Reid clinches Irish Supertwin Championship for KMR Kawasaki

KMR Kawasaki celebrated more title success at the weekend with Simon Reid clinching the Irish Supertwin Championship at the St Angelo circuit near Enniskillen.

Riding the 650cc ER6 Kawasaki, Reid – son of former World Formula Two Champion Brian – came into the event with a slender nine-point advantage over Marty Lennon. But, having taken two wins and a second at the previous round, he arrived in great form and duly wrapped up the title with a resounding double victory around the 1.208-mile circuit.

Having taken pole position by just over three quarters of a second from Paul Gartland, Reid opened his account for the day with a 3.1s victory over the same rider in the first 8-lap race and he sealed his maiden Irish Championship with an identical result in the second 8-lap encounter later in the day, this time by the greater margin of 5.8s.

The two wins saw Reid end the 11-round, 27-race series with four wins and 11 further podiums to top the table with 359 points, 59 clear of Lennon with James Cotterell a distant third on 238 points.

There was further joy for Ryan Farquhar’s team with Jonny Towers having taken overall victory in the 2017 Thundersport Supertwins Championship. Riding a similar KMR Kawasaki to Reid, Towers took a double victory at the penultimate round at Oulton Park to secure the championship with a round to spare.

Ryan Farquhar, Team Owner: “It’s been a good few weeks for the team, firstly with Jonny winning the Supertwins Championship in the Thundersport series and then Simon doing the same in the Irish Championship. I’ve helped both riders during the course of the season wherever I could and it’s great to see the pair of them put in such great performances and come out on top in their respective Championships. It makes all the hard work in the workshop worthwhile so thanks to all the team sponsors for their continued support and for making it all possible.”

Lintin and Dafabet Devitt Racing complete domestic road racing season

Ivan Lintin and the Dafabet Devitt Racing team completed their domestic road racing season at Oliver’s Mount, Scarborough at the weekend and it proved to be a successful meeting for the Bristol-based outfit with a number of top class results.

There was a damp start to proceedings on Saturday after heavy overnight rain left the 2.43-mile tree-lined circuit in a tricky condition but by the time the first race, the first leg of the Supersport 600cc, came under starters, the sun had broken through. A number of damp patches still remained under the trees but, despite having to start from deep on the grid, Ivan opened his account with a strong ride into fourth place.

Switching to the Super Lightweight class, Ivan then took a start to finish victory on the Kawasaki ER6 650cc machine, winning by five seconds from similarly mounted Adam McLean. With little respite for Ivan and the team, the 8-lap Open race soon followed although the Bardney-based rider found himself down in eighth after two laps. With overtaking always difficult around the narrow road circuit, he managed to work his way up to sixth at the chequered flag.

The final race of a busy day was the Senior, also held over eight laps, and on this occasion Ivan and the Kawasaki ZX-10R were locked in battle with Daley Mathison throughout, the duo disputing second place. Try as he might, Ivan was unable to find a way past and he had to settle for third after eight hard fought laps, albeit only 0.2s adrift.

Sunday saw perfect sunny conditions and the second Supersport 600cc race saw a thrilling dice between Ivan, Dean Harrison, James Cowton and Adam McLean. It looked like the 32-year would clinch another podium position but McLean had other ideas and pushed him back to fourth on the final lap.

Having qualified in pole position, Ivan was eagerly looking forward to the feature International Gold Cup race, as well as his three other races but, unfortunately, two serious incidents resulted in racing being abandoned for the day at 3pm.

Ivan Lintin: “It’s been a mixed weekend in terms of the weather and a number of unfortunate incidents which affected the race programme so I wish all the injured parties a speedy recovery. On the racing side of things, I’m pretty pleased with my results although having qualified on pole, it’s a shame the Gold Cup race was cancelled. I felt like we made good progress with the ZX-10R over the course of the two days and whilst it’s taken a bit longer than I would have liked, I’ve gelled with it more and more throughout the year. The 600cc races were as hard as always but I was pleased to equal my personal best lap on a Supersport machine and it was nice to get another win on the Supertwin. I’m looking forward now to Macau and ending the year with a strong result.”

