Highs and Lows for Gearlink Kawasaki at Brands Hatch Final Round

It was a hugely emotional weekend for the Gearlink Kawasaki team at the final round of the Motorsport British Supersport Championship at Brands Hatch. Alastair Seeley rode his heart out despite coming to Brands Hatch with a 19 point deficit. He rode a stunning first race and finished second and went into the main race on Sunday four points behind Easton. In a dramatic final race of the season once again the Gearlink Kawasaki team were forced to take the runner-up spot in the overall Championship after the race was cut short and Alastair was awarded third place.

It was a mixed weekend for the Gearlink Kawasaki team as fellow Supersport rider Ben Wilson had a huge crash on Saturday morning during the qualifying session. This fractured his lower leg/upper ankle and he was declared unfit to ride in either British Supersport race.

Alastair knew he had his work cut out but he was eager to try and salvage something from Brands Hatch. The rain fell heavily on Saturday for qualifying and he ended up in sixth place on the grid, he got a great start and worked his way through the pack to take a solid second place. Setting the fastest lap in the race he was sat in pole position for race two on Sunday, after the opening lap the rain came down and the race was red flagged. The race was then declared wet and shortened; Alastair got another good start but was pushed wide on the back section of the track forcing him back to fourth at the end of the opening lap. He managed to re-group and get his head down making his way back through to the front. Meanwhile Easton was making a charge through the pack and it was not long before the pair were fighting for the lead as they have all season. Easton made a pass to the front and Alastair dropped to third, the race was red flagged due to a big crash into Paddock Hill and the Championship was decided.

Alastair Seeley - "Well to say I'm gutted is an understatement. It's been such a rollercoaster year and the crash and injuries I sustained at Cadwell were what put a huge hindrance on my season and I've ended up second. I couldn't have finished second to a better and worthy Champion, we've had some fantastic battles over the season and it's been an enjoyable year just with the end result not what I was hoping. I finished this race smiling knowing that I had tried my best, my laps this year at every track were always consistently fast and that's a testament to the Gearlink Kawasaki team. They have worked so hard all year and with it being a new team for me to do what we have is a great achievement, I fitted in well from the start and everyone has worked so hard all season to help me win. It was difficult this weekend with the changing weather conditions as I wanted to push hard but not beyond the limit where I wouldn't finish, the track was really greasy and the conditions made things much worse. I tried hard this weekend and did everything I could to try and win the Championship and fair play and congratulations to Stuart Easton for winning it. Thank you to everyone who have supported me this season, my sponsors, my family, mechanics, girlfriend and the entire Gearlink Team, it's been great just unfortunate not to take the Championship win."

Ben Wilson - "I'm totally devastated to have to end the season in the medical centre, I was keen to end the season on a high note but it just wasn't to be. I was just caught out on a wet part of the track and that was me down but I went into the barrier at a quick part of the circuit. It hurt as soon as I got up and the medics x-rayed me in the medical centre and that was my season over. I'm sorry to everyone this isn't the way I wanted the season to end and thank you to everyone who has stood by me over this season and hopefully I'll be back fully fit to race again next year."

Pirelli National Superstock 600s

It was a totally different story in the Pirelli National Superstock 600 class as Luke Hedger became the 2013 Superstock 600 Champion in his first season in the Championship after becoming 2012 British Motostar Champion. Luke was fired up for the weekend and the super talented youngster proved his worth and rode an extremely mature race not getting involved in any situations and bringing the Gearlink Kawasaki home in eighth place but taking the Championship win by 16 points. His team-mate Mark Wilkinson struggled in the wet conditions and finished in 21^st place.

Luke Hedger - "I'm absolutely over the moon with the Championship win, to move up to the Superstock 600 class this year from the Motostar class was a big jump and it took me a while to adjust to the new riding style to suit the 600. I couldn't have done this without the help and support this year from Michael and Norma and all the Gearlink Kawasaki team they have been unbelievable and I couldn't ask more from a team. All season I have just settled in more and more and the wins started to come and I started creeping up the Championship table and that's when I started to think that it might just be possible if I could remain consistent to win the series. I've worked hard all year and really wanted to do well; to win the Championship is just brilliant I'm so pleased for everyone involved. Thank you so much to everyone who has helped me this season, all my personal sponsors, my team, my girlfriend and especially my Mum and Dad."

