ThePitcrewOnline

Category: Crew On Two

  • Chandler Warren-Gray Q&A: Bradley Has Tremendous Amounts of Talent

    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.

  • Shaun Winfield Q&A: I Need To Believe I Can Do This

    It could be considered that Shaun Winfield has been the forgotten man in the Anvil Hire Tag Racing Yamaha Team. The Derbyshire rider has been setting some of his quickest times and was less than a second off pole position at Brands Hatch in April. However, everyone else is also going faster than previous times. I speak to Shaun as he explains his journey in British Superbikes so far, his season to date and also, what it takes to be in Britain’s premier motorsport championship.

    How has your career in Superbikes been so far?

    It’s been a tough ride. I got chucked in the deep end when I got the ride. The first time on a Superbike was at Oulton Park and at the time, the team ran Mitchell Carr. He broke his wrist 10 minutes before practice and my dad said, ‘fancy having a go on it?’ and I rode it out, as I was never going to turn down a Superbike ride – it’s a dream chance. The difference between a Superstock 1000 bike and Superbike at the time was incredible. The geometry of the bike, having never been on slicks before, rear thumb brake, power delivery, no traction etc all meant that there was quite a few things I had to get over. I finished ahead of Aaron Zanotti and Jennie Tinmouth so I was mega happy to not come last in the race. I did a few more rounds, at Thruxton and then the last round of the year so it was great to get the time on the bike before starting properly the next year (2015).

    Last year was a bit tough. We changed to the Yamaha from Kawasaki – where my best result was 16th – so I had to try and ride a completely new bike. We got some data off teams at the start of last year but we mainly had to develop the bike ourselves. Having James Rispoli as a teammate helped in some ways. He was a very quick rider and I learnt a lot with his lines at tracks. Josh this year is really helping though, as he has such a wealth of knowledge whereas I have only had a couple of years on the Superbike and I’m still learning. My pace is getting stronger each year.

    How has 2017 been for you so far?

    This year is going really well actually. Having Josh – like I’ve said – has been pivotal in developing the bike and bringing knowledge to all of the team. I’m doing my personal bests every time I step on the bike. The pace this year is ridiculous and it seems like lap records don’t mean a thing. Everyone is upping their game and although I’m beating my lap times from last year, I’m nowhere again, so I’ve just got to keep pushing and chipping away.

    Does having Josh as a teammate help you or is it pressurising?

    This weekend, I’ve tried Josh’s seat and I felt a lot more comfortable on the bike. The way he rides the bike is definitely where we need to be. I look at photos mainly, to compare my style against his. One thing that the photos have shown is that I am more on the front end of the bike than what Josh  was. His seat is a lot lower than mine and that has helped me out a lot.

    It is pressurising because people from the outside look at me and say, ‘why aren’t I doing it?’ but you’ve got to consider Josh’s experience and you can’t buy that or get it overnight. Josh has been out riding factory bikes for years whereas I’ve never had the opportunity. I do get slated quite a lot. He knows everything there is to know about Superbikes and hopefully, that knowledge will come to me overtime.

    Is it easier on the Yamaha in 2017, given you’ve had the year on it in 2016?

    We’ve had a lot of new bits, such as the engine for example. It has been harder solely because of the pace and you just have to keep pushing harder every time you go out on track. The bike is essentially the same bike as last year. I’m happy when I do my personal best but in all honesty, we want to be in the points. The problem is that everyone else is improving and that makes it so much harder. I was only 0.8 off pole at Brands Indy and I was down in 18th on the grid, also within a tenth of the old lap record. Last year with that time, it would have put me on the front two rows. Sadly, we aren’t in last year anymore!

    Where do you feel you could improve the most?

    Racing is all about mindset. I think you’ll find that a lot of quick riders have no barriers. However, sometimes I feel that there’s something holding me back, but I don’t know what. Believing is another thing. I need to start believing that I’m here for a reason and that I’m in Superbike because I can do it. It’s a big thing to be in British Superbikes and there’s a lot of pressure involved in it and I think I need to get in my head that ‘I can do it’.

