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- Kennaugh Signs For Moto – 1 Suzuki For Remaining Rounds.
“Hurricane” Hudson Kennaugh, current South African Superbike Champion, had his talents as a rider recognised by the Moto -1 Suzuki World Supersport team, who have offered him a ride at the two remaining rounds of the Alstare Corona Extra World Supersport
- Kennaugh Signs For Moto – 1 Suzuki For Remaining Rounds.
“Hurricane” Hudson Kennaugh, current South African Superbike Champion, had his talents as a rider recognised by the Moto -1 Suzuki World Supersport team, who have offered him a ride at the two remaining rounds of the Alstare Corona Extra World Supersport
- Kennaugh Signs For Moto – 1 Suzuki For Remaining Rounds.
“Hurricane” Hudson Kennaugh, current South African Superbike Champion, had his talents as a rider recognised by the Moto -1 Suzuki World Supersport team, who have offered him a ride at the two remaining rounds of the Alstare Corona Extra World Supersport
- Kennaugh Learns Imola
Coming to a new circuit for the first time is difficult, but coming to a new circuit with a new team and a new bike, that is a whole different league of difficult, and that is exactly what Hudson Kennaugh is having to deal with this weekend at his World S
- Bike Show to Play Host to Prestigious British Superbike Awards
The cream of British motorcycling talent will gather at the 2005 International Motorcycle and Scooter Show in association with The Sun, when the Birmingham NEC plays host to the prestigious British Superbike Awards at 1pm on Tuesday 1st November.
- Busy Weekend For Kennaugh at Magny Cours
There is nothing like a challenge and that is what Hudson Kennaugh has on his hands this weekend at Magny Cours in France.
- Pole And Seventeenth For Kennaugh at Magny Cours
Hudson Kennaugh blew away the competition in the GSX-R European Cup qualifying to take pole position, with a superb lap time of 1min 46.590secs - his closest rival was David Salon with a 1min 47.010secs.
- Kennaugh to Test For Alstare
Hudson Kennaugh the new GSX-R European Cup title holder and current South African Superbike Champion has secured a test with the Alstare Superstock and Supersport teams, at Valencia in November.
- Kennaugh to Test For Alstare
Hudson Kennaugh the new GSX-R European Cup title holder and current South African Superbike Champion has secured a test with the Alstare Superstock and Supersport teams, at Valencia in November.
- All-New International Motorcycle and Scooter Show Kicks Off With World Launches
The all-new interactive International Motorcycle & Scooter Show in Association with The Sun hosted an array of UK and International motorcycle launches today, the highlight being those of BMW. Ducati and British manufacturers CCM and Royal Enfield.
- Hudson Ready For Alstare Test
Hudson Kennaugh is preparing for his test with the Alstare Suzuki Supersport and Superstock teams early next week at Valencia in Spain.
- Successful Alstare Test For Kennaugh
After lifting the GSX-R European Cup title and having an impressive Supersport debut at Imola and Magny Cours, Alstare gave Hudson Kennaugh the chance to test for their Supersport and Superstock team at Valencia in Spain.
- Successful Alstare Test For Kennaugh
After lifting the GSX-R European Cup title and having an impressive Supersport debut at Imola and Magny Cours, Alstare gave Hudson Kennaugh the chance to test for their Supersport and Superstock team at Valencia in Spain.
- New Superbike News Merchandise Out Today
- New Superbike News Merchandise Out Today
- New Superbike News Merchandise Out Today
- New Superbike News Merchandise Out Today
- New Superbike News Merchandise Out Today
- New Superbike News Merchandise Out Today
- New Superbike News Merchandise Out Today
- International MX No Fear in Pernes Les Fontaines
On February 25th and 26th the Moto Club Pernois will celebrate his 80th birthday, and a lot of GP riders will be there to contest one of the biggest MX pre-season event.
- Hudson Yet to Put Pen to Paper
Hudson “Hurricane” Kennaugh is yet to put pen to paper with a team for the up and coming 2006 race season.
- Hudson Yet to Put Pen to Paper
Hudson “Hurricane” Kennaugh is yet to put pen to paper with a team for the up and coming 2006 race season.
