I’m really down on bike time at the minute, which showed in the races. I came in to try and get three finishes, as I didn’t know what to expect. I felt good in qualifying when the track was tacky and made superpole. Then in race one I felt good although a bit tired at the end. I got a good start in the second race but got a bit of arm pump when I tried to push and I got tired quite early, so I ended up 14th. I got a bad start last race and struggled to ride how I wanted to; I’m struggling with strength and fitness but the more I ride the better it’s going to get so I’ve just got to keep at it.”

Anthony Reville #356: 20th Overall
“I’ve only had a week on the bike after a long time off so I’m a bit rusty, and I’ve been trying to get my motos in to get back up to speed, but we’ve got a long way to go yet. Qualifying today didn’t go to plan. I got taken down in one of my fast laps and made a mistake in my last fast lap, and by then I’d run out of time. The track was sloppy but by the first race there were a lot of deep lines, although it was sloppy still in places. I got a great start in the first race into ninth, but I was riding tense because I knew I was in a good position and I got arm pump quite bad. I struggled a bit, then I had a couple of small crashes and it was downhill from there, but it’s my first race in a long time so it was good to get it out of the way. In the second race I had a problem with my clutch and I had to pull in. In the third race I didn’t get a great start. Luke and I were together for the whole race, and the track was really gnarly with bumps everywhere, as it had dried out. It was one liney and hard to pass, but I got 15th in the end and it was good to have some races under my belt. Now I’ll be on the bike as much as I can before Hawkstone Park.”

Paul Rowlands: PAR Honda Team Owner
“We’ve had a brilliant today and Brad has ridden awesome. I think he felt a bit under pressure this morning but he rode his heart out on his home track for the wins. It’s cost me a lot of money today but he deserves it! He rode 110% and it’s great to have taken the championship. Fair play to the young ones they’ve just come back from injury and they got three races out of the way. I think we could have done better, but we need to build on it and go forward.”

For more information on what performance parts we have for your bike please visit www.performanceparts-ltd.com

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

DOUBLE PODIUM FOR GEARLINK KAWASAKI AND BEN WILSON

Ben Wilson took part in two epic battles with Alistair Seeley at Brands Hatch and crossed the finish line each time just a tyre tread behind his rival to claim two second places and a further 40 championship points in round eight of the Fuchs Silkolene British Supersport championship. Despite his efforts Wilson sees his lead reduced to 43 points with four rounds (nine races) remaining.

The usual “Rider of the Day” award took a new twist with Jamie Whitham unable to separate the two top Supersport riders and he awarded the champagne jointly to Ben Wilson and Alistair Seeley for their outstanding performance in the two races.

Wilson: Will have a huge following at his home track, Cadwell

Wilson dominated the test session on the short Indy circuit and was just beaten to pole position by Seeley when they switched to the full GP circuit on Saturday for qualifying.

As the short 10-lap sprint race got underway it was Seeley who rounded Paddock Hill Bend in the lead with Wilson on the Gearlink Kawasaki hot on his heels. The pace slowed in the opening laps with the safety car on the track to deal with a crash involving Wilson’s Gearlink Kawasaki team mate Jesse Trayler but once the car left the track the race was on and another epic battle between Seeley and Wilson took place with Wilson recording the fastest lap of the race on lap seven – less than a tenth of a second away from the existing lap record.

Ben was desperate for the win and wasn’t going to settle for second place without a fight and hit the front at Paddock Hill. But he ran a little too wide at Graham Hill bend and Seeley nipped through once again. The pair pulled well clear of the field and the battle raged all the way to the chequered flag with Seeley  taking the win by a tyre tread from Wilson, the deficit just one hundredth of a second.

After two restarts the feature race finally went ahead, this time it was Wilson who was quick off the start line and he got the hole shot through Paddock Hill. But Seeley was pushing hard and took the lead on the second lap with Wilson again hanging on to his shirt tails. Jimmy Hill joined the party for a few laps but fell back as the pace quickened leaving the two rivals to continue in another epic battle for supremacy.

