Category: British Superbikes

Former British Superbike rider and BSB Radio Commentator Michael Howarth spoke to me earlier in the week, as we discussed all topics of conversation in the world of BSB. Here is what Todmorden’s finest pie maker had to say.

Should Alastair Seeley be allowed to race in Supersport, despite not being allowed to score points?

Personally, I think he should. I don’t think he was the cause of Joe Francis’ crash at Thruxton. Joe would’ve gone for that move had it been anyone else. It just happened to be Alastair so it gave everyone who is dead against him riding, a reason to have a go at him. Alastair is a professional rider who knows what he is doing on a motorcycle and he is out there doing a job, therefore he should be the last rider getting any grief. No one was kicking off about Joe Collier being in the race because he wasn’t up the sharp end of things. Lets be honest, Alastair can’t have a say in the championship can he? Like it or not, in the coming years we are going to see a lot more Moto2 bikes in the field. The target is to have a complete Moto2 championship. My opinion is that you should go out and beat him. If you can’t beat him, then tough. He isn’t taking points off anyone and he isn’t getting in the way because he is just as quick as everyone else.

What do you make of the recent surge in privateer team success?

I think that the decision of the organisers to get rid of the fancy electronics is starting to pay off. The organisers’ intentions are now coming to fruition. There is no “factory” team as such, but there are teams supported by the factory. Some teams may have access to certain parts but it isn’t to say that some teams can’t go and get something made which is very similar. The reason why Yamaha may not be so supportive is because their factory supported team is being a bit shown-up at the moment.

Do you think that McAms Yamaha have under achieved or over achieved in BSB? 

I really don’t know. I know James Ellison has had some really bad luck whilst running at the front, and had that bad luck not happened then he would probably be up there. However, James always gets his fair share of bad luck wherever he is so is it that he gets a little bit of head trouble when he gets to a big team? I really don’t know. James has also made his own mistakes, crashing out the lead at Brands Indy being one of them. I’m a great friend of Michael Laverty’s but he’s just not performing either. It’s a complete disaster for them.

Having said all that, Yamaha aren’t doing amazing in WSBK so maybe the information being passed over isn’t right. Overall though, referring back to privateer success, it highlights how good Stuart Higgs is. It highlights how right he was in the technical regulations. I want to see a Superbike look like a Superbike. I don’t want Superstock rules or any of that old bollocks. I want to see a fancy swinging arm, a fancy set of forks and stuff. However, you can do all that but what Stuart has done is made it more affordable.

I think that the format that BMW have adopted – where they make everything affordable and available to the teams – is a format that a lot of manufacturers are going to need to look at. Manufacturers the world-over are going to need to embrace it. It would make WSBK better and more entertaining again, that’s for sure.

What is your top six prediction?

I really don’t know! Shakey will obviously be there, as will Haslam and the way Peter Hickman is riding at the moment, he will probably be there too. However, for the next three places, I don’t have a clue; it is completely wide open. It’s a bit like MotoGP, where so many riders can win a race and the top five are all in with a shout of the title.

Unfortunately, I don’t think Dan Linfoot will be getting in the showdown and I reckon that means that he won’t be getting a ride on the Honda next season. I would well imagine with the efforts that Peter Hickman is putting in and they way he is riding at the moment, Honda would be busting their balls to get him for 2018, as they need someone for the track and for the roads. They tried to get him for 2017 but would only give him a Superstock 1000 ride. They should be pulling out all the stops to get him. BSB isn’t MotoGP though, when everyone is signed up by the halfway point of the year.

Who do you see as some of the brightest talents coming through?

I’d consider Danny Buchan and Taylor Mackenzie as two of them, however, they both seem to struggle without traction control. With traction control on the world stage, they’d be absolutely phenomenal. What Danny Buchan is able to do in the Superstocks is astonishing. He may say that he’s running his bike with little traction control but I don’t buy that for a second. I see Danny Buchan as becoming one of the next British World Champions in Superbike and I feel he’s wasting his time in the UK – not because he’s a bad rider, but because he would really showcase himself phenomenally well in the WSBK paddock. If he proves me wrong next season, if he comes back to BSB then I will be the first person to congratulate him.

