Oulton Park

After cancellation of some of the races of the British and National Superbike championship the organisers have now rescheduled and the dates are as follows;

Round 6, British Superbike series, Race 2 at Knockhill will now take place on Saturday July 17th at the Snetterton circuit. The participants of that race are confined to those published on the Grid for Race 2 published at Knockhill on 4/7/2010.

National Superstock 600, Round 3 at Oulton Park will now run over the weekend of July 30/31st and August 1st at the Silverstone circuit, supporting the Superbike World Championship. The participants of that race are confined to those published on the Race 9 – Final Grid published at Oulton Park on 3/5/2010.  Round 5, Race 2 at Knockhill will now take place on July 17th at Snetterton. The participants of that race are confined to those published on the Race 3 and 10 – Final Grid published at Knockhill on 4/7/2010

British 125GP championship, Round 6 from Knockhill will now take place on Saturday 11th September at the Croft circuit.

The Henderson Harley Davidson XR1200 Trophy, Rounds 3 & 4 has now been incorporated into the event at Brands Hatch on the weekend of August 6/7/8 with the revised remaining rounds as follows;

Round 3 August 7th Brands Hatch GP

Round 4 August 8th Brands Hatch GP

Round 5 August 29th Cadwell Park

Round 6 August 30th Cadwell Park

Donington Park

A revised calendar for the 2010 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship in association with Pirelli has been announced today due to the major changes involving Donington Park which is unable to be included for the coming year.

The Donington Park round due to take place on 10-12 September will now be held at the Croft circuit and on May 21-23 is now being held at the Cadwell Park circuit.

Other changes to the calendar show the Knockhill round has moved to the 2-4 July while the 16-18 July round will be held at the Snetterton circuit.

* – Denotes three BSB races at these events, all others two.

Tommy Hill - Worx Crescent Suzuki 2009

Tommy Hill has signed a contract to race for the Worx Crescent Suzuki team for the 2010 season to ride alongside Yukio Kagayama.

The 24-year-old rider was given a chance in the 2009 season with the Worx Suzuki team to cover for the injured Sylvain Guintoli at Mallory Park where he qualified in second place in race 1 before being caught-up in the carnage when Josh Brookes lost control of his bike.  Hill was kept on for the following round scoring two-top five finishes at the Brands Hatch triple header before it was announced that Guintoli would be back for the next meeting.

Hill then filled in for the Hydrex Honda rider Karl Harris after he was sacked by the team and achieved a seventh and sixth position on his first outing at Croft followed by two fifth positions at Silverstone.

Tommy said;

“I’m over the moon. I’m very happy to be in the Worx Crescent Suzuki team.  I’ve worked with the team this year, and so for me going into winter testing with a team that I’ve already worked with is fantastic. The Suzuki GSX-R1000 is a cracking bike, to have that and a team that I want to work with is so important – that’s always good for a rider’s confidence.

For me, the only downside is that now I’ve got to sit around and wait! I just want to get on with the season right now and get racing again. In the British championship we have a long winter period. Sure, we will be testing in the New Year, and there will probably be the odd shakedown before Christmas, but you know I just really want to get riding right now!”

On the final lap of race two, the Airwaves Yamaha of Camier began to smoke while he was leading the race and he was shown the black flag with an orange spot, meaning that he must leave the circuit immediately.  Camier believed the flag meant that he had to leave the circuit within one lap, seeing him stripped of his race win and the victory going to team-mate James Ellison instead.

At the Croft round of the championship in September, the British rider was given a quick lesson by the track marshal’s just to make certain that he knew what the flags meant, watch the clip below.

SMT Honda 2009

The SMT Honda team are to be back on the grid for the final two rounds of the 2009 British Superbike Championship with Karl Harris, after securing sponsorship from sorrymate.com.

The team were forced to miss the last three rounds of the season at Brands Hatch, Cadwell Park and Croft due to the economic crisis.

As original team rider Jason O’Halloran is out of contention after suffering a broken wrist in practice at the Croft circuit and with Karl Harris having recently lost his ride with the Hydrex Honda team, he seemed the ideal solution.

Robin Croft said;

“We’re all absolutely delighted to be back on the British Superbike grid and are indebted to Fergus Dalgarno and sorrymate.com for their financial support which has allowed us to return. It’s been hard work since our last outing at Mallory Park and we’ve explored a number of avenues to continue competing but it’s only now that we have the solid financial footing to do so. As for Karl, he knows the bike inside out and what we’ve been running all year is very similar to the bike he was riding at Hydrex Honda – we’ve had on-going support during the year from Shaun Muir and Mick Shanley and Karl’s desperate to get back on a Honda so it’s a hungry team and a hungry rider that will be heading to Silverstone. We ‘re all itching to get back and are planning to end the season with a flourish.”