Ben Constable, Team Co-owner: “Ivan was there or thereabouts all weekend and he picked up some good, solid results including another win on the Supertwin. The weather conditions made it a bit tricky on Saturday morning but as the track dried out, Ivan got into his stride and had a good weekend. With a podium in Saturday’s Senior race and then pole position for the Gold Cup race, I think he could have had a real good go in the big bike races on Sunday when conditions were perfect but it wasn’t to be. Our domestic season has ended on a positive note and we can look forward to Macau now whilst I wish everyone injured this weekend well.”

Team MTR Race Report

Welcome to TeamMTR's latest race report. After the successful Round 7 of the Championship at Thruxton, Mike and the team were excited to get back on track for round 8 of the series at Silverstone GP.

Race 1
After some fundraising from a number of sponsors to help the team with the purchase of some uprated front fork internals, Mike and the team were eager to get out on circuit to gather some data for the settings of not only track, but also the new fork internals. With Silverstone GP being the longest track on the calender, the 20 minute Practice session would only provide us with around 7 laps, so it was essential to learn as much as possible about the bike, circuit and the wet conditions.

After qualifying in a slightly disappointing 25th on the grid, again in wet conditions, the first race of the weekend was held in dry conditions, meaning once again Mike and the team were guessing the setup of the bike in the dry weather.

Unfortunately, on lap 3 of the race, rain fell, causing the red flag to come out and the race to be stopped. Due to the sudden downpour, every rider had 10 minutes to change their wheels to wet tyres, if each rider felt it was the decision to make. The new start of the race would be declared a wet race, meaning it would not be stopped for rain again. As the track temperature was still quite high, Mike and the team gambled on using the dry tyres in the damp conditions, hoping the circuit would dry out sufficient enough for them to work. This proved to be the correct decision, as Mike started 22nd on the grid, and began to pick of another 19 riders off in front of him to cross the line in 3rd position, recording the teams highest finishing positon and to finally be able to stand on the podium in a British Championship race.

Race 2
After race ones extremely impressive result, Mike and the team were able to enjoy their highest grid start for race 2, as Mike recorded the second fastest lap of race 1, allowing him to start in position 2 on the front row of the grid. A good start ensured Mike got away fairly well. However, a downshifter problem on the bike caused Mike to drop off the pace rather dramatically, limping home in a slightly disappointing 15th place, albeit still grabbing some ever valuable points.

Conclusion
Having had such a great result in Saturdays race 1, and grabbing the teams first ever British Championship podium in the teams first year at this level, nothing could ruin the atmosphere within the camp. Both Mike and the team were not expecting to be on the podium in the first season at this level, so to actually come away with a bagful of points and a trophy was hugely satisfying. The team were a little disappointed with the bike problem on Sunday, but we are pleased to have found the problem and the bike is now ready for the final round of the season at Assen, Netherlands next weekend. We were also extremely pleased to be invited along to the open evening of Blade Ducati’s new store in Abingdon, where the bike was on show along with all of Ducati’s class leading motorcycles. Having met many of their customers and all the staff, the team have strengthened their relationship with the Blade Motorcycle Group, and both parties are looking forward to working together for next years Ducati TriOptions Cup, while working closely with the new Blade Ducati Oxford store at Abingdon.

Championship Standings
Ducati TriOptions Cup-12th
EMRA Superstock-5th

HEDGER GUNNING FOR PODIUM END TO SEASON AFTER STRONG DAY AT OULTON

EHA Racing’s National 1000cc Superstock rookie Luke Hedger is edging ever closer to his maiden class podium, having taken impressive seventh and fourth placed finishes from the this weekend’s double-header at Oulton Park. He currently holds eighth place in the championship standings with just one race weekend remaining.

The penultimate round of the 2017 season threw up some inclement weather conditions, but the EHA Racing Aprilia mounted rider coped admirably, and is now gunning for that debut podium during the season finale at Brands Hatch in October.