Glenn Irwin’s future? A NW200 win but no BSB Showdown must be tricky?

It’s a hard one is that. He is a huge talent and I predicted his success. I’m just not sure that he has performed this season. Even before his injury, I don’t think he’s been where he should’ve been all season. Maybe he’s getting himself too worked up, as we have seen before at Gearlink – I really don’t know. Paul Bird won’t stand for crashes either, as we’ve seen before with Keith Farmer, so maybe that has something to do with Glenn, where he doesn’t want to push in fear of crashing. Whatever happens, he won’t be short of offers for 2018.

Why aren’t you riding in 2017 and is there a plan to come back? 

My right leg is a complete and utter bastard! I had a crash last April, meaning I had to have my leg screwed back together with a big rod in it and stubbornly, I decided to come back a little bit too early. I had a big near-crash at Thruxton in turn two and although I didn’t crash, the bike really battered my leg when it came back round on me. The idea was to come back at Cadwell Park and although it was hurting, I didn’t really think anything of it and just pottered around thinking it’ll be alright. The thread of the screws at the top of my leg were 20mm too long, so the thread went on to the ball of my hip but not on the femur. So, the pain I was getting was my bone sliding up and down on the screw. I went to a specialist in Leeds and they did some scans, basically saying my leg is still broken. This was around December last year. The bone at the ball of my hip, because it wasn’t attached, started dying. They mentioned about a false hip but said it’d need replacing after 15 years.

In February this year, I had another operation and the surgeon removed the screws that were already in and put in new ones, which fit like a glove. Then, they drilled into my pelvis and took bone marrow and stem cells from that and injected it into the the dead ball of the hip. I wanted to get back racing this year but the consultants talked me out of it if I’m honest. I’ve realised that this year won’t happen at all as the bone won’t heal at the top of my leg, but hopefully I will be wobbling around on something next year. Then, I’ll probably retire properly and then go on and talk some nonsense with Fred and yourself. I’d rather wobble round at the back of the BSB field than go to Superstock 1000 and finish in the top 20.

The eighth round of the British Superbike Championship takes place at Lincolnshire’s Cadwell Park this weekend, the penultimate round before the Showdown six are locked into place. Josh Brookes and Peter Hickman took their first wins of the season last time out at Thruxton, whilst championship leader Shane Byrne endured a nightmare, with just a fourth place to his name. Leon Haslam is Mr. Cadwell himself, with six wins across three manufacturers but Jason O’Halloran is also one to keep an eye on. Looking to break into the top six this weekend will be Jake Dixon for the Lee Hardy Racing outfit and Christian Iddon for Tyco BMW – both riders seeking to capitalise on the absence of Luke Mossey.

Shane Byrne arrives at Cadwell Park with a healthy, but by no means comfortable, 19 point advantage over Leon Haslam. The five time champion and champion elect for 2017 won at Cadwell Park last season in race one. However, apart from that, Shakey hasn’t particularly gone well at the venue. His only other win came in his first championship year of 2003, some 14 years ago. Ducati as a manufacturer have only won at the circuit twice in ten seasons so the odds are stacked against Byrne and the PBM team this weekend. However, if anyone can beat the odds then it’s Shakey, who has achieved a podium in seven meetings of the fourteen he’s competed in at Cadwell? Will Byrne remain Shakey at Cadwell or play safe in ‘The Park’?

Leon Haslam goes to a circuit he absolutely adores. Six wins, two other podiums and four pole positions set Haslam up perfectly for the weekend ahead. The Pocket Rocket will be hoping to give Pete Extance’s JG Speedfit Bournemouth Kawasaki squad their first win since Oulton Park back in May. Podium points are also very important at this stage of the season and the Kawasaki man is desperate to continue his Thruxton race two form. Haslam wasn’t out of the top six throughout any session at the circuit last year and a repeat performance this year will be exactly what the team ordered. Can Haslam deliver at Cadwell like he so often has in the past?