Mark Wilkinson - "That was my first race on the Kawasaki in the wet and I got a good start but made a few mistakes on the first lap and lost a lot of places. I was stuck in a group and with the conditions being so bad it was hard to make any moves. I've managed to score points in every round this year and would have been nice to finish the season in the points but it just wasn't to be. I would like to say a huge thank you to all the Gearlink Kawasaki team for making me feel at home and welcoming me into their team like they did. Also to everyone back home in Australia for their support it's much appreciated. Roll on 2014."

Team Manager Michael de Bidaph - "What can I say? I'm massively disappointed not to have won the Supersport Championship again. Alastair could not have done any more this weekend and it was taken away from us with a red flag situation. However, this year has been a fantastic year, we as a team, have constantly been at the front at all the races this year and Ben and Alastair are a credit to this team and we have taken so much from it. We will back again next year to try again and one day we will win that Supersport Championship. The Gearlink Kawasaki team would like to wish Ben a speedy recovery.

Luke was superb; he did everything he had to do today to win the Superstock 600 Championship. He rode a very mature race and did not do anything stupid, we're all really pleased with his Championship title and he took away some of the disappointment from the Supersport result.

Mark made a few mistakes in the opening laps but he has never ridden the bike in a wet race before and up to now he has been in the points at every race. He's been an absolute delight to have him in our team; he fitted in really well and rode very hard and always willing to learn.

I must say a huge thank you to all our very loyal sponsors, especially Kawasaki Motors UK, all our product sponsors and we are just sorry we were unable to repay you with the Supersport Championship but we will keep trying."

For more information on Gearlink Kawasaki please visit: www.gearlinkracing.com
We're pleased to support, sponsor and supply performance parts to Gealink Kawasaki racing. For more information on the parts we have to add some 'bionics to your bike' please visit www.performanceparts-ltd.com

Performance Parts Ltd- 

Bionics for your Bike- 

Better, Stronger, Faster..

Mixed Weekend Again for Gearlink Kawasaki

It was another mixed weekend for the Gearlink Kawasaki team at round ten of the Motorpoint British Supersport Championship in Assen this weekend. Alastair Seeley who is still suffering with healing ribs after breaking them in a crash in August, managed to gain a solid fifth in race one and fourth in race two. Ben Wilson was unlucky in race one and suffered a clutch problem and was only able to finish in 24^th place, however, he regrouped on Sunday and secured a fantastic third place.

Alastair Seeley is still suffering the effects of two big crashes at Cadwell Park and Donington Park, he reinjured his broken ribs at Donington and is still not 100% fit, once again battled through the pain barrier to bring the Gearlink Kawasaki home with two solid finishes. Alastair qualified in tenth place for the sprint race and gained fifth position and moved up the grid to sixth for race two, he was locked in a massive battle with six riders for second and gained fourth position at the flag.

Alastair Seeley - "It was another tough weekend and I was pleased to come away from Assen with some decent points. It has left me with a lot of work to do at Silverstone and Brands but I am still keen to keep fighting for the title even if it goes down to the wire. The last few races have not been good for me; the broken ribs are still giving me a lot of problems especially when it comes to change of direction on the bike. It was another tough weekend so to come out of it with fifth and fourth I am pretty happy with. I know I have a lot to do at the final rounds but I want to be back on the top step and winning again."

Ben Wilson was struggling to find a set up at Assen all weekend and ended up qualifying in ninth for the sprint race, despite all his efforts and running in a good position Ben's bad luck continued and a clutch problem saw him drop back down the pack to 24^th. He was placed in seventh for the second race and was eager to make amends; he got one of his great starts and was battling throughout the race for second place with Jason O'Halloran, Richard Cooper, Alastair, Glen Richard and Luke Mossey. Locked in a fierce and close battle, he fought hard to secure the final podium slot in third place.

Ben Wilson - "We had a few problems this weekend and I was really struggling to find a set up that suited me here for qualifying. I knew I had my work cut out in the sprint race but I managed to get a good start and got away with the front pack. I felt good but from around half distance I was struggling with the clutch and I was able to nurse the bike home but way out of the points. I was disappointed and wanted to make amends in race two as Assen is a long way to come for us all and I didn't want to go home with bad results. I was really keen to get on the podium and it wasn't an easy task, it was a really tough race out there and everyone was changing position on every lap. I pushed hard and wanted that third place, I'm glad I was able to make up for the sprint race and hopefully carry this form on to the last two rounds of the Championship."