- TT 2006 launched.
TT 2006 has a star studded field and changes that should enhance course safety.
- Tunstall Heads to World Supersport in 2006
Tom Tunstall is delighted to confirm that he will be racing in the World Supersport Championship in 2006 onboard the Hardinge - Ice Valley Motorsport Honda.
- Tunstall Heads to World Supersport in 2006
Tom Tunstall is delighted to confirm that he will be racing in the World Supersport Championship in 2006 onboard the Hardinge - Ice Valley Motorsport Honda.
- Gobert to Make World Championship Comeback
In a surprise announcement, Australian Anthony Gobert has confirmed that he will compete in the opening two rounds of the 2006 Supersport World Championship in Qatar (February 25) and Australia (March 5).
- Gobert to Make World Championship Comeback
In a surprise announcement, Australian Anthony Gobert has confirmed that he will compete in the opening two rounds of the 2006 Supersport World Championship in Qatar (February 25) and Australia (March 5).
- Team SUZUKI MotoGP Returns to Europe For Official Tests And Team Launch
Team SUZUKI MotoGP will be in Spain for the next two weekends to take part in the traditional season-opening Official MotoGP Tests, as well as announcing its 2006 ‘XRE4’ GSV-R990 – an all-new machine for the final season of the 990cc regulations.
- Klaffi Honda - Phillip Island Preview
Only a few hours after the last heat at Losail the members of Team Klaffi Honda were on their way to Phillip Island.
- Round Two Set to be Another Hard Battle
After an intense and entertaining first round at Losail, Qatar, on Saturday 25 February, the 2006 World Superbike championship continues its high speed round the world tour with the Australian round at Phillip Island, on Sunday 5 March.
- WSS Phillip Island Preview
Sebastien Charpentier (Winston Ten Kate Honda) performed another of his famous demolition jobs in the last few laps of an otherwise close Losail Supersport race, but in Australia few believe he will be able to repeat his five-second margin of victory.
- WSS Phillip Island Preview
Sebastien Charpentier (Winston Ten Kate Honda) performed another of his famous demolition jobs in the last few laps of an otherwise close Losail Supersport race, but in Australia few believe he will be able to repeat his five-second margin of victory.
- Yamaha WSB Phillip Island Preview
After a sensational weekend of racing in Qatar, round two of the Superbike World Championship takes place coming weekend at the Phillip Island circuit, located a little more than an hour's drive south of Melbourne.
- Big Teams Gather in Spain For Motogp Hors Doeuvre
The Catalunya Official MotoGP test session of March 3/4/5 is the first official engagement of the 2006 MotoGP World Championship, designed as a tantalising hors d'oeuvre to what is arguably the most keenly awaited season in bike racing history.
- Sixth Place Qualifying For Kennaugh
Hudson “Hurricane” Kennaugh and his Carbon Can Company Yamaha team qualified in sixth position at Donington Park ahead of the second round of the Metzeler National Superstock Championship.
- Sixth Place Qualifying For Kennaugh
Hudson “Hurricane” Kennaugh and his Carbon Can Company Yamaha team qualified in sixth position at Donington Park ahead of the second round of the Metzeler National Superstock Championship.
- Sixth Place Qualifying For Kennaugh
Hudson “Hurricane” Kennaugh and his Carbon Can Company Yamaha team qualified in sixth position at Donington Park ahead of the second round of the Metzeler National Superstock Championship.
- Ducati Lead BSB Manufacturers Championship
Round two at Donington Park was an outstanding success for the Airwaves Ducati team with a first and third place in race one and a second and third in race two.
- Tough Weekend For Rizla Suzuki
RIZLA SUZUKI racers Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne and James Haydon crashed out of both races at the second round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Donington Park.
- Laverty Fourth at Rain Lashed Donington
Stobart Motorsport rider Michael Laverty overcame some of the worst conditions seen in recent years by recording a fourth and seventh place finish in round two of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at a wet and windy Donington Park today.
- Positive Finish For McGuinness at Donington Park
HM Plant Honda rider John McGuinness finished in a strong sixth place in the second round of the Metzeler National Superstock Championship at Donington Park this afternoon (9 April).