Having taken a 2nd and a win at Thruxton, Peter Hickman vaulted up the championship pecking order on his Smith’s BMW. Giving Rebecca Smith her first British Superbike victory was something pretty sensational but now, Hickman returns to a circuit where he has gone oh so very well at in the past. His first victory came here back in 2014 and a year later, he finished 2nd in both races. Last season, a 7th and 4th reinforced that Hicky is quick around Cadwell Park, come rain or come shine. Hickman hasn’t just won a race at Thruxton either. The 30-year-old also took an astonishing four race wins at the Ulster Grand Prix, achieving “Man of the Meeting”. Hicky and his Smith’s BMW Team are in the form of their lives right now and I wouldn’t bet against that continuing this weekend. I feel a strong performance is on it’s way. A Hickman win would make it BMW’s first ever at the circuit.

Luke Mossey sits precariously in fourth in the championship, having missed Thruxton after a horrifying crash in free practice. The news gets worse: Luke Mossey will not be riding at Cadwell Park either. The 24-year-old said he would be back for Silverstone but is currently only seven points ahead of Australian pairing Josh Brookes and Jason O’Halloran. Mossey may find himself out of the Showdown positions if Jake Dixon or Christian Iddon score 25 or 27 points respectively. Could Thruxton’s practice spill be more pivotal than we thought?

Josh Brookes took his first win of the year and Tag Racing’s first ever in British Superbikes last time out at Thruxton. The popular Aussie comes to a circuit where he has won at four times previously, although he is known for his spectacular style over The Mountain section. Brookes is seven points behind Mossey, meaning he is all but guaranteed to leap up at least one position. Just 10 points separate him and Peter Hickman, meaning a Josh Brookes double would elevate him to third in the championship, regardless of any other results. Being the top Yamaha in the series is quite an achievement given Rob Winfield’s squad get barely any factory support. However, Josh is only 18 points clear of in-form Jake Dixon so mistakes could be costly this weekend.

Jason O’Halloran is in the exact same predicament as Josh. A double puts him third in the championship no matter what but a crash could be influential in the Honda rider’s top six possibilities. Although having never won a race at Cadwell Park, O’Halloran likes it there and on his first Superbike ride last season, he achieved a 3rd and 2nd. It is also Honda’s home round and that could work two ways. More pressure could lead to mistakes but the expectations of Honda fans may propel their riders to achieve great things and rise to the occasion. Only time will tell.

Currently in 7th place and ready to pounce on Luke Mossey’s vulnerable Showdown position is Jake Dixon, for the RAF Regular and Reserve Kawasaki, run by Lee Hardy. Dixon was 9th and 10th in the races last year but could be one to watch, as he continues to extinguish anyone’s doubts about his form at circuits, based on last year’s results. The popular youngster has been turning heads all season and could continue to do this weekend, especially having won the Supersport event two years ago.

Christian Iddon is a further two points back, with Cadwell Park seemingly not being one of his favourites, having had a double DNF last year which was detrimental in the Tyco BMW team’s absence in the Showdown. Iddon was 9th and 13th on Martin Halsall’s Bennetts Suzuki in 2015. Like Hickman, if Iddon was to win, it’d be the first BMW win ever at the circuit.

Almost certainly out of any Showdown chance is James Ellison, who is next up in 9th. Ellison has won once around Cadwell Park before, back in 2009. If Ellison could do the double at Cadwell, it’d give him half a chance coming into Silverstone but that is a massive “if”. Dan Linfoot is the next rider along in 10th and he equally has little chance of cracking the top six in 2017. Ellison is 66 points back of the Showdown whilst Linfoot is 69 away. Barring injuries and crashes for the front runners, it may already be over.

