ThePitcrewOnline

Category: Crew On Two

  • What Does The Future Hold for WSBK

    The World Superbike paddock gets back underway this weekend as the circus heads to the Lausitzring in Germany to begin the second leg of their 13 round season. This season more than any other and the direction the World Superbike series has gone down, has come under plenty of scrutiny from people who follow it closely.

    Looking at it from a fans point of view, you can see why people aren’t forking out the cash to go and see the racing. Having only two manufacturers at the front without any real threat from Aprilia, Yamaha, MV Agusta, Honda and BMW week in, week out, gets slightly repetitive and dare I say, boring.

    I will never fall out of love with motorcycle racing, real racing fans will, I’m sure, agree with me on that. But, in the grand scheme of things, something has to change to allow the other manufacturers to be competitive on the world stage of production motorcycle racing.

    This is nothing against the likes of Jonathan Rea, Chaz Davies and Tom Sykes. It’s amazing to have three genuine world class British riders fighting it out at the front every race weekend, we couldn’t ask for anymore as British racing fans. In my opinion, they could all be competitive in MotoGP, given they were on the right equipment at the right time.

    The same can be said for several other World Superbike riders. Pata Yamaha teammates Alex Lowes and Michael Van Der Mark could win races if their package could compete with Kawasaki and Ducati.

    Stefan Bradl is a former Moto2 World Champion, yet struggling to get into the top 10 at each round. Through no fault of his own, the new Honda Fireblade simply hasn’t been able to be fast on the world stage. Their decision to go with Cosworth engines may prove to be a direction they’ll regret taking.

    Eugene Laverty is a World Superbike race winner and has also proven he can be quick on an unfavourable Ducati GP14 MotoGP bike. Maybe it will take a year for the Irishman to understand a Superbike again, having been away on MotoGP duty since 2014.

    Leon Camier has been hugely impressive on the MV Agusta, a former British Superbike champion who should be expecting to fight for victories week in week out with the talent he has. However, the MV itself is based on an old model bike and the results Leon is delivering for the team are incredible considering the age of the motorcycle.

    The list could go on. My point here is, imagine all of these boys mixing it with Rea, Davies, Sykes and Melandri at the front every weekend. THAT would be worth its weight in gold for every motorcycle racing fan. Yes, for other countries it may get slightly boring seeing the Union Jack every weekend but real fans would watch the close racing regardless.

    We only have to look at the competitiveness of British Superbikes to see what a level playing field can do. The popularity of the series is sky high and the racing it provides from virtually every manufacturer on the grid only enhances that. Stuart Higgs has got the balance absolutely right with privateer teams having just as much chance of success as the more factory backed outfits.

    Lets travel back to the ‘Golden Age’ of World Superbikes. King Carl had 90,000 British fans flocking to Donington and over 120,000 to Brands Hatch each year and until his accident at Phillip Island, he was undoubtedly the man to beat. Not just on track but off track as well, his confidence bordering-on-arrogance persona was marmite but everyone ended up embracing him.

    After Foggy’s retirement, the paddock was still treated to unbelievably close racing between every manufacturer in the paddock. In 2000, Colin Edwards and Noriyuki Haga went head-to-head whereas Neil Hodgson, Chris Walker and John Reynolds all created goose-bump moments with their fantastic wildcard performances. A year later, Edwards and Troy Bayliss went at it with Bayliss pipping the American, but through Ruben Xaus, Regis Laconi and Tadayuki Okada in the mix and you’ve got yourself a stacked field of closing racing, not to mention the annual trip to Sugo for the Japanese round – Tamada, Kitagawaw, Serizawa, Ryo and Takeda, the list goes on.

    We all remember Edwards and Bayliss fight it out at Imola in 2002, one of the greatest battles I’ve ever seen on a race track in any series. Steve Parrish seemingly agreeing, it was one of the best races he ever commentated on. But when will these glory days come again? When will we see another vintage year of Superbike racing that captivates us all once more?

     

    Elliott York

    @journoyork

  • Ian Hutchinson: I Had Doubts Over My Comeback

    There aren’t many people that I absolutely idolise in bike racing. Valentino Rossi, Carl Fogarty, John McGuinness and maybe Troy Bayliss but above all of them, Ian Hutchinson. The ‘Bingley Bullet’ nearly lost his leg numerous times and undertook every risk possible to make-sure he would be able to ride again. When I got the chance to interview this superhuman, I was delighted. So here it is, an exclusive with the 14-time TT winner himself.


    Can we expect an Ian Hutchinson championship win this year?

    Yeah, I’m here to try and win races and we are doing a good job. We did a good job last year; last year I wasn’t really in the championship to try and win it so it was a surprise to be where I was. We need to put a bit more effort into being in the championship and to be in a position to win it this year. Unfortunately, we will have to miss a race for the TT but it’s a longer championship this year so hopefully I will gain back the points that I lose.

    Do you like the new Superstock 1000 race format?