Team Manager Michael de Bidaph - "We didn't get a good enough set up in the practice sessions so qualifying did not go as well as we had hoped.I feel that we achieved a big step forward for the sprint race and whilst Alastair did well to finish in 5th it was disappointing for Ben to retire with a clutch problem.

We made a few more changes for the main race on Sunday and both riders did a fantastic job to finish in 3rd and 4th positions.

Assen is an amazing circuit and the fans there are very passionate about motorbike racing. We all had a really enjoyable weekend and are now looking forward to Silverstone." 

For more information on Gearlink Kawasaki please visit: www.gearlinkracing.com
We're pleased to support, sponsor and supply performance parts to Gealink Kawasaki racing. For more information on the parts we have to add some 'bionics to your bike' please visit www.performanceparts-ltd.com

Performance Parts Ltd- 

Bionics for your Bike- 

Better, Stronger, Faster..

Mediocre Weekend for Gearlink Kawasaki at Donington Park

It was a disappointing weekend at Donington Park for the Gearlink Kawasaki Supersport riders, the first time all season that neither rider has managed to be on the podium in either Motorpoint British Supersport race podiums. Ben Wilson gained a strong fourth place in race one but crashed out in race two, Alastair Seeley was only able to salvage a ninth and eighth place riding injured.

Ben Wilson was eager to have a strong weekend at a track he has had previous form at the circuit and was keen to follow on from his results at Cadwell. However, disaster struck early on in the weekend, with shocking weather conditions on Friday halting most practice sessions and then a crash down Craner Curves for Ben during qualifying saw him qualify in a low 14^th place. Despite this he rode a fantastic race and brought the Gearlink Kawasaki home in fourth place. He was able to gain a better qualifying position and started the second race from the second row in sixth place, sadly despite his best efforts in fighting for a podium place he crashed out at McLeans, uninjured but disappointed.

Ben Wilson - "It certainly wasn't the ideal weekend for myself nor the team. Donington is always a track we have struggled at in the past and I've made hardly any mistakes all year then have two crashes in one weekend. I was really desperate for the team to bring them a good result and maybe I was pushing too hard in the second race for a podium, I just missed a gear and down I went.

I will as always pick myself up and walk away and come back strong at Assen, I am looking forward to getting there for our second year and now we have some data from last year this should help us and I will be fighting as always to get a good result."

After his big crash at Cadwell a few weeks ago, Alastair Seeley had another bad weekend and crashed heavily on Friday aggravating his already very sore injuries. During the crash he re-injured his already infected arm and his ribs; he also sustained a back strain in the fast crash in the wet. Despite this he qualified in ninth for the opening race in which he finish in ninth and qualified in tenth for race two and finished in eighth.

Alastair Seeley - "It was another tough weekend and really frustrating, the last thing I needed to do was crash on Friday but I needed to test some things on the bike and down I went early on in the session and pretty quick. I ended up in the medical centre and missing out on the rest of free practice. I knew I wouldn't be able to do much in qualifying and so only did 11 laps and ended up in ninth.

The races were really tough especially at Donington with the change in direction of the track it was very difficult with my rib and back injuries. I really need to get myself back fit and ready for Assen and the last races of the year as I still have a Championship to fight for. I have now dropped to second in the Championship standings so I have to make sure I'm fully fit and ready to go at the final three rounds of the series."

Pirelli National Superstock 600s

It was another good weekend for the two Pirelli National Superstock 600 riders at Donington for Luke Hedger and Mark Wilkinson. With the poor weather on Friday the main qualifying session was during the dry on Saturday. Luke qualified in second on the front row and Mark in ninth place. They both had a solid race with Luke taking a solid second place and Mark Wilkinson locked in a tight battle finishing the race in sixth he was later promoted to fifth after the exclusion of another rider, his best result of the season so far. 

Luke Hedger - "The race was really good and it was nice to be back there up on the podium after the big crash at Cadwell. It went well all weekend and I was looking forward to another dice for a podium place. I got a pretty good start and away with the leaders but I got stuck behind Joe (Collier) and Jordan (Simpkin) and I could see Callan (Cooper) bridging the gap. By the time I got past I knew I would just have to settle for second and try and pull in the gap on the Championship standings. My times were good and I'm pleased with the way I rode and hoping for a good end to the season."