- Positive Finish For McGuinness at Donington Park
HM Plant Honda rider John McGuinness finished in a strong sixth place in the second round of the Metzeler National Superstock Championship at Donington Park this afternoon (9 April).
- Solid Results For Rea at Donington Park
Red Bull Honda superbike rider Jonathan Rea consistently finished in the top ten with an eighth and another impressive fifth place in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship today (9 April).
- Consistent Form For Laverty at Donington Park
Blizzard conditions greeted Red Bull Honda Supersport rider Eugene Laverty as the field lined up for the start of the 17-lap British Supersport race at a rain soaked Donington Park today (9 April).
- Superb Ride Into Eighth For Shand at Freezing Donington
Scotland's Les Shand put in a superb ride today at Donington Park in the second round of the National Superstock Championship, finishing in 8th place.
- Superb Ride Into Eighth For Shand at Freezing Donington
Scotland's Les Shand put in a superb ride today at Donington Park in the second round of the National Superstock Championship, finishing in 8th place.
- Character Building Weekend For Hawk Kawasaki
The Hawk Kawasaki riders Dean Thomas (33), Craig Coxhell (23) and Peter Hickman (19) experienced a difficult weekend at the second round of the British Superbike Championship at Donington Park on Sunday (9th April).
- Superb Second For Wilcox at Dismal Donington
Michael Wilcox scored a superb second place finish this weekend in the 2nd round of the 125cc British Championship at a very wet and dismal Donington Park.
- Superb Second For Wilcox at Dismal Donington
Michael Wilcox scored a superb second place finish this weekend in the 2nd round of the 125cc British Championship at a very wet and dismal Donington Park.
- Ben Wilson – Donington Park
In atrocious conditions at a wet and windy Donington Park, Boston rider Ben Wilson kept his head and rode through to two strong points finishes in the second round of the 2006 Bennetts British Superbike Championship.
- More Points For The Bridewells Despite Donington Deluge
In between a number of downpours worthy of the tropics, round two of the 2006 British Championship season was fought out in unseasonably cold temperatures at a wet and windy Donington Park yesterday but despite the merciless conditions, Etchilhampton near
- Nutt Survives Donington Park Chaos
Marty Nutt and his Mark Johns/Nutttravel.com Honda had an eventful race weekend for the second round of the British Superbike Cup at Donington Park.
- Highsides & Highs For Team Virgin Mobile Yamaha at a Rain-soaked Donington
Team Virgin Mobile Yamaha rider Tommy Hill recorded an impressive 6th place in treacherous weather conditions in round 2 of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at a stormy Donington Park yesterday (Sun 9 April).
- Top Ten Finish And First Points For Hill
Michael Hill and his TABOO Motorsport team were over the moon with the race result they had at a rain soaked Donington Park for the second round of the British 125GP Championship, where they secured their first ever points with a superb eighth place finis
- High Speed Homecoming For Rizla Suzuki
THRUXTON is Rizla Suzuki’s home circuit that boasts a 112mph+ average lap speed, making it the fastest circuit the British Superbikes visit, a fact the team will be hoping to use to its advantage at the third round of the Championship this weekend.
- Rea And Laverty Head to High-Speed Thruxton
Red Bull Honda riders Jonathan Rea and Eugene Laverty return to the fray this weekend (16/17 April) as they head to Thruxton circuit for round three of the Bennetts British Superbike and the British Supersport Championships respectively.
- Honda Racing Ready For Ultra-Fast Thruxton
Honda Racing’s Ryuichi Kiyonari, Karl Harris and John McGuinness head to the UK’s fastest circuit, Thruxton, this Easter Bank Holiday weekend (16/17 April) for rounds three of the Bennetts British Superbike and the Metzeler National Superstock Championshi
- Airwaves Ducati Head to Thruxton For Round 3
The Airwaves Ducati team are looking to maintain their form at round three of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship on bank holiday Monday having secured 77 points in the last round at Donington.
- Hawk Looking For Strong Weekend at Thruxton
After the appalling weather at Donington Park last weekend Hawk Kawasaki are hoping that conditions will be kinder to them this weekend (14th, 16th and 17th April) at Thruxton Race Circuit, Hampshire.