    Do you think going to the National Superstock 1000 championship might help?

    It’s worked for a lot of people. Taking a step back can be useful. However, it is a step back! If it doesn’t go right then you’ve had it. There’s that pressure of having to be up the front because you’ve taken a step back. If you don’t make it work then you make yourself look a bit of an idiot. There’d be more pressure on me going back than what there would be if I continued doing what I’m doing now.

    Presumably, you’d be staying with Tag Racing if you stayed in the Superbike class?

    I can’t see why I’d move! People only say that I’m here because my dad is paying for it, which he isn’t. My dad wouldn’t put me on a Superbike if he didn’t think I could do it. I am here because of my dad but, if I couldn’t do it, then he’d rather put someone else on it and he has told me that before. If he thinks that a different class would be better for me then he’d put me in that class. If you enjoy racing and that is what you want to do, you may as well do it.

    How tough – both mentally and physically – do you have to be to ride a Superbike?

    Physical fitness is a major thing, especially around tracks like Silverstone. You have to be holding on to it, particularly when it is bucking and weaving everywhere. You have to keep in the best shape that you can. I got sponsored by a local gym recently and they’ve been helping me out with diets and personal training sessions.

    Mental state of mind is just as important. Like I said earlier, you have to be able to believe in yourself. I used to watch Shane Byrne on TV and now I’m riding against him every weekend. There’s a photo of me and him from years back and he was there for one of my first ever minimoto races.

    What is the aim for the rest of the year?

    To go out and get in the points as much as possible. That’s difficult when there are ten riders out there who could probably win a race. It’s going to be difficult to get a top 10 but if we keep going in the right direction and keep pushing then we should be OK and get there eventually.

    I would like to thank Shaun for his time as well as the whole Tag Racing Team for allowing me to interview him. Image courtesy of our very own Gareth Davies, of Full Factory Photography.

  • Being in a British Superbike ‘Factory’ Supported Team is NOT a Necessity

    Is a big, proven and factory supported team really necessary for success in BSB? Yes, since the start of the season, we’ve seen the likes of Josh Brookes, Peter Hickman and John Hopkins have good rides, likewise Jake Dixon, who continues to impress – but at Thruxton, we saw the more ‘satellite’ bikes lock out the front row in qualifying. Then, when racing got underway, we saw the first ever all ‘satellite’ podium in race one. And that wasn’t because top riders were absent. Shane Byrne finished fourth whilst Leon Haslam could only manage seventh. Luke Mossey was the only notable absentee. It all poses the question: do you really need to be in a top team to succeed.

    This is a very unique situation. MotoGP has seen non-factory winners but not a whole podium. Not for a very long time. World Superbikes had some non-factory talent many years ago but BSB has always allowed the privately run teams who have no association with the factory of their manufacturer to do well. However, in 2017, it is on a pleasingly unprecedented scale.

    Stuart Higgs has been pivotal in this. The rules in BSB are what they are so that everyone can be competitive. In fact, I believe other series need to look to BSB and admire Higgs’ decision to make the rules what they are. Controlled ECU (Motec), controlled tyre supplier (Pirelli), no traction control, limited testing days and limited time allowed to test in relation to meetings have all contributed in enhancing British Superbikes’ status as the toughest and fiercest domestic championship in the world. You also have the ‘one-bike rule’ which keeps costs down and allows the more ‘factory’ teams to not have ridiculous advantages over the lesser, family run, privateer teams. At the end of the day, that is what all this is about. Allowing everyone to compete fairly and giving everyone at least half a chance of success.

    There are still some differences that are hard to regulate. The rider you get on the bike is one of them. Team personnel another. Money does talk in regards to who you employ and to how much testing you want to undertake and how many spare parts you want to buy. However, the technical regulations – thanks to Stuart Higgs’ infinite wisdom – mean that all of the money poured into technicians, engineers and crew chiefs is dialled back on track. After all, there are only so many advantages that can be gained by the amount of spondulix one is willing outlay.