Mark Wilkinson - "It was a really good race and I enjoyed riding in it and being a part of a really good scarp and tidy battle for sixth. We had a good race and we kept making a few passes on each other but it was good tidy racing, I later found out I was promoted to fifth which I'm over the moon with. Everything has been great and I've really gelled well with the Gearlink Kawasaki team and the results are definitely coming on good."

Team Manager Michael de Bidaph - "It was a bad weekend as far as the Supersport class is concerned. Ben rode his heart out this weekend and was desperate to bring home a good result for us it was just a shame about his qualifying crash. He rode well to get fourth in the first race and then he missed a gear in race two and crashed out.

Alastair had a bad weekend and the crash in practice set him back and sadly he wasn't able to ride to his full potential in the races and now we've slipped back to second in the Championship after having a healthy lead before Cadwell."

The stock 600 riders really did ride well this weekend and they both deserved the results they gained. Luke bounced back well from his crash at Cadwell and gained another podium, he's worked hard all weekend and gained the result he was hoping for, back on the podium. Mark once again showed his form and rode a very solid race to finish sixth; he was promoted to fifth after an exclusion of a rider which helped him secure his best result of the year. Both riders are working very hard and getting great results, they are both capable of podiums and hope to end the year on a high note."

For more information on Gearlink Kawasaki please visit: www.gearlinkracing.com
We're pleased to support, sponsor and supply performance parts to Gealink Kawasaki racing. For more information on the parts we have to add some 'bionics to your bike' please visit www.performanceparts-ltd.com

Performance Parts Ltd- 

Bionics for your Bike- 

Better, Stronger, Faster..

Highs & Lows for Gearlink Kawasaki - Cadwell Park

Gearlink Kawasaki had a mixed weekend at round eight of the Motorpoint British Supersport Championship with Ben Wilson taking a stunning first and second place in the two Supersport races. It was a different story for his team-mate Alastair Seeley who crashed out heavily in race one and feeling second hand for race two he was only able to salvage eighth position.

Ben Wilson had a great outing at his local circuit over the weekend and gained a comfortable pole position for the sprint race on Sunday and he dominated that race from the start to win the race by only 0.1 from Stuart Easton. In race two once again Ben was eager to get to the front and took the lead by the end of the opening lap and led until the final stages when Billy McConnell was able to reel him in.

Ben Wilson
"That was a mega weekend, to win the first race in front of my home crowd was an awesome feeling. The support for me was massive and you could really hear them cheering me on which was a huge motivation. I was keen to do the same again in race two and I managed to get another good start and take the lead by the end of lap one, I knew tyres would be a problem in the closing stages so I tried to gain a bit of a gap. I could see the time on my pit board coming down after half distance but even at that point my grip wasn't the best. I pushed hard but Billy rode a great race and took the win. I'm still really pleased leaving here with 45 points in the bag and keen to keep pushing for the good results at the remaining races."

It was a different story for Alastair, the weekend was going well and he placed himself on the front row for the opening race on Sunday in third place. He got a great start and was sat in second behind Ben and looking comfortable but on lap five he crashed heavily on the exit to Mansfield and was taken to the track medical centre. He was badly bruised and beaten up and suffered a cracked rib in the accident but he was eager to be back out on the grid on Monday. Despite his bravery the pain got the better of him and he was only able to finish in eighth place but he still leads the Championship from Stuart Easton.

Alastair Seeley
"I'm really gutted about this weekend as things have been going so well all season and this weekend it took a turn for the worst. I had a good set up and was feeling good during practice and qualifying. I felt strong in the race and even though I was struggling a little with grip I thought it was all ok. On lap five it just came round on me and I landed pretty heavily it knocked the wind out of me for sure. I knew the main race was going to be difficult and I tried to go hard from the start but as the race went on I was struggling and I knew then I just had to secure some points as it might help me at the end of the season. I will be resting now until Donington and getting myself fully fit for there. I'd like to thank all the Gearlink team for all their help and support this weekend."