The average points required to get into the Showdown is 155, however with the likes of Brookes and O’Halloran on 154, 200 points may well be the absolute minimum for 2017. It is one of the toughest seasons yet and it is taking it’s toll on some of the top riders. With five races taking place between now and the confirmation of the top six, anything could happen and whilst some riders may well look out of it for now, we will have a better idea by the end of the weekend.

Image courtesy of Gareth Davies of Full Factory Photography

In our latest interview, we catch up with Chandler Warren-Gray, the Team Manager for Buildbase Suzuki, which runs Bradley Ray in Superbikes and Alex Olsen in National Superstock 1000. Chandler speaks of Bradley’s mesmerising season so far, the plan moving forward and also about Sylvain Guintoli’s presence in the Bennetts Team. On top of that, he highlights the differences between the two bikes and gives us an insight into how both the Suzuki teams co-ordinate.

How has 2017 been so far this year?

2017 has been an incredible year for us. We’ve taken it very steady, as it is our first year with Bradley and Bradley’s first year in the British Superbike championship. The plan was to focus on learning the tracks on a big 1000cc bike and getting used to the bike’s behaviour and yes, it has been a very steep learning curve at some stages but we are all incredibly proud of what Bradley has achieved. Suzuki as a factory are incredibly proud of him too. Bradley has exceeded the Hawk Racing Team’s expectations. He is punching well above anything we could have imagined, even in our wildest dreams. I think that considering this bike is new to us and Bradley, we are doing brilliantly!

What were your expectations at the start of the year – surely you can’t have expected to beat Sylvain and Taylor like he is doing?

Absolutely not at all. We never set any targets for Bradley. It was all about learning the bike, learning the teams’ way of working and learning the tracks on a superbike. Because we haven’t set any targets, it meant that Bradley is relaxed but mainly, he is enjoying himself in his rookie year. Bradley raced very well in his opening races and therefore has set his own targets and expectations – which every rider does the same – whereas we haven’t at the beginning of our journey together and still haven’t done so.

Has Bradley found it difficult to adapt?

It has been quite difficult for Bradley, in terms of adjusting to how a 1000cc bike should be ridden on some circuits. However, he is a natural. He is a natural rider with tremendous amounts of ability, the way he rides a motorcycle isn’t one you see very often. He rides it like MotoGP riders do. That seems like a huge comparison but one that is accurate and is shared by the motorbike community alike. Some tracks have caught us out and at others, we as a team haven’t made the most of, but Bradley is amazing and has made such a huge difference in our project. We’ve made great strides in our project and are very happy together.

Where do you think the future lies for Bradley Ray?

I believe he is a huge talent and the team believes he is a huge talent. You can never stop the Suzuki MotoGP team coming for him, maybe even to WSBK with a Suzuki! For us, it is about developing him as a rider, the bike and us as a team. I’d like to think the future lies firmly with Suzuki in whatever championship, those decisions will be taken when it’s right to do so. Obviously, moving forward, we have a plan for him next year, a plan that has been talked about and strategised. There are conversations taking place and also contract obligations to adhere to, however we know he’s happy with us and we are happy with Bradley. It is still early days to have a concrete answer on his future. The BSB paddock likes a good gossip, people talk nonsense and throw some rumours around but for us as a team, it is about the team progressing and continuing with Bradley for next year somewhere within the Suzuki outfit.

There are some rumours about Sylvain maybe not staying on the Bennetts side much longer, are they just rumours?

Rumours are rumours. There’s a lot of rumours in the paddock. 99% of which are rubbish and speculative. We as a team do not get involved in that. When results don’t come in, of course there’s always a lot of speculation but mainly from outside the garage. Inside the garage, none of us think that is the case. We are harmonious and everyone is working together.

So Sylvain will still be there at the end of the year?

It is early days to answer that question. I am mainly working on Buildbase Suzuki and our focus is Bradley. We need to remain grounded with Bradley and keep progressing. Sylvain is a big name and everyone associates him with a World Superbike championship so maybe the pressure was on him way more than on Bradley. However, I won’t be doing a disservice to anyone; Sylvain has developed the bike tremendously well and is someone who has a wealth of experience which counts for a lot too.