    Josh Brookes said to me at the start of the season that it’s all about getting the right rider on the right bike at the right time. He’s right in saying that himself. Josh knows the Yamaha well but is by no means on the same bike as the McAms riders. The Tag Racing Anvil Yamahas are not connected to the Yamaha factory as much as McAms, if at all. Yet Josh Brookes continues to embarrass them round by round.

    Peter Hickman enhances the point. The thousands that were invested by TAS Racing and B<W Motorrad meant sweet F.A. when Giugliano went AWOL post-Brands. But never mind, because Hickman is gathering points, podiums and wins. You never know, that may have something to do with him being third in the championship and Giugliano begging on his knees at Red Bull Honda in WSBK. Once more, a perfect example of talent outclassing money.

    Once more, Jake Dixon proved that his RAF Regular and Reserves Kawasaki was just as quick in race trim as the more ‘Factory’ Bournemouth Kawasaki team, beating Luke Mossey in head-to-heads during both races at Knockhill. However, Kawasaki are becoming more friendly with their findings and more and more teams across all domestic championships and classes are enjoying some Kawasaki advice on bike set-up and integration towards the manufacturer.

    All of this success in turn must question the way some series’ are run. You wouldn’t dream of seeing a privateer WSBK team such as Pedercini or even Bertocchi – back in the day – run up front and challenge the leaders. It just simply wouldn’t be allowed by the factory. What British Superbikes is doing is reinventing the manufactural hierarchy. It is screaming out to the world of motorcycling that, ‘it doesn’t have to be a ‘factory’ way or the highway’. If you get some great talent, along with great technical support and mentors, then you can be just as competitive as the ‘factory’ teams. May I remind you of Jake Dixon – he has Glenn Richards, his very successful father Darren and Shane Byrne all giving him support. But is Lee Hardy’s RAF Regular and Reserves Kawasaki Team the ‘factory’ team? Absolutely not. It just proves that without having huge factory connections that you can be quick with the right people. In fact, with BSB’s unique Showdown system, you can actually be a championship contender.

    Honestly, I think that the wins for Brookes and Hickman will change a lot; they are a turning point in the way that privateer teams are looked at. No longer will you be laughed at if you go to a privateer team. No longer will there be doubts about the quality of machinery in a privateer team, because as Josh Brookes has proven, privateer bikes are winning bikes with the right rider – likewise Peter Hickman.

    You may have some series’ adopting the same or similar regulations to what Higgs has introduced here in Blighty. Suddenly, the Australian, Japanese and MotoAmerica championships are all as productive and competitive as they were in their best years, over two decades ago. Because you get so much variation in winners with independently run teams and manufacturer parity that the talent is bound to be noticed by the world championships.

    At the end of the day, it all boils down to performances on track. What Brookes, Hickman, Dixon and even Hopkins have achieved in 2017 is marvellous. It gives hope to every single team in the paddock that their day will come. Gearlink Kawasaki have already had a top-10 qualifying at Brands Hatch and they are far from the ‘factory’ team. As well as giving hopes to teams, it gives hopes to younger riders that you don’t have to go straight onto a ‘factory’ bike to be a success. British Superbikes is a series that is better than it ever was and we all love seeing the supposed satellite teams give the factories a run for their money. Money talks but talent shouts in BSB and that is exactly how it should be.

    Image courtesy of Gareth Davies of Full Factory Photography

  • Exclusive Bradley Ray Interview: I’m No Different To Anyone Else

    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

  • Farmer Seeking Superbike Return in 2018

    Keith Farmer, the British Supersport championship leader feels that a move onto the big bikes is essential for 2018. The former Superstock 1000 champion feels he has “come on a lot since 2015” and that a “two year deal would be ideal”.

    “I think if I was to step up to Superbike it would need to be on a decent bike but not only the bike. The team that around the rider are crucial as I’ve noticed that this past few years, so I’d need a decent set of guys behind me. I think again a two year deal would be ideal for a learning, with a no pressure atmosphere. Then, in the second year, I’d be able to dig in properly”.