Stuart Easton - Hydrex Honda - Croft 2009

The British Superbike Championship headed to the Croft circuit this weekend with Stuart Easton taking the victory in race one and Leon Camier winning race two.

Race One

After leading several races this season and being on the podium in second place five times, the Hydrex Honda rider Stuart Easton took his maiden victory in race one.

Starting from third on the grid, Easton took his place at the front of the pack going into the first corner ahead of HM Plant Honda rider Josh Brookes and James Ellison on the Airwaves Yamaha.

Leon Camier on the second Airwaves Yamaha, moved back to seventh place as the race got underway but was soon back on the pace as he passed Gary Mason on the Quay Garage Honda and then Simon Andrews on the Confused.com Kawasaki.

On attempting to take Chris Walker on the Motorpoint/Henderson Yamaha, Camier went wide allowing Andrews to re-pass.  The following lap, Camier once again tried to pass Andrews but went in to fast causing him to run straight-on, across the grass and into a ditch.  Camier rejoined the track but was now down in last place and had lost more than 20 seconds.

Andrews recovered from his earlier incident and was on a mission to get on the podium, taking Josh Brookes on lap 7, however, after such an impressive ride, Andrews was caught-up in an accident with only four laps remaining and was out of contention.

Easton and Ellison were in a race of their own, with Ellison right on the tail of the Hydrex Honda on the final lap.  Easton kept his nerve and took the victory ahead of Ellison with the returning Australian rider Josh Brookes in third. 

Ryuichi Kiyonari on the second HM Plant Honda finished in fourth place followed by Ian Lowry on the Relentless TAS Suzuki in fifth, Leon Camier on the second Airwaves Yamaha in sixth, Tommy Hill on the second Hydrex Honda in seventh, Gary Mason on the Quay Garage Honda in eighth, Julian Da Costa for Confused.com Kawasaki in ninth and Graeme Gowland on the Motorpoint/ Henderson Kawasaki in tenth.

Chris Walker ended the race early after a bizarre incident saw the handlebar of his Kawasaki break while riding at speed.

Here are the results;

1. Stuart Easton GBR Hydrex Honda 27mins 06.092secs 20 laps
2. James Ellison GBR Airwaves Yamaha +0.359secs
3. Josh Brookes AUS HM Plant Honda +10.216secs
4. Ryuichi Kiyonari JPN HM Plant Honda +10.967secs
5. Ian Lowry GBR Relentless TAS Suzuki +19.612secs
6. Leon Camier GBR Airwaves Yamaha +21.436secs
7. Tommy Hill GBR Hydrex Honda +22.380secs
8. Gary Mason GBR Quay Honda +25.776secs Cup
9. Julien Da Costa FRA Confused.com Kawasaki 31.236secs
10. Graeme Gowland GBR Motorpoint/Henderson Yamaha +31.750secs
11. Peter Hickman GBR Ultimate Yamaha +31.994secs Cup
12. Tommy Bridewell GBR Team NB Suzuki +32.034secs Cup
13. John Laverty IRL Buildbase Kawasaki +33.554secs
14. Karl Harris GBR Node4 Yamaha +44.160secs
15. Howie Mainwaring GBR Team Maxxis Yamaha +47.927secs

Kenny Gilbertson GBR Jx Fuelcards Kawasaki Did Not Start Cup

Race Two

Airwaves Yamaha rider Leon Camier was back on form by race two and took the win with an eight second lead on second place man, race one winner Stuart Easton on the Hydrex Honda.

After a better start for Camier, he was in fourth behind leading man Josh Brookes, Stuart Easton and Simon Andrews.  Camier passed Andrews on the first lap before getting past Brookes on lap four.  Easton was now leading the race having passed Brookes on the opening lap, but by lap six Camier had reeled him in and took the lead, crossing the line almost nine seconds ahead of Easton.

The second Airwaves Yamaha rider James Ellison, finally finished the race in fourth position after a terrible start saw him in seventh place.  He was followed by Simon Andrews in fifth, Tommy Hill in sixth, Ian Lowry in seventh, Gary Mason in eighth, Julien Da Costa in ninth and John Laverty completing the top ten riders.

The Airwaves Yamaha team are now guaranteed the championship for the 2009 season but it remains to be seen if it will be Leon Camier or James Ellison that walks away with the title, after the five remaining races left to run.