Pirelli National Superstock 600s

It was a mixed weekend for the two Pirelli National Superstock 600 riders at Cadwell Park for Luke Hedger and Mark Wilkinson. Luke qualified on the front row in second place and suffered a bad start and crashed out heavily, but uninjured, into Charlies, turn two on lap one. Mark Wilkinson struggled with the tough testing circuit but knuckled down and was able to better his times in every session, qualifying in 21st place he did a fantastic job to once again finish in the points in 13th place.

Luke Hedger
"I'm so disappointed with the result today, things had been going really well all weekend at Cadwell for us and I managed to put in a good time during qualifying which put me on the front row of the grid for the race. I was keen to get a good start and that all went wrong and I was about ninth into turn one, I was wanting to get back towards the front and crashed out at turn two."

Mark Wilkinson
"I'm actually really pleased with the race today as at the start of the weekend I was really quite nervous as the track is quite daunting. I was trying to bide my time and learn the track properly but we don't get much time out on track so it was difficult. Every session I managed to improve my time and even more so in the race so I was really happy to once again get some more Championship points, I'm now one of only three people to score points in every round. I'm looking forward to getting back to tracks that I feel more comfortable at in a few weeks time."

Team Manager Michael de Bidaph
"All in all the weekend has been pretty good for the Gearlink Kawasaki team. We're disappointed for Alastair and I hate seeing one of my riders injured, he's had a lot of good fortune this year and sadly it took a downward turn this weekend at Cadwell. He worked hard over the weekend and despite his injuries still went and got some good points for his Championship hope.

Ben was brilliant all weekend and really deserved the results he got here especially more so at his local round. He worked hard and was rewarded with a first and second place, we made a bit of a gamble with tyre choice in race two and I think this caused a few problems in the closing stages and allowed Billy to catch him but it was a choice we decided to go with.

It was unfortunate that Luke came off on the first lap of the race but I do feel that he had a lot to learn. Sometimes being too confident is not a good thing but I know that he will bounce back at Donington.

Mark was lacking in confidence coming into this round this weekend so for him to gain some points here was great. He worked really hard all weekend and even in the race his times improved from his previous sessions. I'm confident he will be back up near the top end of the pack at the final three Superstock rounds."

For more information on Gearlink Kawasaki please visit: www.gearlinkracing.com
We're pleased to support, sponsor and supply performance parts to Gealink Kawasaki racing. For more information on the parts we have to add some 'bionics to your bike' please visit www.performanceparts-ltd.com

Performance Parts Ltd- 

Bionics for your Bike- 

Better, Stronger, Faster..

New Galfer brake pads- first user-review in!

 Latest compound Galfer Brake Pads- tested by our draw winners. Forst review in:

Difficult to make brake pads look sexy- but here you are :)

Reviewer:            Richard Vines
Make/Model:       Honda CBR1000RR-8
Braking System:  Standard master cylinders and callipers front & rear. HEL braided brake lines, Harris front brake lever, and standard rear brake lever
Previous Pads:    Honda OE pads front & rear. Fitted in February 2012, with 2,000 miles covered
Date Fitted:         18th September 2012
Usage:                 2x 20 minute track day sessions, Brands Hatch Indy Circuit
                            2x 370 mile (average distance) ride outs

Overall Impression:        
Excellent. Vast improvement over Honda OE pads. Would have no hesitation in recommending them, and will purchase them in the future

Bedding in:                   
The pads bedded in quickly, and even during this period were noticeably better than Honda OE pads. To quantify better, initial bite & progressive braking feel was much improved over standard

Comments:                       
These pads are excellent. I would go as far saying they’re also confidence inspiring (especially by comparison with OE pads). I fitted braided brake lines in February 2012. Whilst there was a mild improvement to the front, it made no difference to the rear brake – which I had written off as next to useless. The rear Galfer pads have improved my rear brake by 50-75%, in my own personal opinion. This means that it actually works (or at least is noticeable), and can be used with the desired effect mid-corner. 

The power from the front brakes is noticeably stronger, although not as huge an improvement as experienced with the rear. Aside from additional braking power, where the front pads shine is in the contexts of feel, progressiveness and consistency. No matter what the weather is doing or the ambient temperature, they perform extremely well and inspire confidence – I know they will work, I trust them, and it’s one less thing to think about. I will buy these pads in the future!

For more information on Galfer and the other parts we have to add some 'bionics to your bike' please visit www.performanceparts-ltd.com

Performance Parts Ltd- 

Bionics for your Bike- 
Better, Stronger, Faster..