With two laps remaining, Wilson took the lead but Seeley regained the position at Westfield. The battle continued and Wilson once again forged ahead at Paddock only for Seeley to force his way back at the next bend. Again the result was determined on the dash to the chequered flag with Seeley crossing the finish line three hundredths of a second ahead.

Ben Wilson - soon to have shares in silver-cleaning products

Ben Wilson – "I am a little disappointed with second place each time. After taking the lead in the sprint race I made a mistake and that let Seeley back through. In the second race I just could not shake him off and we battled on to the end. It was an exciting race and we were just about equal but on the run to the flag he just got the edge on me and took the win. We now move on to Cadwell Park where I will be putting in 100% effort to recoup the 10 points lost to Seeley this weekend and maintain my lead in the run up to the championship finale."

Wilson Vs Seeley - one of the best races of the season

Michael de Bidaph – Team owner and manager – "The weekend has gone ok for us. The free practice on the Indy circuit was not ideal but still worth going out to try a few things. We were happy enough with qualifying on the full GP circuit and the first race on Saturday was a very good race, very tight with nothing in it between Ben and Alistair. But we really wanted to win the second race to recoup the five points lost on Saturday. I must admit I am a bit disappointed as we lost another five points but on saying that it was a fabulous race, not only for the team but for Ben. We need to be thinking where we can be winning races again as we want to win this championship so we leave Brands Hatch a little disappointed and move on to Cadwell where we will try to up our game again.

The weekend has not been good at all for Jesse. He has had some problems with his budget and I think that has messed his head a bit. We did decide to run him in the practice and qualifying but then in the first race Jesse came off on the opening lap and after that I made the decision that we would not run him in the second race. I am not quite sure where we go with Jesse from here."

The next round is at Cadwell Park in Lincolnshire over the Bank Holiday weekend of August 27-29. The venue is not far from Wilson’s home and he will be encouraged by the large contingent of friends, family and local fans that will be there to support him.

Performance Parts Ltd are pleased to support, supply and sponsor Gearlink Kawasaki with Galfer brakes and Akrapovic exhausts. For more information on the hundreds of 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'S SHAKEY BYRNE BACK ON THE TOP STEP AT BRANDS

The Akrapovic equipped HM Plant Honda team celebrated their six victory of the British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch as Shane 'Shakey' Byrne secured victory in the second race of the weekend which he followed up with a third place in the final race of the day to secure his position in the end of season Showdown.

HM Plant Honda

In the second race of the weekend Shakey was running fourth on the opening lap but moved up the order with a determined ride which saw him pass title rivals Tommy Hill and John Hopkins to secure his fourth win of the season. In the third race Shakey looked set to challenge for a double victory but despite a vibration in the rear tyre he was able to return to the podium in third place. Ryuichi Kiyonari meanwhile had a challenging weekend; scoring twelfth in the second race but put in a strong third race to move up the order from his fourth row start to finish sixth. In the Superstock 1000 Championship Luke Jones was forced to retire from the race with a clutch problem, which prematurely ended a positive weekend with the HM Plant Honda team.

Shakey said: "If anyone had an idea on how tough it had been for us at the start of this weekend then they would know how much the win meant for myself and the HM Plant Honda team. Yesterday we had drama after drama and it was just one of those days but we were on the front row for the third race which was the main thing. Tommy (Hill) and I had a great battle and it was very similar to the first round we had here at Easter. We both stayed up which was the main thing as we were a bit on the edge at times. I was happy to be back on the podium again in the third race for HM Plant Honda and the team worked so hard to turn things around from Saturday through to today. In the final race the bike developed a vibration in the rear towards the end of the race but I desperately wanted another podium finish, but at the same time third was better than a crash. All credit to the HM Plant Honda team for their hard work this weekend and I know we should make some steps forward before the next round at Cadwell Park when the three of us will no doubt be fighting again for those wins.”