Gary Mason has been confirmed as the Mirror.co.uk Cup Champion for 2009 for the Quay Garage Honda team.

Here are the results.

1. Leon Camier GBR Airwaves Yamaha 26mins 57.535 20 laps
2. Stuart Easton GBR Hydrex Honda +8.788secs
3. Josh Brookes AUS HM Plant Honda +11.336secs
4. James Ellison GBR Airwaves Yamaha +11.970secs
5. Simon Andrews GBR Confused.com Kawasaki +17.437secs
6. Tommy Hill GBR Hydrex Honda +17.589secs
7. Ian Lowry GBR Relentless TAS Suzuki +18.043secs
8. Gary Mason GBR Quay Honda +25.331secs Cup
9. Julien Da Costa FRA Confused.com Kawasaki +27.433secs
10. John Laverty IRL Buildbase Kawasaki +28.579secs
11. Chris Walker GBR Motorpoint/Henderson Yamaha +28.975secs
12. Graeme Gowland GBR Motorpoint/Henderson Yamaha +29.241secs
13. Sylvain Guintoli FRA Worx Crescent Suzuki +29.469secs
14. Tommy Bridewell GBR Team NB Suzuki +31.584secs Cup
15. Peter Hickman GBR Ultimate Yamaha +37.176secs Cup

Kenny Gilbertson GBR Jx Fuelcards Kawasaki Did Not Start Cup

Ryuichi Kiyonari - HM Plant Honda

This weekend the British Superbike teams and riders head to the Croft circuit for round 10 of the British Superbike Championship.

One of the biggest surprises coming to the circuit will be Ryuichi Kiyonari, who has confirmed that he is to ride for the HM Plant Honda team as a replacement for the injured Glen Richards. The double British Superbike champion will ride alongside Josh Brookes who will be returning to the championship after serving his two-race ban.

Kiyonari said;

“I’m really excited to be riding for the HM Plant Honda team again.  I’m also very happy to race in BSB and especially at Croft. I love this circuit and won both races when I last raced there in 2007.”

Tommy Hill will also be back at the British Superbike series with the Hydrex Honda team this weekend, replacing Karl Harris who recently lost his ride with the team.  The former World Superbike rider, rode for the Worx Crescent Suzuki team earlier in the year while Sylvain Guintoli recuperated from his injuries, but was left on the side-lines on his return.  Hill will be riding alongside Stuart Easton at Croft and his hoping to secure some points for the team.

Meanwhile Karl Harris has been given a one-race deal with his former Rob Mac boss, to ride the MCE British Superbike at Croft.  Harris will be replacing Jon Kirkham in the team after his seasons struggle to regain full fitness to his hand, broken earlier in the year.  Harris is looking forward to experiencing  the Yamaha R1 alongside Chris Walker for the Motorpoint/Henderson team.

John Laverty – Buildbase Kawasaki 2009

This weekend the British Superbike Championship gets underway at Brands Hatch with a four-day event starting on 10th through to the 13th April.

The GSE Racing team have revealed their 2009 YZF-R1 in it’s new racing livery.  The Airwave Yamaha riders Leon Camier and James Ellison are both said to be pleased with the new paint job and eager to get on the circuit.  The GSE Racing crew signed a 3-year-deal to partner Yamaha after ending their commitment with Ducati.

The Relentless Suzuki team have signed Ian Lowry to ride alongside their other rider Atsushi Watanabe for the 2009 season.  Lowry has been riding for the team in their Supersport series for the past three seasons.

The MSS Kawasaki team will be on the grid with their riders Julien Da Costa and Simon Andrews.  Andrews missed some of the recent testing after suffering a crash at Mallory Park in March.  He was blown off track by a strong gust of wind as he entered Gerrards and was hit by the bike causing severe bruising to his shoulder.  Andrews is now fit and ready for the start of the season and are pleased with the work done on their machine over the winter months.

Another Kawasaki team who will be racing against the MSS team are the riders Tristan Palmer and John Laverty, riding for the Buildbase Kawasaki team.  The team formerly known as Hawk Racing completed their sponsorship deal with Buildbase in December 2008.

Sylvain Guintoli will be aboard the Crescent Suzuki who have recently revealed that they have secured a two-year sponsorship deal with Worx, the power tool brand.  The former MotoGP rider has been very strong in testing and is aiming for no less than a double win at this Easter weekend round.