Luke Hedger:
“The weekend started off slow, but we kept building throughout every session. We got faster, which of course is the plan, and I was happy with the two race positions. P7 and P4 gives me solid points and is good for my overall championship position. Now we look ahead to Brands, where I know we will carry on our good pace. I couldn't do it without the whole EHA Racing team, Ian, my Dad, family, and all my sponsors who have stuck by me.”

Gail Allingham – Team Manager:
“Luke had a really positive weekend. He rode so well today to get that fourth place. It was a shame the first three had pulled away early in the race and the gap was just too big to close. We would still love to get Luke on the podium before the end of the season and with no Superstock races at Assen, we will have to give it our all at the last round at Brands Hatch. Thanks as always to our sponsors.”

HEDGER ENDS SEASON WITH TOP FIVE AT BRANDS HATCH ON EHA RACING APRILIA

Fifth place on the final day of the season, aboard the EHA Racing Aprilia, secured National 1000cc Superstock rookie Luke Hedger seventh place overall in the 2017 standings, which is a solid platform to build on in the class for the youngster.

Four, fourth-placed finishes was the highlight of the season for the talented Gloucestershire 21-year-old, who had an enjoyable debut season in the class with EHA Racing, as he explained.

Luke Hedger:
“It was a big step jumping up to Stock 1000 this year, but a very enjoyable one working with EHA Racing and riding the Aprilia RSV4 RF. The whole season was a learning process for us all, but in amongst some very strong and experienced competitors, I think we did a decent job. The podium we all wanted on the EHA Racing Aprilia might not have come, but at times we were very close to making it happen. Fifth place is a strong enough finish to the year and to conclude, I’d just like to thank the team, my family and my personal sponsors for their support.”

Gail Allingham – Team Manager:
“Luke rode great in his race at Brands and he progressed so well to finish fifth. He did have the potential to move forward and challenge for that elusive podium, but a few incidents during the race stopped that from happening. Thanks as always to all our team sponsors, family and friends for their support this season. We couldn’t do it without all of them. It’s hard to believe the season is now over, but we will be looking ahead to 2018 now with optimism at EHA Racing."

YOUNG GUNS TAKE THUNDERSPORT VICTORIES WITH EHA RACING APRILIA

British Supersport regular David Allingham was joined by George Stanley on EHA Racing Aprilia RSV-4 RF machinery at last weekend’s Thundersport round at Donington Park. The duo clocked up two wins from a handsome return of five podiums between them in the GP1 Sportsman & Elite class.

More impressive, is that the flame-haired duo were enjoying, only their first and second weekend of racing action aboard 1000cc Superstock machinery. British Supersport regular Allingham stood on all three Thundersport podiums on his 1000cc debut: a brace of second placed finishes clocked up either side of his race two victory on the EHA Racing prepared Aprilia. The Northern Irishman also took fastest laps in races two and three.

19-year-old youngster Stanley, who finished sixth in this season’s British Superstock 600cc class, also collected a well-deserved Thundersport victory and a fastest lap to boot on his RSV4 RF, from his front row qualifying position. He took ninth place in race one [and the aforementioned fastest lap] and was third in race two before taking his race three win, just 0.3sec ahead of team-mate Allingham.

Speaking afterwards, Ian Newton, EHA Racing Aprilia Technical Director, said: “It was a great weekend and fantastic to finish the year off on a high. Having two young lads with no experience riding Superstock 1000, and for them both to be immediately at the front winning races and posting fastest laps, just shows how competitive the Aprilia is. We look forward to showing more of these impressive results next season. Massive thanks to Dunlop, EBC Brakes and Derek for his help this weekend.”

David Allingham [Results: Q4–2–1–2]
“It was a really fun weekend at Donington Park and it’s always nice to go back and race at Thundersport meetings, which is where I started off my short circuit career. Having ridden Supersport 600 all year in British Championship, it was good to experience riding a bigger machine. The Aprilia was awesome and I found it an easy bike to ride. Although I wasn’t pushing too hard, as I didn’t want to go into the off-season with an injury, there was some great racing and I was happy with the results and lap times I achieved. Thanks to Ian, EHA Racing and Colin for all their help this weekend.”