Shakey wins - and a bad day for Champagne fans

 Kiyo said: “This weekend has been disappointing for me as we have worked hard to find the right setting and we made changes between races and after warm up but I wasn’t feeling comfortable, although in the third race it felt better and I could push the front and finish sixth. We had turned off all the electronics in the third race and I just tried to ride the bike, because where the conditions changed from Saturday to Sunday we had less time to make improvements. It has been a frustrating weekend but I think we can come back at Cadwell Park faster to make sure we stay in the top six for the Showdown.”

Kiyonari: Next up - Cadwell, the Team's home round

 Luke said: “It has been another great weekend for me working with HM Plant Honda and I want to thank the team again for the opportunity. We made steps forward all weekend and I feel that we could have had a strong race finish if it hadn’t been for the issue, but that can happen at any time and now I am looking forward to Cadwell Park.”

Team Manager Havier Beltran concluded: “It has been a fantastic day for Shakey; a win and a third place was what he deserved after fighting so hard all weekend, especially at his home round. We have some more improvements to make overall but we are feeling confident for Cadwell Park which is the team’s home round. We have mixed feelings for Kiyo; his start in the third race was his fastest off the line in two years and he showed signs of the Kiyo we know – the one that can challenge at the front. He showed he still has the potential to win races but we just need to make improvements for Cadwell Park. Luke did another great job this weekend and had it not been for a clutch problem I am sure he would have been made further improvements in the race. He will join us again at Cadwell Park so hopefully it will be third time lucky!”

Performance Parts Ltd, the official UK importer of Akrapovic, are pleased to Sponsor, Support and Supply HM Plant Honda. For more information on the hundreds of 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’S HILL SCORES HOME VICTORY AT BRANDS HATCH

 The Akrapovic equipped Swan Yamaha team celebrated victory in the final MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship race of the weekend on the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit today (Sunday) as Tommy Hill took his fifth win of the season to consolidate his position in the end of season Showdown.
 
In the second race of the weekend Hill had been embroiled in an intense battle with title rival Shane Byrne but was forced to settle for second, but in race three he came back fighting at his home circuit to lead the race from the start and maintain his position. Michael Laverty showed impressive pace in the second race to carve his way through the field from a fifth row start to secure fourth, which he followed up in the final race with another fourth after challenging for third place in the closing stages.
 
Hill said: "It’s been a great day and I am happy that we could be back on the podium in both races for Swan Yamaha. In the second race I tried to make a move on Shakey going in to Paddock Hill Bend but it was a bit brave and it just didn’t work out, but I knew I needed to try and make a lunge. Hopper was closing us down and I knew we needed as main Podium Credits as possible. We knew we would be in the ball park for the third race so we just made a few tweaks and then was ready for the last race.

Tommy Hill celebrates at Brands Hatch

"The third race was probably the best ride of my season so far. I knew I needed to get off the line and Hopper and Shakey kept the pressure on me; I just had to bite the screen and keep pushing to try and get a bit of an advantage. The three of us (who finished on the podium) keep raising the bar and we just need to keep doing that at every round. We are in the top six now for the Showdown and we can concentrate on the podium credits at Cadwell Park and then fighting for the wins over the final three rounds. I need to thank the Swan Yamaha team, it was a shame about yesterday’s first race result but now we are looking forward to Cadwell Park."
 
Laverty said: "It has been a frustrating day for me really and the results don’t really reflect the pace that we have had this weekend. In race two I had to start from the fifth row of the grid and it was hard work to come through the field and by the time I did, the leading three had an advantage. In the races I was able to run a string of consistent fast laps and knew we had the pace to win, but thought we could try in race three starting from the front row. I was behind Shakey and he was strong on the brakes and on the exit of the corner but where the Swan Yamaha was faster was mid corner and I just couldn’t get passed him. I wasn’t prepared for us both to end up in the gravel trap with a bit of an over ambitious move because fourth place kept us inside the top six. We know we have the pace to win so now we have to focus on Cadwell Park and trying to maintain that top six place and score some Podium Credits for our championship."
 