    I think it could’ve been done a bit differently. We wanted more track time across the weekend and it’s something new, if back-to-back races brings in more interest in the Superstock class for the public then it’s a good thing. Either way we are getting more track time so it’s all good.


    We’ve seen a lot of riders struggle on the BMW, but you seem to ride it effortlessly – how is that?

    Well, I haven’t been on the bike in the Superbike class so that’s completely different but in the Superstock class it’s a fantastic bike and that has been proven by many riders. There’s definitely more challenge this year from Kawasaki and Suzuki, so we are having to work harder trying to improve the bike. On the roads it has a little bit of edge with regards to speed. Every now and then a bike seems to come along and work better in road racing and the BMW is in that position at the moment. I don’t really know what that one thing is because it doesn’t feel anything special compared to other bikes. The BMW has an easier throttle connection and control of power is definitely easier. All bikes are a bit of a handful around the TT with 200BHP so ‘easy’ might not be the word to use there but the power distribution is pretty good.


    How do you adapt from Roads to Short Circuits?

    My riding style in short circuits is smooth so I don’t make mistakes, so when I go to the roads then I can ride exactly the same as I do on the short circuits. Some short circuit riders are far more committed on short circuits so they might have to change a style whereas I’ve always been able to transfer and do both.


    How do you physically prepare for Roads and Short Circuits?

    The balance for me is that wherever and whenever you fall off you can get hurt and I don’t want to get hurt. I barely do anything special; I ride trials bike and I do a bit of motocross. I do stuff for fun really, not so much actual training.


    How did you get engaged in bike racing?

    Just through passing my test at 17. I did some trials riding when I was 15 and 16 and then got into road bikes, and then into racing.

    After your crash at Silverstone 2010, did you ever consider your career over?

    Yes, definitely. I worked hard to comeback and I had the doubts it would not happen. After 30 operations on your leg and the potential of losing your leg numerous times, then you have to think that it might be over. I just enjoyed winning so much before it and wanted that feeling back. Thats all I race for is that feeling of winning and I don’t like any other positions so that drove me on to be back where I wanted to be.

    How are the Tyco team to work in?

    They’re great to work with. I dont tend to want for many things but if I do want something they get in straight away. Everything seems to work very smoothly. They’ve been doing the roads and the British championship for a long time now, so they know what needs doing. The team doesn’t get flustered and it is a tiring job doing all the rounds in BSB and the roads. Obviously they do still get tired but they don’t seem to get down about it and if you’re getting the results then that helps as well.

    Do you like a rivalry with someone in the class?

    It’s all about racing and this year I’ve got Richard Cooper and Danny Buchan in the championship, both ex Superbike winners and podium finishers and both being Superstock champions. It makes it better for me to be beating people of that calibre; it isn’t like I’m just winning a support race, you’re beating people who were podium finishers in BSB last season.

    Can we expect more fireworks between you and Michael Dunlop at the TT this year?

    The rivalry is between first and second in any race wherever you go. I’m out there to win races and we need to concentrate on what we need to do and what we need to win.

    When do you see yourself retiring? We see riders such as Michael Rutter who are in their 40s, will you get to that age?

    I never think about it. It could have all come to an end seven years ago when my leg got squashed. I will just take each year as it comes; if I’m competitive and I’m having fun then I will carry on but if I was finishing 15th then I wouldn’t be doing this championship. So I just take each as it comes and if I’m enjoying it, I’ll continue.

    Thank you to Gareth Davies of Full Factory Media and Photography for the image. For prints and canvasses, you can contact him here.

    Kiko Giles @MotoGPKiko

  • Doviziso: It Was a Crazy Race!

    Andrea Dovizioso branded the Austrian Grand Prix as a “crazy race”, having defeated Marc Marquez in one of the best head to head race-long battles MotoGP has ever seen. The Italian took his third victory of the season and gave me Ducati their second consecutive win at the circuit. 

    “It was a crazy race, but to be honest the whole weekend was incredible, and in particular the final curve of the last lap, but I managed to remain clear headed and was aware that Marquez was going to try and pass me”, began the Italian, who now moves into 2nd in the championship, 16 points behind Marc Marquez.

    “It was a very difficult situation because if Marc had closed the door coming out of the corner, he would have forced me out and passed me. Instead I was able to resist his attack and I went on to win”, he continued.

    Dovizioso concluded by saying, “I’m very satisfied with the way we managed the entire weekend with my team: understanding the right choice of tyres was really difficult but we did it. We had a great race, we’re making up points in the championship, and we’ve got all the right cards to fight for the title.”

    This is the first back to back victory at the same circuit in consecutive seasons since Casey Stoner at Phillip Island, from 2007 to 2010. Dovizioso also becomes just the 4th Italian to win across all classes at the Red Bull Ring, alongside Ivan Goi, Andrea Iannone and Franco Morbidelli. Andrea Dovizioso also moves eight points clear of Maverick Vinales, the top Yamaha.

    Image: MotoGP

  • 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