- Ben Wilson Heads to Thruxton
Boston rider Ben Wilson heads to Thruxton for the third round of the 2006 Bennetts British Superbike championship to be run over the Easter weekend.
- Haydon Heads up The Second Row For Rizla Suzuki
RIZLA SUZUKI’S James Haydon will start from fifth place, his best qualifying position of the season to date, with Shane ’Shakey’ Byrne right behind him at the top of the third row in ninth for the double header Bank Holiday Monday third round of the Benne
- Harris Leads The Way For HM Plant Riders at Thruxton
HM Plant Honda rider Karl Harris once again qualified on the front row of the grid today (16 April) and starts the third round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship from second, while team mate Ryuichi Kiyonari starts the two 22-lap races from th
- Front Row Start For Red Bull Honda
Red Bull Honda rider Eugene Laverty qualified in a superb second place at Thruxton circuit today (16 April) and starts the third round of the British Supersport Championship from the front row.
- Treble Top For Airwaves Ducati
Airwaves Ducati secured first and third place on the grid at Thruxton today, making it 3 pole positions out of 3 for the team. Leon Haslam completed the circuit’s fastest ever lap on two wheels, with a time of 1:14.626, to take pole position for tomorrow’
- Hurricane Hurtles to Second Row Start
Thruxton in Hampshire is the scene for the third round of the Metzeler National Superstock Championship. It is one of the most abrasive tracks in the UK and is renowned for its high speeds and bumpy nature.
- Hurricane Hurtles to Second Row Start
Thruxton in Hampshire is the scene for the third round of the Metzeler National Superstock Championship. It is one of the most abrasive tracks in the UK and is renowned for its high speeds and bumpy nature.
- Hurricane Hurtles to Second Row Start
Thruxton in Hampshire is the scene for the third round of the Metzeler National Superstock Championship. It is one of the most abrasive tracks in the UK and is renowned for its high speeds and bumpy nature.
- Hurricane Hurtles to Second Row Start
Thruxton in Hampshire is the scene for the third round of the Metzeler National Superstock Championship. It is one of the most abrasive tracks in the UK and is renowned for its high speeds and bumpy nature.
- Stobart Honda Riders Rack up Points at Thruxton
Stobart Motorsport riders Michael Rutter and Michael Laverty emerged from round three of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship with some more solid points following on the first dry meeting of the 2006 season at Thruxton in Hampshire today.
- Shakey Shows Rizla Suzukis Potential
RIZLA SUZUKI’S Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne took two inspirational and determined top 10 finishes after starting well down the grid in both of today’s races at the third round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Thruxton.
- Highs And Lows For Vivaldi at Thruxton
Vivaldi Racing lined up on the sun-drenched grid at Thruxton in Hampshire today (17 April) for the third round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship.
- Maximum Points For Airwaves Ducati at Thruxton
The Airwaves Ducati team secured first and second places in both races in round three of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship today at Thruxton.
- Podium Finishes For Kiyonari And Harris at Thruxton
HM Plant Honda riders Ryuichi Kiyonari and Karl Harris posted a pair of third place finishes in the first and second races respectively of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Thruxton, today (17 April).
- McGuinness Records Best Result at Thruxton
HM Plant Honda rider John McGuinness recorded his best finish so far this season with a solid fifth place in the third round of the Metzeler National Superstock Championship at Thruxton, Hampshire today (17 April).
- McGuinness Records Best Result at Thruxton
HM Plant Honda rider John McGuinness recorded his best finish so far this season with a solid fifth place in the third round of the Metzeler National Superstock Championship at Thruxton, Hampshire today (17 April).
- Van Den Bosch Begins Final S1 Title Assault With Pole
Thierry Van Den Bosch took a storming pole in the S1 class leading Championship leader Bernd Hiemer. It was Adrien Chareyre taking the honours in the S2 class topping the time sheets ahead of Christian Iddon.
- Van Den Bosch Begins Final S1 Title Assault With Pole
Thierry Van Den Bosch took a storming pole in the S1 class leading Championship leader Bernd Hiemer. It was Adrien Chareyre taking the honours in the S2 class topping the time sheets ahead of Christian Iddon.