George Stanley [Results: Q3–9–3–1]
“I really enjoyed racing the Aprilia at the weekend. It was only my second weekend on the bike and against some tough competitors, it was nice to come away with a win. The result was made easier by the support I was given from Ian and the EHA team. It was a great experience to work with a professional team and I look forward to the future. Thanks to In Competition, EHA Racing, my personal sponsors and my mum and dad.”

TeamMTR Race Report

Welcome to TeamMTR's latest race report. After the really successful Round 8 of the Championship at Silverstone, Mike and the team were excited to get back on track for the final round of the series at Assen, Netherlands.

Race 1
Being another new circuit to Mike and the team, and the 12 hour journey to the North of Holland, the team arrived Thursday afternoon and were greeted with dry but cold conditions. With Free Practice and Qualifying both on Friday, Mike was determined to learn as much as possible about the super fast circuit, to give himself the best opportunity during both the races.

Unfortunately, the bike had major clutch problems at the beginning of the Practice session, meaning Mike only managed 3 laps, therefore leaving Mike well behind the pace of the rest of the riders, while also giving the team a big job to get the bike repaired in time for the Qualifying session later in the afternoon.

Thankfully, the team managed to get the bike up together in time for the Qualifying session, allowing Mike to get out on track and get some much needed track time. However, on the fifth lap, Mike suffered some more clutch problems, and had to pull in and end the session having only completed 8 laps on the first day. This put Mike in a lowly 23rd on the grid. After working late through the night, the team finally managed to pinpoint the problem with the clutch. This was welcome news for Mike, and finally meant he could get out and put some decent laps together to finally work out how to ride and set the bike up for the ultra fast Assen Circuit. Saturdays race was hit with heavy downpours, so wet setup was a guess. Mike got away well, and moved up some places to finally get some laps in and finish the race in 21st.

Race 2
After the difficult start to the weekend, Mike was fairly confident of moving up the field after working out how the bike behaved in Saturdays 8 lap race. With dry conditions on Sunday, Mike and the team were quietly confident of a points scoring finish. A good start once again moved Mike well within the points, and up to 13th. Just over half race distance, Mike was well within the points. However, a gearbox problem hindered Mike, and forced an excursion into the gravel on the penultimate lap, and forcing the teams first mechanical failure of the season, therefore ending a frustrating weekend with no points.

Conclusion
A stark contrast to the previous round at Silverstone, it was back down to earth with a bump at Assen. Having limited budget at this late stage of the season, the team were unable to test the bike after the clutch problem at Silverstone Race 2. Ultimately, this cost Mike another points scoring weekend. On a much more positive note, Mike finished 13th in the overall standings, out of a registered 56 in the Championship. Out of the 56 riders registered, 27 were rookies at National level this season, including Mike himself. Mike managed to finish first out of the 27 rookies, which is something the team are extremely proud of. The only riders to finish ahead of Mike are riders that have competed at this level for a number of years.

TeamMTR would like to thank every sponsor for their huge support and backing this season, the debut year at British Championship level. The team feel that it has been a success, and the positive attitude, hard work and commitment from everyone involved showed that hard work does pay off with the podium finish at Silverstone. The wheels are already in motion for next year, and the team feel with a years experience under their belt, regular top 10 finished should be a minimum throughout the whole of 2018. Mike and the team would love to keep ties with all existing sponsors, and continue their relationship into the 2018 season.

KMR Kawasaki sign McGee for 2018 road racing season

KMR Kawasaki has today (Monday) announced the signing of multiple Irish Road Racing Champion Derek McGee for the 2018 road racing season.

The Mullingar rider, who won the 2017 Superbike, Supersport and Supertwins Irish Road Racing Championships, will campaign Ryan Farquhar’s ER6 650cc Kawasaki at the North West 200 and Ulster Grand Prix and will also make his return to the Isle of Man TT races after missing this year’s event.