    When asked whether he could be a showdown threat, Farmer said, “I think definitely in the second year, we could put together a consistent year to make the top six showdown.

    “First year back in Superbike is a little bit too much to ask as the pace is so quick. We know we have the speed but keeping it consistent would be the task. The effort that goes into racing behind closed doors is immense compared to before and I totally believe in myself”.

    The Appleyard Macadam’s Yamaha rider went onto say, “I think I have came on so much since the start of 2015, to ride that Superstock Honda as hard as I had too and finish 3rd in championship behind two BMWs. I am proud to say I did a brilliant job on it for Quay Garage Racing with being 25bhp down.

    “I have settled down so much and I feel a lot more consistent, even with jumping on the 600cc this season for Appleyard Macadam Racing and we were straight up front with no testing time or anything so it’s a bit special for us all really.

    Farmer also feels he is more complete rider.

    “I’ve definitely come on as a rider. I have shown what speed I have on a lesser powered bike last year and still ran up at the front. Also, on a 600cc bike and leading championship so I have shown I can jump on anything and go quick so with some good people around me we could do a good job in the Superbikes”.

    Image courtesy of Gareth Davies of Full Factory Photography

  • Vickers Ready for Promising Thruxton

    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

  • BSB Thruxton – #FastFacts

    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

  • Byrne and Brookes Set to Break Records at Thruxton

    British Superbikes visits the fastest venue on the calendar this weekend, at the Thruxton circuit near Andover. Having taken the title lead at his home round two weeks ago, Shane Byrne comes to a circuit at which he has won at a total of eight times. However, Josh Brookes has done the double in the last two years he has been racing in BSB (2014 and 2015), and will be looking to achieve a repeat performance to give him and the Anvil Hire Tag Team their first race wins of the year. Leon Haslam and Luke Mossey will also be seeking a return to form, having not won a race since Oulton Park, back in May. Lap times from the past two seasons suggest that the pace could be even faster, with the perfect lap from last years qualifying sessions combined being a 1.13.836. If a 1.13 lap is achieved, it will be the fastest ever lap on two wheels around the Thruxton track.

    Shane Byrne, after a dismal start to the year, retook the lead of the championship last time out. He sits on four consecutive race wins and has a 29 point advantage over nearest rival, Luke Mossey. Byrne has won a total of eight times around here and has a further seven podiums. Ducati as a manufacturer haven’t had a double victory at Thruxton since 2007 and Gregorio Lavilla. Byrne himself last achieved the double at the 2013 meeting. If Byrne was to do the double, it would be the first time since 2003 that he has won six races on the bounce. Will he rewrite records again?

    Luke Mossey comes into the Thruxton meeting having not stood on the podium since race one at Knockhill, way back in June. The Bournemouth Kawasaki Team, run by Pete Extance, will hope that their form changes at Thruxton. Luke Mossey has won twice around Thruxton, albeit in the lower classes: in 2009 in the National Superstock 600 class on a Yamaha, and in 2008 on a 125cc Honda. Kawasaki’s last win came with Byrne in 2013 but Mossey achieved a third and fourth with the older version ZX10 in 2016.

    Teammate Leon Haslam has a mountain to climb – and we aren’t even at Cadwell Park yet. The Factory Kawasaki employed rider was back on the podium at Brands Hatch with a third place in race one, however that was his first podium since his victory in race one at Oulton Park. He is now 10 podium points behind Shane Byrne, which could be crucial if he wants to take his first ever BSB title. However, the news for Haslam fans gets worse. He has never won at Thruxton and hasn’t been on the podium there since his Airwaves Ducati days of 2006, when he finished 2nd in both races. Will the Pocket Rocket surprise us?

    The first of two Australians in the Showdown – so far – is Jason O’Halloran. The Honda Racing rider’s season came to an end at this very circuit two seasons ago, when he collided with Howie Mainwaring-Smart on the exit of Segrave Corner in qualifying. The tough Australian has fought back strong and is just 26 points off the rear end of Leon Haslam and 3rd in the championship. One of the most iconic recent memories of Thruxton involves O’Halloran, who drifted his 1000cc CBR Honda Superstock machine out of Church corner in 2014, setting blue smoke pouring off the rear end of his wayward bike. Since being in the Superbike class however, O’Halloran has had a sixth and a second. Can the Honda go one better and achieve his and the team’s first win of the year?