- Van Den Bosch Begins Final S1 Title Assault With Pole
Thierry Van Den Bosch took a storming pole in the S1 class leading Championship leader Bernd Hiemer. It was Adrien Chareyre taking the honours in the S2 class topping the time sheets ahead of Christian Iddon.
- Stoner Repeats Australian Victory Ahead Of Rejuvenated Rossi
In front of 50,541 spectators at Phillip Island, Casey Stoner repeated his 2007 home victory in the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon.
- Stoner Repeats Australian Victory Ahead Of Rejuvenated Rossi
In front of 50,541 spectators at Phillip Island, Casey Stoner repeated his 2007 home victory in the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon.
- Stoner Repeats Australian Victory Ahead Of Rejuvenated Rossi
In front of 50,541 spectators at Phillip Island, Casey Stoner repeated his 2007 home victory in the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon.
- Stoner Repeats Australian Victory Ahead Of Rejuvenated Rossi
In front of 50,541 spectators at Phillip Island, Casey Stoner repeated his 2007 home victory in the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon.
- Mike di Meglio- 2008 125cc World Champion
After coming to the attention of the French Motorcycle Federation in the 2002 Prix de l’Avenir, Mike di Meglio was invited to take a trial with the Liegois team in Carole, with whom he took part in a Spanish Championship race.
- Mike di Meglio- 2008 125cc World Champion
After coming to the attention of the French Motorcycle Federation in the 2002 Prix de l’Avenir, Mike di Meglio was invited to take a trial with the Liegois team in Carole, with whom he took part in a Spanish Championship race.
- Mike di Meglio- 2008 125cc World Champion
After coming to the attention of the French Motorcycle Federation in the 2002 Prix de l’Avenir, Mike di Meglio was invited to take a trial with the Liegois team in Carole, with whom he took part in a Spanish Championship race.
- Superstock 1000 FIM Cup – Magny Cours Race Result
First win of the season for Matej Smrz (MS Racing Honda), the Czech rider getting the better in a hectic final few laps over Frenchman Freddy Foray (Coutelle Suzuki) and Claudio Corti (Yamaha Motor Italia Junior Team), who scored his first podium this yea
- Superstock 1000 FIM Cup – Magny Cours Race Result
First win of the season for Matej Smrz (MS Racing Honda), the Czech rider getting the better in a hectic final few laps over Frenchman Freddy Foray (Coutelle Suzuki) and Claudio Corti (Yamaha Motor Italia Junior Team), who scored his first podium this yea
- Superstock 1000 FIM Cup – Magny Cours Race Result
First win of the season for Matej Smrz (MS Racing Honda), the Czech rider getting the better in a hectic final few laps over Frenchman Freddy Foray (Coutelle Suzuki) and Claudio Corti (Yamaha Motor Italia Junior Team), who scored his first podium this yea
- Superstock 1000 FIM Cup – Magny Cours Race Result
First win of the season for Matej Smrz (MS Racing Honda), the Czech rider getting the better in a hectic final few laps over Frenchman Freddy Foray (Coutelle Suzuki) and Claudio Corti (Yamaha Motor Italia Junior Team), who scored his first podium this yea
- Bayliss SBK World Champion for the Third Time
Troy Bayliss (Ducati Xerox) clinched the FIM Superbike World Championship for the third time today after finishing third in race 1 at Magny-Cours in front of 78,000 spectators.
- Bayliss SBK World Champion for the Third Time
Troy Bayliss (Ducati Xerox) clinched the FIM Superbike World Championship for the third time today after finishing third in race 1 at Magny-Cours in front of 78,000 spectators.
- Bayliss SBK World Champion for the Third Time
Troy Bayliss (Ducati Xerox) clinched the FIM Superbike World Championship for the third time today after finishing third in race 1 at Magny-Cours in front of 78,000 spectators.
- Bayliss SBK World Champion for the Third Time
Troy Bayliss (Ducati Xerox) clinched the FIM Superbike World Championship for the third time today after finishing third in race 1 at Magny-Cours in front of 78,000 spectators.