In addition, he’ll also campaign the IEG-sponsored machine at the National road races in both Northern and Southern Ireland.

Having previously won the 2014 Irish Supersport Road Racing Championship, 2017 was the best year to date for the 31-year old as numerous race wins and podiums enabled him to take the aforementioned hat-trick of titles whilst he also made an impressive debut at the Southern 100 where he became the fastest newcomer in the history of the event after lapping at 111.312mph on his own Kawasaki ZX-10R.

With seventh in the feature Solo Championship race, McGee also took eighth place in the opening Supersport race at the Ulster Grand Prix, which was where he linked up with Farquhar for the first time, qualifying in an excellent third place. Unfortunately, a spill in the preceding second Supersport race meant he was unable to take his place on the grid for the Supertwins race.

However, with tremendous pedigree on the Supertwin machines, having won the Ulster Grand Prix in 2015 and finished second in 2014, he's done more than enough to impress team owner Farquhar who’s delighted to welcome the winner of the 2015 TT Newcomer’s Trophy to his team.

“Having competed against Derek, I know all too well what he’s capable of and I’m really looking forward to working with him in 2018,” he said. “I’ll be assisting Derek at all of the International road races whilst he’ll have the use of the bike for whichever Irish National road races he wishes to compete in so it’s an agreement that suits all parties. He has a very good team behind him and I’m confident that he’ll be challenging for podiums at the Internationals and wins back home.”

“Derek’s well capable of doing just that and whilst at this stage I’ve only committed myself to working with him in 2018, there’s a strong possibility I’ll be supplying other riders with machinery for the North West 200 and TT. We’ll see what happens there but I expect to be in a position to announce something early next year.”

McGee added; "I'm delighted to get the opportunity to ride one of Ryan's bikes as he puts the best ones out there on the grid so I'll be looking to push on in 2018 especially at the Internationals. Having missed the North West 200 and TT this year, I'm really looking forward to getting back to those meetings and will be putting a lot of effort into them with a view to getting on the podium like I've previously done at the Ulster GP. With Brian Hull's Kawasaki 600, my own Kawasaki ZX-10R and Gary Dunlop's Moto 3 machine, I'm very grateful for all the support I've got for next season and I can't wait for the first race to come around."

YAMAHA SUPPORT FOR EHA RACING AT INTERNATIONAL NORTH WEST 200

EHA Racing is delighted to have secured the support of Charles Hurst Motorcycles in Belfast, for the team’s return to the International North West 200 in May. The multiple dealership on Belfast’s Boucher Road will be majoring on their Yamaha marque in support of EHA Racing and rider Alastair Seeley – who will campaign an EHA liveried Yamaha YZF-R6 in both Supersport races on May 17 and 19.

Having the North West 200 record holder on EHA Racing Yamaha machinery is a great boost for both companies, and with ten of the Carrickfergus rider’s record breaking 21 wins coming via the Supersport class, everyone is quietly confident, he can add to that number this year.

Speaking of Charles Hurst’s support, EHA Racing team manager Gail Allingham said: “Coming home to compete at the International North West 200 is special for us as a team, especially with British championship being our ‘day job’ so to speak. And to be able to do that with the support of Charles Hurst Motorcycles and their Yamaha dealership is great.”

Gail added: “Having Alastair on an EHA Racing Yamaha has already generated widespread pre-event publicity for EHA Group and our associate sponsors. Charles Hurst Yamaha can now also reap those partnership rewards over the next twelve weeks or so. Looking ahead, all we ask for is a safe day’s racing, with plenty of sunshine and hopefully celebrations within the Charles Hurst Motorcycles supported EHA Racing camp.”

David White, Head of Business at Charles Hurst Motorcycles, said: “Charles Hurst Yamaha is delighted to be involved with EHA Racing for the 2018 NW200. The set-up that Edward and Gail Allingham have, will undoubtedly be one of the best in the North West 200 paddock, and with the team running Supersport Yamaha R6 bikes for 2018, it was a great time to get involved.”