    King of Thruxton and former BSB champion Josh Brookes sits pretty in fifth place in the championship heading into the round. Having had a relatively disappointing Brands Hatch in comparison to Snetterton, Brookes will be more fired up than ever to rack up his podium points tally. However, he currently looks like the only rider who can give Shane Byrne a proper challenge. Until he crashed in race two at Brands Hatch, Brookes was on lap record pace. Not only does he seem like the only rider to challenge ‘Shakey’, but he is also the lap record holder at this airfield circuit. Brookes and Byrne, with their recent history at Thruxton, could be set for a classic scrap and a revival of their fierce rivalry that was left unfinished at the end of the 2015 season. Rob Winfield and the Tag Racing Team will be hoping Josh can deliver their first ever victory in BSB.

    The last man in the showdown at the moment is former plasterer Peter Hickman, who has taken his Smith’s BMW to new heights in 2017. Although he hasn’t had a podium yet this year, he – along with O’Halloran – has not crashed or suffered any form of DNF thus far. A pair of fourths at Brands Hatch did his championship a load of good but form shows that Hicky may be coming to a circuit which hasn’t been too kind to him in the past. A double-DNF in 2015 and a best of sixth last year suggest Hickman’s sixth place may be under threat by the likes of Christian Iddon or Jake Dixon.

    The next few riders are Christian Iddon, who took his 2nd podium of the year at Brands and moves to just nine points behind Hickman and the all-important top six. Next up is double race winner at Knockhill, Jake Dixon. He endured a nightmare at Thruxton last year on the BMW, finishing outside the points in both races. James Ellison desperately needs points after his disastrous year so far, which has left him 9th in the championship. The ‘Factory’ Yamaha rider has been somewhat embarrassed by Josh Brookes, who effectively has the same Yamaha as Aaron Zanotti, with little manufacturer help. Ellison was 5th and 7th in the races last year and his last podium came in 2013, with third. Completing the top 10 is Dan Linfoot, who has found form of late aboard the all-new Fireblade. Although a showdown spot looks unlikely, the Honda rider could make a nuisance of himself as far as other riders are concerned. Linfoot sits 39 points back of Hickman with seven races left before the showdown six are set in stone.

    Keep your eyes out for the sensation that is Bradley Ray, on board his Buildbase Suzuki. Ray finished second in the Supersport race last year. Tommy Bridewell is the only other rider (besides O’Halloran and Hickman) to finish every race in the points and goes well at Thruxton. Glenn Irwin achieved his first BSB podium at Thruxton last season and the 2017 North West 200 winner will be hoping to do the same again, to try and somehow make the top six cut. John Hopkins also goes well at Thruxton and was running upfront back in 2015. It is the MotoRapido Ducati Team’s home race.

    Although the Superbike races aren’t until Sunday, the first racing action gets underway at 12.50 on Saturday, with the Sidecar race.

    In other classes, Keith Farmer will be looking to hold onto his series lead in the Supersport series ahead of the likes of Jack Kennedy, Joe Francis and Andy Irwin.

    In National Superstock 1000, Danny Buchan will be seeking a return to form after a winless Brands Hatch – although the Basildon Bullet has become a dad for the first time that same weekend. Richard Cooper will want to use his Superbike experience around the course to propel him to another win and close down former champion Buchan.

    The National Superstock 600 class is always a treat, with the likes of the Neave brothers going well lately, with Dan Stamper and Brad Jones also getting in the mix. Keep your eyes peeled for young Ryan Vickers though, who has been testing at Brands Hatch lately, lapping under the lap record and with a mentor in former Grand Prix superstar Alan Carter, you’d be mad to discount him.

    The MotoStar championship will see home-hero Jake Archer out for victory as he chases his title hopes on the City Lifting KTM, run by Ryan Saxelby.