Apart from the colours, what are the main differences between the Bennetts Suzuki and the Buildbase Suzuki?

Haha, one is red and the other is blue! There is obviously a bit of a difference as they are the more “factory” team. You could say that Buildbase are the more “satellite team” but there isn’t a huge difference in the way that we operate. There are engine differences as you’d expect between factory teams and satellite teams but we all work together. We share data, ideas and the riders also talk to one and other. The crew chiefs converse together but for me, “sharing data” is a big umbrella to cover. The teams talk together successfully. Not every idea they have works for us but that is because we have a mildly different bike and a very different rider. As an example, Bradley’s lean angle is far more acute than Taylor’s and or Sylvain’s. Our corner speed is very different too; settings will only work if our rider can make them work for him and ultimately for the team.

What is the plan for the remainder of 2017?

All cogs going in the right direction, I’d say a top five isn’t out of our reach. The data shows that we aren’t far away. I’d like to say we can get a podium but then again, why wouldn’t I say that? It would have to contain an element of luck but I have no doubts in our rider’s talent or the team’s ability. I have no doubt that we can make everything work if everything falls nicely for us.

Surely that’d be a nice bonus for Bradley then?  A test on a MotoGP bike maybe?

Haha nice try! I’d like to think that would happen but I am personally unsure that will happen this year. However, all of us in the entire Hawk Racing outfit have expressed our will for Bradley to move on in the right direction in the future. The plan is for us to continue working together. I believe that he will stay with us, progress together and hopefully put us in the showdown in 2018 and maybe deliver Suzuki a title. I think it is very much achievable.

We would like to thank Chandler for his time and wish the team the best successes for 2017 and beyond. Image courtesy of Gareth Davies of Full Factory Photography.

Bradley Ray spoke to me exclusively about what it is like being a top Superbike rider in only his rookie season. With a best result of eighth so far in 2017, the Superbike star spoke about his plans for 2017 before the season and just what it’s like being one of the most popular riders in the paddock, as well as how he has gelled with the Buildbase Suzuki team.

What was your plan for 2017?

I said to my team that if we could come away with top 15s at most rounds then I will be happy for the first year. The experience will also be very important to bag, along with developing the bike and learning how it works. Then, we said if we can get inside the top 10 by the end of the year then that’d be great. For me, this was only supposed to be a learning year but now, I feel like we can keep moving forward and be sniffing at podiums by the end of the year. You’ve just got to finish races inside the top 10 now and if an experienced rider passes you, then sit behind them and gain experience. So in race one at Thruxton, I was looking at Leon Haslam’s positioning of the bike in the corners and where he stands it up on exit. I’m not doing massive things wrong – otherwise I wouldn’t be in the top eight – but it’s just about adjusting and refining what we’re already doing.

How is the Suzuki progressing as we come through the year?

It’s quite good that I’ve come into Superbike on a brand new bike, because the team don’t know how it’ll work and I don’t know how it’ll feel. That means that there is no expectation or data to compare from another year or team. That has its downs too, as I’m coming to rounds where I’m learning to ride the Superbike and also how to set one up.

Does being popular phase you at all?

At the end of the day, I stay grounded. I’m no different to anyone else, it’s just I can ride a bike fast but that’s about it. I started off in the 125cc class back in 2011, looking up to the Superbike riders, thinking ‘I wouldn’t mind being there one day’. I have a lot of time for the fans because without them, I wouldn’t be in the paddock.

How has adapting to the Superbike been?

Here at Thruxton, we struggled a bit in the first two Free Practice sessions. I was riding the bike a little bit more like a Supersport bike rather than a Superbike. We looked at the data and pointed out quite a few areas where I am going wrong and I should be standing the bike up a lot earlier, squaring the corner off to get the drive down the straight. That’s a lot better because the Suzuki has some very good power so we best start using it!

What area do you need to improve on the most?