David went on to say: “Alastair Seeley’s record at the North Coast event is very impressive and riding the new Yamaha YZF-R6, he will certainly start as one of the favourites. It’s great to be involved with a local team and a local rider.”

EHA RACING TEAM UP WITH KGN PILLINGER FOR 2018 BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP CAMPAIGN

The EHA Racing team is currently testing at Cartagena in Spain, prior to the opening rounds of the British Supersport and Superstock Championships at the end of the month – but are delighted to announce an exciting new partnership with KGN Pillinger.

Speaking of the deal, team manager Gail Allingham said: “Well known for their association with motorcycle racing, I would like to welcome Jeff Norman and his KGN Pillinger team, as a valued new partner at EHA Racing.

“The KGN Pillinger brand has been a regular feature in the British championship paddock for a number of years, so we at EHA Racing are delighted to be working with them this season, with our optimum goal – to give them plenty of on-track and associated, marketing and PR exposure.”

Jeff Norman, MD at KGN Pillinger, has supported new recruit at EHA Racing in the Superstock class, Joe Collier since 2013. He has been active in racing development, but is now delighted to be working with the extended team at EHA Racing in 2018.

Jeff said: "As avid supporters of motorbike racing over the past six seasons, KGN Pillinger are excited to make a return to mainstream sponsorship this year with EHA Racing – boasting a formidable line up of riders in both classes.

"The EHA Racing National 1000cc Superstock riders, competing on Aprilia RSV4 RF Aprilia machinery, are Andrew Reid and long-term KGN Pillinger backed rider Joe Collier, forming what is arguably, one of the strongest teams in the class."

Speaking of Collier, Jeff Norman went on to say: “We have followed and supported Joe for a number of years now and are very excited about him joining EHA Racing. Joe has a fantastic future ahead of him and we believe he has what it takes to go all the way. Racing with such a well-supported team will certainly help Joe’s development as a rider, and having the equally talented Andy Reid as a team-mate, should prove to be a great motivation and indeed competition for both riders. Hopefully the end result will be a Championship ‘one-two’ victory for EHA.”

Who are KGN Pillinger?
Widely recognised as experts in their field, and frontline sponsor of the British Superbike Championship for the past five years, KGN Pillinger are the UK’s leading manufacturer and supplier of water pumping products and services. Their portfolio includes sales and distribution of global brands and integrated support services for domestic, commercial and industrial water pumping equipment.

Formed over 50 years ago, experience has enabled them to develop close working partnerships with water, industrial and building services clients including the MOD, major Water Utilities and Global Contractors.

KGN client projects are developed from planning to implementation via 3D Cad Design Software and supported by Building Information Modelling (BIM). The stainless steel fabrication and entire assembly process is managed at their modern, fully equipped factory ensuring a seamless manufacturing process and delivery of high quality products at competitive prices.

The KGN Service Division offers installation, commissioning, maintenance and repairs to all pumping equipment, fans and motors and provides 24-hour emergency support, 365 days a year. KGN’s fully qualified engineers receive specialist training to work in confined areas, are CSCS Certified and CRB checked for access to schools, hospitals and public buildings.

KGN Motorsport Fabrication In addition, after a successful introduction and R&D phase working with some of the leading teams in the British Superbike Championship paddock, KGN Motorsport Fabrication is launching its range of 2018 products now, enabling race teams to get ahead of the game for the upcoming season.

Debolex chooses the Maxton T260 Twin shock for its latest build – The Triumph Thruxton R

Debolex choose Maxton’s RT10 monoshock for the Buell XB9.

Custom bike builder Debolex have chosen Maxton’s RT10 monoshock for the build of their Buell XB9. For the full specification of the bike click here.

REID & COLLIER TO BE EHA RACING APRILIA MOUNTED IN STOCK 1000 CLASS

EHA Racing is delighted to welcome both Andrew Reid and Joe Collier to the team for 2018. Both riders will campaign IN Competition supported, EHA Racing Aprilia RSV4 RF machinery in the National 1000cc Superstock class within the British Superbike series.