    Thanks to Gareth Davies of Full Factory Photography for the image.

  • Exclusive: Bjorn Estment Interview

    In this latest interview, I talk to Bjorn Estment, one of the up and coming South African riders. Now resident here in the UK, Bjorn is having one of his best seasons to date. He chats to me about his road to the British Superbike paddock, what he thinks of his season so far and the current revival of motorcycle racing in South Africa.

    Sum up your season so far?

    I think it’s been a good year. It’s all new – the team is new and their learning, I’m new to the team and I’m learning about them. So far, so good, it’s been steady. We had a 9th, 8th, 7th, 6th but then we had an unfortunate weekend at Knockhill and Snetterton. Everquip have given me every opportunity possible in the pre-season testing package. We had a couple of unfortunate teething issues at round one at Donington Park which persisted at Brands Hatch but we are catching up. Lady Luck wasn’t on our side at Brands and we were on the wrong side of a 0.1 but it is what it is.

    Do you think a wildcard at Donington Park in World Supersport would’ve benefitted you?

    I don’t think so. Donington Park isn’t one of my favourite tracks and if I was to choose a circuit to wildcard at then it would be somewhere that I felt confident at. Joe Francis and David Allingham went well on their wildcard, especially Joe. I did ride in the World Endurance in the break, on the big 1000cc bike so that gave me plenty of track time and also taught be a brand new set of skills. I think, with regards to Knockhill we was fired up – excuse the pun – but then got unlucky.

    Do you feel now that you can focus on your riding instead of worrying whether or not you will make it to the next round, seeing that Everquip Racing have taken you on full-time?

    Everquip have given me the dream-shot. I am eternally grateful for the ride, to Stuart, to Carl and Lyndon and everyone in the team. Also, to James at Total Building Services. Without these guys, I couldn’t do it. They’ve given me a big shot now where I can really take motorcycle racing on as a profession and not as a hobby. We are building as a team, I am rebuilding myself around the new bike and package for 2017, the new personnel etc. I thoroughly believe that we are a few steps away from being contenders and front-runners in the class.

    Has the progress been quicker than expected?

    What we have done has been great, but not I’m not happy with myself more than anything. At Brands Indy, we had good pace but that was at the end of the weekend. Oulton Park was a great meeting for us because it has always been a tricky circuit for me. To be so close to the podium, just four seconds away, I was thrilled! The team has done an outstanding job, especially Stuart and Carl. The Everquip guys are amazing and I’m so thankful to have them behind me.

    Stuart told me that you fancied road racing! Are you mad? Is it likely to happen?

    I don’t think the Isle of Man TT will be on the list, it doesn’t really tickle my fancy but the North West 200 has always had me interested. I don’t know if it will be pursued. I will think about it in the future but right now, I want to get Everquip and myself to the front of the field in British Supersport.

    With the amount of quick South African riders emerging, like yourself, the Binder brothers etc, do you think it is time for a Grand Prix or WSBK round to be held in South Africa again? 

    Definitely! I think it would be fantastic for South African Motorsport, for world Motorsport too. As far as I’m concerned, world Motorsport goes across in a linear line from the USA to Japan and they forget about us South Africans down the bottom! The likes of Brad Binder really put us on the map and his brother is doing a fantastic job. Steven Odendaal, the reigning CEV champion is doing mega too.I’ve had a few flashes and Matthew Scholtz in MotoAmerica is doing grand too. It would be great for it to come back, especially now Kyalami has been refurbished.

    What do you make of the ‘newest’ Kyalami layout?

    Kyalami will always be my favourite circuit. I haven’t ridden the new circuit so I can’t really make a call on what it is like. The old one will always have a place in my heart but I think they needed to change it, to give it the status in world Motorsport. One criticism of the old circuit was that there were no long straights, so now they have the long straight, people can stop moaning. I’m happy with Kyalami and hopefully we can see international motorcycle racing return.