Team Manager Gary Ekerold concluded: "It would have been nice to have a fourth race this weekend as we know that both Tommy and Michael could still have made some further improvements after a strong weekend. To score another win for Tommy was a great result and Michael again scored consistently to maintain his position in the standings and he pushed Byrne all the way in the final race of the weekend. We now look forward to Cadwell Park where we will be aiming to return to the podium in the three races."
 
For more information visit www.swanyamaha.co.uk



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HOPKINS ON THE PODIUM AT BRANDS HATCH GP

John Hopkins enjoyed two visits to the BSB podium today to end the eighth round of the 2011 British Superbikes Championship at the Brands Hatch GP circuit on a high note. Hopkins placed 4-3-2 for the weekend, his Samsung Crescent Racing team-mate Jon Kirkham placed 9-8-10.

For both Hopkins and Kirkham it was a tough first race today having to battle from the third and fourth rows (respectively) at the start. Hopkins was in fine form and despite gear-shift issues was able to fight his way through the traffic to have the leaders in his sights as the chequered flag fell, finishing third. Kirkham as well rode a strong race to come through to eighth, only 17-seconds behind the winner.

Two podiums for Hopper

Hopkins had a front row start for the final race and capitalised on this to take second position off the start. He held on to the leader, Tommy Hill, for most of the race distance but wasn't able to attack and so settled for second to secure yet more podium credits. Kirkham also made a good start but after getting hemmed in at the first turn found himself in an eight-bike battle for eighth. Putting together strong and consistent lap times he took tenth place at the finish.

John Hopkins: "It all went well today. We had a little issue with shifting gear in that first race and so I couldn't ride as hard as I'd like to have, but I was very happy to pick up that last podium credit. In the second race the bike was perfect and everything was great but Tommy Hill rode really well, I couldn't have ridden any harder, it hurts to be beaten but we did what was needed.

"Importantly I'm now secure in the top six for the Showdown and that's exciting, something I can really look forward to. Going to Cadwell Park I don't need to worry about championship points, and will instead ride for the podium credits – they're most important now. Once again the team proved just how good they were this weekend, sorting the shifter issues between races today, the bike was perfect for that last race. We're looking set for a great time at Cadwell Park."

Jon Kirkham: "Three top-ten finishes from three rides – I should be happy with that after my recent run of luck. I can't be totally happy though. The first race today was hard work, so to come away with a second row start for the last race was a good outcome. But then I got trapped in the pack on turn one and all the good work was undone. I got some decent lap times in but got stuck behind another rider, the result could have been better.

Kirkham: Three solid top 10 finishes over the weekend

"I know the Title Fighters really is a long shot for me now. 24 points doesn't sound so much but at this level all the riders know how to get results. I've still got the goal to improve my results, though, and I think top-six finishes are achievable – as long as I get my starts sorted! I'm still looking to improve."

We're proud to supply and support Crescent Suzuki as official UK importers of Akrapovic. for more information on the hundreds of Performance Parts we have for your bike please visit www.performanceparts-ltd.com

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AKRAPOVIC EQUIPPED CLARKE TAKES RACE WIN AND OVERALL VICTORY AT HAWKSTONE

Maxxis Apico Suzuki rider, Steven Clarke, took a great race win and overall victory at round six of the British Masters Championship, held at Hawkstone Park in Shropshire at the weekend, demonstrating that the 21 year-old is firmly back at the sharp end.

 

With track conditions dry and dusty, Clarke started his assault in good form, qualifying third quickest on his RM-Z250 Suzuki, before gating in the best way possible in race one - taking the holeshot and pushing on hard with rival Bradshaw chasing close behind. Putting a considerable gap on the rest of the riders, Clarke made a small mistake, effectively handing the first race win to Bradshaw, but with enough of a gap remounted to still finish in runner-up spot.