A former British Supersport front-runner, Reid arrives in the 1000cc Superstock class for the first time, but the Ulsterman should settle in with consummate ease, having ridden half a dozen races in the British Superbike Championship last term on factory machinery.

Joe Collier also comes with his own packed C.V. The 22-year-old Midlands’ rider is the reigning Ducati Cup champion, and having made a successful debut in the 1000cc Superstock class at Oulton Park and Brands Hatch last season on alternative machinery – his performances would suggest, that along with Reid – both lads should make an immediate impact in the class, aboard IN Competition supported EHA Racing Aprilia RSV4 RFs.

Speaking of his move to EHA Racing, Reid said:
“I just can’t wait to go racing again and I’m really excited about getting back on track with EHA Racing. Everyone will be wanting to know how I am after the injury at the end of last season and to be honest – I’ve had one of the quickest recoveries I’ve ever had in my career. I hope that highlights how much I want to win this season on the Aprilia in the Superstock class and my goal is nothing less, than challenging for the championship from the word go.

Thanks to EHA Racing for having the faith in me to make this happen and of course my personal sponsor Cool Milk for their ever-present support. As I say, I just want to get going now and tap into the experience of the team along with IN Competition’s Ian Newton, who as a very successful former racer himself, can certainly have major input, to what Joe [Collier] and I can achieve on track this season.”

Joe Collier said of his move to EHA Racing:
“Yeah I’m really looking forward to riding the RSV4 RF Aprilia and working with EHA Racing. I tested the bike last year and having been fortunate enough to compare it to a different brand that I raced, it was immediately apparent that the Aprilia was easier to ride with a more manageable power curve. The Superstock championship is a strong class, but having done so well at the final round at Brands last year on the other bike, I’m ready to let my riding do the talking on track this year. Working with Andy [Reid] will be good. He will be a strong team-mate and that will also help with the development of the RSV4 RF for both of us.”

Gail Allingham – Team Manager:
“We are delighted to have Andy and Joe join our EHA Racing team. We have every confidence that both boys will be very competitive in this class and we will be expecting regular podiums. It’s great to have the backing of Aprilia UK again this year and I know Ian [Newton] and his crew will provide Andy and Joe the best package possible to challenge for the championship.”

Ian Newton, IN Competition MD and EHA Racing Superstock 1000cc Technical:
“I’m really excited to have two good lads, with plenty of talent and potential, on the Aprilia RSV4 RF this season. It’s still a fairly-new project, but the bike proved its capabilities last year, when we were knocking on the door of podiums regularly and finished seventh in the championship. With Andy and Joe on-board, I believe we can compete at the sharp end this season and make even further progress.”

ZOEK RACING BEGIN 2018 CAMPAIGN

ZOEK RACING DONINGTON

The two Zoek Racing riders Sean Neary from Lymm and Craig Currie from Newark endured some dreadful weather conditions at Donington Park over Easter but came through unscathed with Neary recording a third and ninth place in the opening round of the 2018 Ducati Tri-Options Cup while Currie retired from race one and was 16th in the second encounter.

Conditions were dire on Saturday for free practice and qualifying with a wet and cold track greeting the riders but Neary powered his Ducati through to secure a second row start to the first race in fifth place.

Neary said: “I am happy enough with a second row start for tomorrow. Conditions today were pretty grim and freezing. My ideal lap was good enough for pole but I didn’t get a clear run at it.”

As the race got away on Saturday the track was dry but the temperature was down to around four degrees with a cold easterly wind making it feel even colder. Neary was up into third place on lap two and one lap later passed Lewis Rollo for second. He maintained second place through the remaining laps until going into the Melbourne Loop for the final time when Rollo dived under him to snatch the position leaving Neary to bring the bike home in third place just under a second behind his rival.