    I think that if we were lucky enough to get Grand Prix to go there, then it would draw in huge numbers. Brad and his brother have an enormous following down there. I’m sure there would be plenty of wildcards trying to get in there because they’d know the track, whereas nobody knows the circuit in the GP paddock. The chance for making a name for yourself would be great! I think it would be great but the problem for South Africa is that it costs a lot of money.

    Would you be one of those wildcards?

    Haha I’d have to have a very serious chat with Stuart about that one!

    Any plans to bring out the new R6?

    I very much doubt it. The package we have is good and it is a top level bike. I don’t think there is a huge difference in performance. Looking at World Supersport, it isn’t making a massive differences. We are a new team to the paddock and that means that the budget has to be controlled and that is more important than going with a new bike and having to learn it as a team. It would be better to keep going with the bike we have and then move into 2018 with a clear plan in mind.

    Do you support the ‘phasing in’ of Moto2 bikes into British Supersport?

    You have to keep up with the times. Apart from that, I don’t really know. From being a privateer and experiencing how difficult it can be in the past, the biggest thing is cost. Production racing is always going to be cheaper. As soon as you start introducing prototypes then you start increasing the bills. I’m not sure. Hopefully, by that time, we would’ve progressed and maybe be on the bigger bikes.

    How much effort has gone into your racing career? 

    In South Africa, we have never really had a development for riders. They are starting again now because of Brad Binder’s success. In the Superbike series down there, you had a couple of dealer teams at the top but apart from that, there was little support. If you wanted to go overseas then you would do it all off your own back. If you’re lucky, you might have been able to bring your sponsors but the vast majority of money would be coming from family savings and you’d be taking a massive gamble! That’s what I did. I was incredibly fortunate to have my dad and and my mum support me and a few other family members to help over the years with chipping in to get me where I am now. That’s been the case for most of us South Africans really. It is a big risk and if it is your passion and you believe it can work, then why not go with it? No one wants to say, ‘what if’, when they’re sat at home. Brad has made it, his brother is making it and Steven Odendaal is doing a grand job too. I’ve found my home with Everquip which I hope is for the next couple of years. Without them, I wouldn’t be sitting here.

    We talk about fitness but we also talk about ‘bike fitness’; what’s the difference?

    There is nothing that can mimic bike fitness. There is no exercise in the gym that replicates the forces you go through on a bike. It is important that you are fit enough to be bike fit to start with though! I am of the opinion that, ‘the more you put in, the more you get out’. I really do train a lot and try and push myself to new limits every time I am in the gym. I try and chase personal bests which is enjoyable – well, not all the time but still! A lot of us use motocross, enduro, trials etc to maintain bike fitness. It is the best way to stay familiar with a motorbike and you get the same sort of feel too. It’s not exactly the same but it is near enough. There is no time like saddle time!

    Bjorn would also like to say a massive “thank you” to all the sponsors who help make this journey a reality. Everquip , Michael Barugh, Total Building Services, Watts Mix, Pneumatic Engineering, MHP, NFB, Pulse Engineering, Pro Air Conditioning, KSM, NGK, GB Racing and everybody else who contributes to this exciting effort!

     

    Thanks to Gareth Davies of Full Factory Photography for the image.

  • Exclusive: Keith Farmer Q&A: Leading the Championship is a bit Special!

    Keith Farmer spoke to me about all kinds of bike related things at Snetterton a few weeks back. In this exclusive interview, Farmer evaluates his sensational Supersport season, his rivals chances, the difference between a Supersport bike and Superstock 1000 bike and also, why he believes the Spirit Moto2 bikes shouldn’t be in the Supersport class.

    You started the season with no ride and now you’re leading the championship. Long way round for you?

    Yes, It’s strange really. Luke Jones, the team’s main rider, got injured and they needed a replacement because they didn’t know how long he would be out for. They supported me and took me on board which was really nice for me and I really appreciate the team putting faith in me. To have nothing and now to be leading the championship is something a bit special.

    What is the main difference between a Supersport bike and Superstock 1000 bike?