- World Supersport – Magny Cours Race Result
The Supersport title was also assigned immediately after the SBK race, and it went to another Australian, Andrew Pitt (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda), who took the win.
- World Supersport – Magny Cours Race Result
The Supersport title was also assigned immediately after the SBK race, and it went to another Australian, Andrew Pitt (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda), who took the win.
- World Supersport – Magny Cours Race Result
The Supersport title was also assigned immediately after the SBK race, and it went to another Australian, Andrew Pitt (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda), who took the win.
- World Supersport – Magny Cours Race Result
The Supersport title was also assigned immediately after the SBK race, and it went to another Australian, Andrew Pitt (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda), who took the win.
- World Supersport – Magny Cours Race Result
The Supersport title was also assigned immediately after the SBK race, and it went to another Australian, Andrew Pitt (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda), who took the win.
- Chareyre Brothers Add Drama to Second Consecutive Family Win
A thrilling penultimate round of the 2008 campaign prepared what will be a fantastic finale in Greece in a couple of weeks.
- Chareyre Brothers Add Drama to Second Consecutive Family Win
A thrilling penultimate round of the 2008 campaign prepared what will be a fantastic finale in Greece in a couple of weeks.
- Chareyre Brothers Add Drama to Second Consecutive Family Win
A thrilling penultimate round of the 2008 campaign prepared what will be a fantastic finale in Greece in a couple of weeks.
- Byrne Plans Winning Finale Under Fire From 'Young-Guns'
Shane Byrne has a close affinity to Brands Hatch, having begun his racing career there, also taking his first victory,
- Byrne Plans Winning Finale Under Fire From 'Young-Guns'
Shane Byrne has a close affinity to Brands Hatch, having begun his racing career there, also taking his first victory,
- Byrne Plans Winning Finale Under Fire From 'Young-Guns'
Shane Byrne has a close affinity to Brands Hatch, having begun his racing career there, also taking his first victory,
- James Toseland And Crash Set To Rock The Nec at The Bike Show
MotoGP star and acclaimed musician James Toseland will perform with his band Crash at this year’s Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show.
- James Toseland And Crash Set To Rock The Nec at The Bike Show
MotoGP star and acclaimed musician James Toseland will perform with his band Crash at this year’s Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show.
- MotoGP to be Live on Viasat in Denmark, Norway and Sweden
Dorna Sports confirmed today that it has reached an agreement with Viasat to screen MotoGP across Scandinavia until 2011.
- MotoGP to be Live on Viasat in Denmark, Norway and Sweden
Dorna Sports confirmed today that it has reached an agreement with Viasat to screen MotoGP across Scandinavia until 2011.
- MotoGP to be Live on Viasat in Denmark, Norway and Sweden
Dorna Sports confirmed today that it has reached an agreement with Viasat to screen MotoGP across Scandinavia until 2011.
- Watanabe Joins Relentless by TAS Suzuki For 2009
Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing is pleased to announce the signing of Atsushi Watanabe, the 2002 and 2007 Japanese Superbike Champion, who will race the all-new GSX–R1000 for the Irish based team in the 2009 British Superbike Championship
- Watanabe Joins Relentless by TAS Suzuki For 2009
Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing is pleased to announce the signing of Atsushi Watanabe, the 2002 and 2007 Japanese Superbike Champion, who will race the all-new GSX–R1000 for the Irish based team in the 2009 British Superbike Championship
- Watanabe Joins Relentless by TAS Suzuki For 2009
Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing is pleased to announce the signing of Atsushi Watanabe, the 2002 and 2007 Japanese Superbike Champion, who will race the all-new GSX–R1000 for the Irish based team in the 2009 British Superbike Championship
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HM Plant British Superbike rider Ryuichi Kiyonari scored a well-earned second place finish today (9 April) despite battling the elements at round two of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at a rain soaked Donington Park.
In race one, 23-year-old Kiyonari finished in second place after a stunning display of his racing prowess aboard his Michelin-shod Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade. Kiyo, who started the race from fifth on the grid, initially lost two places as the 31-strong field thundered into Redgate. The resolute rider wasted no time in making amends; accomplishing a series of stunning overtaking manoeuvres on Shane Byrne and Michael Rutter, before taking a watching brief behind the race leader after spectacularly passing second placed Leon Haslam at the Foggy Esses.