Neary said: “I am happy to get some points on the board after a disaster of a start last year. Thought I could challenge for the win half way through but struggled in a few areas and wanted to bring it home. Thanks to all the sponsors and the Zoek Racing Team for all their hard work.”

With more heavy overnight rain it was uncertain the racing would go ahead but after a long wait and a lot of work by the marshals the race went ahead. Neary started from a front row grid position in third place but as the lights went out he had a huge moment and did well to hold the bike upright. He dropped down the order to eighth and maintained his position until the penultimate lap when Daniel Shaw overtook him. Neary went on to complete the race in ninth position to pick up a further seven championship points which added to his haul from race one gives him a total of 23 which place him fifth in the standings.

“Not the greatest race today finishing P9 in grim conditions. I was in trouble with no grip so it was damage limitation. On the positive side I left round one with a lot more points than last year, big thanks to all our sponsors and the Zoek Racing Team.”

Meanwhile Craig Currie was struggling with a technical problem with his Ducati in race one and was forced to retire after five of the eight laps.

But all was well for race two except the rider who was not really relishing the thought of racing in the wet and slippery conditions. Because of his non finish in the first encounter he was forced to start from the eighth row and he took it steady for the first few laps in an effort to get some warmth in the tyres. He made his way through the pack from 24th place to complete his race in 16th position, just one place away from a point scoring position.

ONE TWO FOR MAXTON IN SUPERSTOCK 1000 BSB

Andy Reid became the first British championship winning Aprilia rider in 23 years with his National 1000cc Superstock win today for EHA Racing, aboard the team’s RSV4 RF machine. Ironically it was team crew chief and UK Aprilia Racing guru Ian Newton who was the last rider to put the Italian manufacturer on a British championship top step back in 1995.

It was a fitting return for Reid who broke his femur in the second half of the 2017 season, and despite a slip off during yesterday’s opening Stock 1000 encounter, the Ulsterman was delighted with his win. This was boosted by a team one-two, with Joe Collier ending a strong debut weekend in the EHA Racing camp in second place.

Super consistent Collier holds third place in the championship standing after the triple header opening weekend of the season for Superstock 1000 competitors, carding 4–7–2 for his Easter efforts. Despite a no score in yesterday’s two-part race, Andy Reid is fifth in the series standings after today’s perfect 25 point haul.

Andy Reid:
“I felt I didn’t do a whole lot wrong yesterday when holding a very comfortable third place, so after slipping off I was determined today to make this count. I watched my boards and felt more than comfortable throughout and although I knew Joe was coming – and he did a great job – I was confident I could go on for the win for EHA Racing. It feels good to be back on a top stop. Big thanks to the whole EHA Racing team and especially my side of the garage, as I’d two slip offs this weekend and gave them plenty of work to do. Brands can’t come quick enough now, but a big shout out to all the team sponsors and those who support me personally. I’ve a feeling this is going to be a good year for all involved.”

Joe Collier:
“Fantastic day for the whole team with Andy and I first and second. Obviously I’d have liked it the other way round, but mega weekend and I’m happy how I’ve started my time here at EHA Racing on the Aprilia RSV4 RF. Yesterday’s second part could have gone a little better but we scored solidly in the points this weekend, and I think that’s what it’s going to take this season to challenge at the sharp end in such a packed class. The atmosphere in the camp on both sides of the garage is superb and everyone is pulling in the same direction, which is very important. This sets us up well now for Brands Hatch in a fortnight’s time.”

Gail Allingham – Team Manager:
“We couldn’t really have asked for a better start to the season at EHA Racing, and to score a one-two in the Superstock 1000cc class, with such strong performances from both riders on the In Competition prepared RSV4 RF Aprilias is just fantastic. Andy had a tough day yesterday but showed what we knew he was capable of, and finished the job today with a win. Joe has been impressive also and his level-headed attitude is there for all to see, with three strong Easter weekend performances. Thanks to our whole team for a massive effort in what was tough conditions in very demanding weather, and of course to our sponsors – your support was matchless as always and we look forward to seeing you all again in big numbers at Brands Hatch in a fortnight.”