The HM Plant Honda team are aiming to be the top Honda team again this year with their Australian riders Josh Brookes and Glen Richards. This season they are facing competition with the Hydrex Honda team who have the riders Karl Harris and Stuart Easton, both showing impressive speed during testing.

Jason O’Halloran is the sole rider for the SMT Honda team after making his debut in the BSB series at Croft in 2008 where he got the team a top ten result for the first time.

The Motorpoint/Henderson Yamaha team will have the riders Chris Walker and Graeme Gowland, both intending to give their team 100%.  Walker was signed by Rob McElnea after a year in WSB and was desperate to get back in front of the British Superbike crowd.

The other Rob Mac signing was that of Michael Rutter who will be riding the North West 200 Yamaha.  Rutter has shown impressive form in the 2008 season and is a favourite for this year.

Jon Kirkham will be riding the Lloyds British Jentin after a successful 2008 season in the National Superstock championship where he finished runner-up.

The STP-JHS Racing MV Augusta have the riders Chris Burns and Victor Cox. The team confirmed that last season the bike was overweight and underpowered and that the improvements to the machine will make a massive difference to the handling and performance of the bike.

The Red Viper Honda team has Aaron Zanotti and Alastair Fagan riding for them.  Zanotti will continue his season with the team alongside Fagan who competed in the British Supersport Cup in 2008 where he finished in sixth place overall.

Gary Mason will once again be riding for the Quay Garage Honda team after racing in the Daily Star British Superbike Cup in 2008 for the team.  He was given the task after James Buckingham was forced out due to injuries and showed an impressive ride.

Brian McCormack is on the MAR Racing Kawasaki and is also intending to compete in the TT with the full backing of his crew.

Tom Tunstall will be riding for the Hardinge Doodson Motorsport Honda team and will also be racing in the Daily Star Cup Championship which runs alongside BSB.

Peter Hickman is with the Ultimate Racing Yamaha team after finishing third in the 2008 National Superstock 1000 Championship.

Martin Jessopp is aboard the Riders Racing Honda, Kenny Gilbertson is on the Jx Fuelcard Kawasaki, Matt Bond is riding the Mist Suzuki and David Johnson for Team Maxxis Branson Yamaha.

(UPDATE)

According to reports Josh Brookes will not be racing this weekend after he was stopped by immigration this morning from entering the UK as his paperwork was not in order.

Steve Plater will now be replacing the Australian for this round only.

Croft Circuit

Last week I wrote about the future of Croft if it lost it’s court appeal and had to compensate neighbours who have allegedly been troubled by noise.

Derek and Julia Watson and their daughter Jill Wilson, won the original case at the High Court in April 2008 and were awarded almost £150,000 in compensation for ‘loud, intrusive and repetitive noise’.  The circuit was also ordered to pay £700,000 in Court costs.

Croft Promosport Ltd lost their appeal on Monday and now the future of the popular circuit is in doubt.

Furthermore, the circuit has also had an injunction issued against them to limit activities to just 40 days of the year.  The British superbike events along with the British Touring cars are active between 45-50 days as it is.

Unfortunately, this has now set a precedent, with all race circuits now open to claims for noise pollution.  These circuits rely on track days to bring the extra revenue needed to keep the track going.

It seems rather more of a case of a bitter divorce than noise issues as it appears that Jill Wilson was once married to the Mr Wilson of Croft Promosport Ltd.

On Monday the circuit issued this statement;

“Croft Promosport Ltd is extremely disappointed with the Court of Appeal’s decision today in relation to the recent High Court judgement, which has serious implications for the circuit and the motor racing industry generally.

We are reviewing the position carefully and would not with to make any further comment at this stage”.

Croft Circuit

The famous Croft circuit near Darlington has been hosting races since 1928, but now it’s future is in doubt after a recent court case awarded three neighbours £150,000 each in compensation for noise issues.

(BARC) The British Automobile Racing Club that own the circuit are also facing legal costs of £700,000 plus a further £300,000 of their own legal fees.

The circuit owners have appealed against the decision but if it is not overturned it could face closure as it is feared that if the decision is upheld further cases are likely to follow.

Interestingly enough, the people who had complained had not done so about organised events, which occur on only fifty-days of the year, but about test days and open track days.

The people involved have also have also tried to get an injunction against the circuit to limit the circuits activities to forty-days of the year.

It does make me wonder when these people actually moved to the area and why, knowing that there is a race circuit in the vicinity.  Let’s hope the decision is overturned for the sake of Croft and the hundreds of true fans around the world that have enjoyed and wish to continue enjoying the racing at one of the best circuits in the UK.