Once established behind Lavilla, Kiyo concentrated on closing down the gap. His determined effort produced some stunning lap times as he trailed his rival. Kiyonari looked set to overtake the Spaniard but the onset of hail caused the race to be red-flagged on lap 13, resulting in a second place finish for the Japanese rider.
Team mate Karl Harris, who had qualified in second, finished the opening race of the day in sixth. Like Kiyo, the Sheffield-based rider initially lost ground at the chaotic first corner and was unable to compensate despite maintaining constant pressure on the front-runners.
Prior to the second race of the day, the British Superbike riders were given a ten-minute wet practice session, after torrential rain descended upon the 2.5-mile track. Shortly afterwards the grid formed for an abridged 15-lap race.
As lights went out on race two, Kiyo executed a storming start and was soon running at the head of the field while his team mate Harris established himself in third. However, the appalling weather soon took its toll on the two HM Plant British Superbike riders. Kiyo slid out at Redgate on the second lap while Harris followed suit at McLeans on lap three.
Ryuichi Kiyonari: “The first race was very difficult as it was so cold. I had a good race set-up and I could pass. It would have been a bit easier if I had a faster qualifying, as I would have been able to pass Gregorio earlier. I think I may have had a chance to pass Greg if the race was full distance.”
Karl Harris: “That was crazy. It was so cold and wet and I just couldn’t get past. In conditions like that the heat goes out of your tyre really quickly and you lose grip. I couldn’t do anything about sliding out in the second, I tried to hold the bike up but there was so much rain on the track it just slid away from me.”
Honda Racing Manager Neil Tuxworth: “The first race was a good result all round for us, and if it wasn’t for its curtailment I am confident that Kiyo would have had a good chance of winning. The second race was obviously disappointing due to the weather so we are now just looking forward to a dry Thruxton next weekend.”
Superbike Race One Result
1, Gregorio Lavilla (Ducati) 20m53.166s, 2, Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) +0.134s, 3, Leon Haslam (Ducati) +5.246s, 4, Michael Laverty (Honda) +9.361s, 5, Shane Byrne (Suzuki) +9.591s, 6, Karl Harris (HM Plant Honda) +10.540s, 7, Michael Rutter (Honda) +11.533s, 8, Jonathan Rea (Red Bull Honda) +20.235s, 9, Dean Thomas (Kawasaki) +22.451s, 10, Scott Smart (Suzuki) +23.216s.
Fastest Lap: Gregorio Lavilla (Ducati) 1m31.243s (98.63mph)
Superbike Race Two Result
1, Scott Smart (Suzuki) 27m37.071s, 2, Leon Haslam (Ducati) +0.576s, 3, Gregorio Lavilla (Ducati) +2.297s, 4, Gary Mason (Honda) +5.943s, 5, Jonathan Rea (Red Bull Honda) +30.768s, 6, Tommy Hill (Yamaha) +33.586s, 7, Michael Laverty (Honda) +36.829s, 8, Ollie Bridewell (Suzuki) +59.273s, 9, Chris Martin (Honda) +59.297s, 10, Malcolm Ashley (Kawasaki) +1:04.142s.
Fastest Lap: Leon Haslam (Ducati) 1m46.017s (84.89mph)
Bennetts British Superbike Championship Standings (after round 2)
1, Gregorio Lavilla (Ducati) 82pts
2, Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) 58pts
3, Leon Haslam (Ducati) 56pts
4, Karl Harris (HM Plant Honda) 41pts
5, Scott Smart (Suzuki) 33pts
6, Michael Laverty (Honda) 31pts
7, Jonathan Rea (Red Bull Honda) 30pts
8, Shane Byrne (Suzuki) 26pts
9, Michael Rutter (Honda) 25pts
10, Dean Thomas (Kawasaki) 23pts
10, Gary Mason (Honda) 23pts
The next round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship takes place at Thruxton, Hampshire on Bank Holiday Monday 17 April. |