Determined to make up for his first race slip-up, Clarke lead from the start once again in race two, before commencing a three-way battle with MacKenzie and Bradshaw, but this time remained consistent and without incident stayed on-board to take a great race win and the overall victory on the day.

Steven Clarke: "What a great day of racing. The conditions didn't make it easy, but the bike made light work of it and I was able to push hard in complete confidence. The small crash in the first race was a disappointment as we'd been so strong, but as I'd put the work in to gap the rest of the field, I still managed to bring it home in second. Thankfully, for once luck was on my side in the second race and we managed to stay in it to win it. A big thanks to the whole team."

As official UK importers of Akrapovic we are pleased to be associated with Steven Clarke. For more information on the hundreds of performance parts we have for your bike please visit www.performanceparts-ltd.com 

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HM Plant Honda prepare to defend title lead at Brands Hatch triple-header

The Akrapovic equipped HM Plant Honda team lead the British Superbike Championship standings as the title race reaches the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit this weekend for the first of the triple-header events of the season.

Shane 'Shakey' Byrne currently is at the top of the standings and is seeking victory on his home circuit after winning the opening round at the Kent track on the Indy configuration earlier this year. Ryuichi Kiyonari returns to the UK following his victory in the Suzuka 8 Hour race last weekend and is determined to consolidate his position in the top six in the overall standings ahead of the Showdown. In the Superstock 1000 Championship Luke Jones continues to deputise for the injured Jason O’Halloran and is looking to build on his experience at Oulton Park.

Photo: www.mnjphotography.co.uk

 
Byrne said: “I am obviously looking forward to Brands Hatch as it is my home round and I do have such good memories from there. I desperately want to win this weekend and I know we have the Kawasaki World Superbike team also racing, but that won’t change my goal and the races are going to be ones to watch! We won on the Indy circuit at the opening round but you can’t really compare the two, all I know is that I need to concentrate solely on winning again as we haven’t in the past rounds. I know we have had the pace but it just hasn’t worked out, but this weekend will be so important for the championship with three races and we will be pushing hard to make sure we stay ahead at Brands Hatch.”

Photo: www.mnjphotography.co.uk

Kiyo said: “I am happy because there are three races at Brands Hatch and it is one of my favourite tracks on the calendar. I think it will be a good weekend for the fans, because it is going to be so close, but that means harder for us riders! It is important to do well at Brands Hatch because it will be the same track as the final round so we need to be fast. There are many riders that can win there, but I need to be strong like I was when I won at Oulton Park earlier in the year. The top four riders you know are going to be fast and fighting for the win, but there are other riders too that could be there and we have the Kawasaki WSB coming too. I think we can win; we have made lots of progress with the HM Plant Honda Fireblade so we need to go out and push hard. I have the number one plate on my bike and that means I should be up the front fighting for the win and nothing less.”

 Jones said: “It is definitely going to be good to get back on the HM Plant Honda Fireblade again this weekend and I have done some extra laps at the Ron Haslam Race School too to give me some more time on the Honda Fireblade. Brands Hatch is one of my favourite tracks and having the time in both the Superstock and Triumph Triple Challenge this weekend I think could be of benefit to me. I expect more this weekend because at Oulton Park I was in at the deep end as I hadn’t ridden the Honda Fireblade but now I have a round of knowledge and I know where I can improve. I need to thank the team and everyone involved for giving me this opportunity again.”

Team Manager Havier Beltran concluded: “Brands Hatch is always a big round and the HM Plant Honda team have celebrated some fantastic results there in the past. Both Shakey and Kiyo have been very competitive there in the past and the three-race format should make for some fantastic racing weekend for the fans. It is getting tougher now as we are getting closer to the Showdown as every point is crucial. In the Superstock class Luke has now had a round on the HM Plant Honda Fireblade and has spent some time at the Ron Haslam Race School to get some more time on the Fireblade in order to gain some more experience ahead of this weekend. We are looking for him to improve again this weekend and build on what he has already learnt.”


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



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