    I’ve had to adapt my style quite a bit really. Had I been on a BMW or a Kawasaki then it might have been a little bit more difficult but because the Honda Superstock bike from last year required lots of corner speed, the change hasn’t been so bad. It’s been a bit of a shock to the system, with the Supersport. It turns so tight and the corner speed on a 600cc bike is out of this world compared to the bigger bikes. It took a while to adapt but now that we are in for the rest of the season and have adapted, we are looking good, especially now we have won a few races!

    Does the Supersport bike suit your style more?

    Yes, a little bit I think. Over the years, I have just matured and learnt how to ride a circuit bike in general. That has helped massively but on a whole, the Supersport bike suits my style and that is really working well for this year.

    Do you feel that you haven’t had a proper crack at the whip on a Superbike?

    Yes, a little bit. When I went to the Superbike class, it was only my 3rd year riding on the short circuits. To jump on a Superbike is pressurising enough but to jump in the Paul Bird Motorsport Team too with Shane Byrne – who was winning races week in, week out – was mad. I put more pressure on myself than anything else. It was probably as much my fault than anyone else’s for not having worked out the Superbike class. It would’ve been nice to have what Glenn Irwin had really. No expectations in the first year, just learn the bike and the team before having a proper bash in the 2nd year.

    Do you think this Supersport championship needs more manufacturers, with one bike being mainly Yamaha?

    Yes in a way. You have the Gearlink boys in there and the MV Agusta of Jack Kennedy but it would be nice to see Honda in there but I think in all honesty, I don’t know what is best for this class. They’re phasing Moto2s in and maybe there will be some development there. If they brought more manufacturers and allowed more work to be done with them, so then they could level with all the Yamahas and Kawasakis, it would be good.

    Will Supersport become more Moto2?

    I’m not sure really, I suppose it all comes down to cost. To go to Moto2, a prototype, it’s a lot of work. Everyone says the Supersport class is dying out but I’m not sure it is because the first race at Snetterton was quicker than last year’s. If we can have some tough battles and keep getting faster, then hopefully we can show that the Supersport is not a dying class.

    I’d support the introduction of the class but at the same time, because the Moto2s are in with Supersport currently, for Seeley to interfere with other riders and maybe destroy someone else’s race, it’s a bit unfair. I’m a friend of Alastair’s too and it is a very tough decision for Stuart Higgs to make. It is understandable why it is the way it is but my thoughts are that the Moto2 bike should be at the back of the Superbike grid. They shouldn’t ride if they can’t score points.

    Do you think BSB needs to go to more of the older circuits? A return to Mallory Park maybe? 

    I understand why they go to Oulton Park and Brands Hatch, because they are MSV owned circuits. However, it would be nice to get to Bishopscourt in Northern Ireland or Croft too. It would be nice to see more variation. What I don’t agree with is going to circuits that are 46 second laps or around that time. Not so much Knockhill because it is there for the Scottish fans, but Brands Indy is way too short. It is a great track for spectators but from a rider’s point of view, it doesn’t get many positive comments. I’d support going to Snetterton twice instead of Brands Indy. The facilities at all MSV tracks are second to none and everyone else would agree.

    Your plans for 2018?

    There’s been a few conversations here and there but nothing as yet. I would love to get back on a Superbike. Ideally, Supersport wasn’t my plan but whatever I’ve thrown my leg over lately, I’ve been competitive with. The Superbike would be nice but if not, then the Superstock 1000. I’m not sure what bike would be my preference, it is hard to say. I don’t see many getting on with the BMW – maybe it is a bit past itself chassis wise. When they have this new Suzuki sorted out, it will be bike to be on.

    Can you win the championship this year?

    Yes, without a doubt. I think we have a strong package and good chance. The team has been working so hard behind closed doors and as long as we all put 100% effort in then we can have some great success. I think David Allingham will be there, as well as Jack Kennedy, Andy Irwin and Joe Francis. They will all be there at different rounds, so our job is to put it on the box at every round. I think Tarran Mackenzie would struggle to beat us now. It would be great to see him back though! It is incredible to see what he is doing over there in Moto2.

     

    Photo courtesy of Gareth Davies, of Full Factory Photography.