Finishing races is important because we need to bring data back to the team. We just need a little bit extra to try and break into the top five. We have to battle really hard too, especially to get into that top three. At Brands, we had some mega pace but just lost out towards the end, so we know we are there or there abouts.

How have you adapted to being in the Superbike class?

It’s a step that everyone is going to have to make at some point in their career and it’s a necessary step too. The team said to me that there is no pressure at all when I joined. I come in, learn the bike and the tracks on a Superbike and go from there. The team have been absolutely fantastic. I’ve had a few spills that shouldn’t have happened but they’ve always understood. The team put no pressure on me and I’ve put no pressure on myself either and that has helped because I’ve had no expectations.

Is it beneficial not being in the ‘factory’ side of the team?

Yes I think so. It’s nice to come into the satellite team and not have the pressures from the factory. I don’t think the pressure is on Taylor Mackenzie either. There is definitely pressure on Sylvain Guintoli to bring results as he is a WSBK champion. A team doesn’t hire a former WSBK champion to finish below a rookie or be outside the points. He’s not a slow rider but he just needs to find something to get him up the sharper end of things. Being top Suzuki coming into Thruxton definitely helps me for the future.

How are the team to work with?

They’re great. They just want what is best for the Suzuki, whether that be me, Sylvain or Taylor as top Suzuki. The team aren’t one-sided and wouldn’t want me to be behind the more ‘factory’ team just to benefit them. The team are supporting me a lot but we all support each other a lot anyway, because we all want what’s best.

Photo courtesy of Gareth Davies of Full Factory Photography

Ryan Vickers’ next challenge in his debut National Superstock 600 year is Thruxton, an all-new circuit to the 18-year-old. 

Speaking ahead of the meeting, the Norfolk rider said, “We have just arrived here at Thruxton. I’ve been excited for this round all year as it is the fastest track in the UK! It’s an all new track for me and I am ready to take on this unique circuit”.

Vicker’s and his team – which includes former GP star, Alan Carter – are hopeful of building on their good result at Brands Hatch and will be in the hunt for a podium.

“Hopefully, we can have a great weekend and I can bring home some great results for the team. The team and I have been putting in a lot of effort from Brands Hatch to make improvements on our first half of the season. Thanks to all the team, sponsors and supporters around me that continue to get me on the grid, I am very grateful and I will do my best to produce the goods on race day”.

Ryan recently completed a testing day at Brands Hatch, in which he lapped quicker than the race times he was doing in the meeting two weeks ago. With Vickers improving all the time, along with the bike, it will only be a matter of time before he steps on the podium in what we must all remember, is his first year in the National Superstock 600 championship and BSB paddock.

Photo courtesy of Gareth Davies of Full Factory Photography

Thruxton is the fastest circuit that the British Superbike circus visits all year. So, to compliment the preview, I put together some fast facts for you guys to ponder over whilst the races are on.

• Shane Byrne hasn’t won six consecutive races since 2003, on the Monstermob Ducati. If he wins both races this weekend, that could all change.
• Josh Brookes and Shane Byrne are both looking for their third double victory at Thruxton this weekend.
• Kawasaki haven’t won at Thruxton since Shane Byrne did the double in 2013.
• Leon Haslam has never won at Thruxton. His last podium came in 2006.
• Luke Mossey or Bradley Ray could become the first riders to win a 125cc race and a Superbike race at Thruxton if he wins on Sunday.
• 10 riders on the BSB grid have won at Thruxton previously.
• Ducati’s last double at Thruxton came with Gregorio Lavilla in 2006.
• Shane Byrne’s first win at Thruxton came in 2002.
• For the past two seasons, one winner of the Thruxton round has gone on to become champion in the same year.
• The last time the pole sitter of race two won at Thruxton was Leon Camier back in 2009.
• Honda’s last win at Thruxton came with Ian Lowry in 2012.
• The last time a Honda qualified on pole at Thruxton was 2013, with Alex Lowes.

Image by Pete Boocock