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Swan Yamaha prepare for Brands Hatch season opener
by Laura Stevens
19 Apr 2011 at 1:28pm

The Swan Yamaha team begin their assault on the 2011 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch this weekend as Tommy Hill and Michael Laverty prepare to make their race debut with the Guisborough-based team.

In pre-season testing Hill set a new lap record at Cartagena whilst Laverty went on to top the times at the most recent test at Snetterton and now both riders are feeling confident ahead of the four-day Easter opening round.

Hill said: “I just want to get to Brands Hatch now after what has really been six weeks off. We set a new lap record at Cartagena and we felt confident after those tests. It was disappointing for me that I missed out at Snetterton with a crash, but it doesn’t take long to get back into it on the Indy circuit. Once we have the first day on Good Friday to blow the cobwebs away we just need to be consistent and score some good points. That was the approach I had last season and I came away with a first and second place plus the championship lead so who knows what can happen. I just need to push on at my home circuit, get the best results I can for the Swan Yamaha team and then prepare for Oulton Park the following weekend.”

Laverty said: “The first races at Brands Hatch are going to be strange as the Indy circuit can throw a curveball you don’t expect. I think though that after the pre-season testing we are in the position to challenge for the wins and get the job done. It has been a longer build up to this season and the anticipation really has been building for these first races and everyone just wants to get out and race now. We have been fast in testing so I hope that people are looking at us and thinking we are going to be up there at Brands Hatch. The pressure doesn’t matter to me; myself and Tommy have proved we have the pace – we just need to make sure we don’t get complacent and translate our testing performance into strong results.”

Team manager Shaun Muir concluded: “The team have done a lot of hard work over the winter and we have been immensely impressed with the new Yamahas. Tommy and Michael have been consistently fast throughout pre-season testing and now we look forward to his weekend and translating that into results for everyone involved at Swan Yamaha.”

Advance raceday (Monday) tickets are just �25 online, but for maximum value you can book advance weekend tickets, valid for all four days, for just �30. Children 12 and under go free. Visit www.brandshatch.co.uk or call 0843 453 9000 to book tickets now.

Competition: Win a Swan Yamaha YZF R1 Race Replica worth �12,500
by Simon Head
14 Apr 2011 at 11:01pm

PLUS VIP TICKETS TO THE MCE INSURANCE BRITISH SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP AT BRANDS HATCH

The MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship kicks off this Easter weekend (22-25 April) at Brands Hatch in Kent and Mirror.co.uk is the official Media Partner.

To celebrate the start of the season and the debut of the new Swan Yamahas at Brands Hatch we are giving you the chance to be the envy of bikers and bike fans everywhere

Thanks to Swan we’re giving away a brand new 2011 Yamaha YZF R1 Superbike liveried in full Swan Yamaha race replica colours – worth over �12,500 – with registration paid, plates and road fund licence included.

PLUS you and a friend will get to experience the opening round of the Championship on Easter Monday with a pair of VIP tickets which include hospitality with the Swan Yamaha team and the chance to meet Tommy Hill and Michael Laverty.

The Swan Yamaha team will be gunning for glory this season. Tommy Hill and Michael Laverty target a maiden crown as they take on rivals Ryuichi Kiyonari, Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne and former MotoGP ace John Hopkins.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE COMPETITION

Whit’s wisdom: Preview to 2011 BSB season
by James Whitham
7 Apr 2011 at 3:37pm

“There’s a lot of anticipation this year with riders returning to the championship, like former winner Shakey Byrne. He’s going to be quick, he’s tested really well and he’s with one of the top teams in HM Plant Honda.

“I think the fan’s favourite is Tommy Hill. After a good season last year, he’s swapped teams and he’s very confident.

“The defending champion Ryuichi Kiyonari is going to take some beating if he gets his eye in, but we know how fragile he can be, little things can put him off his stride so he’s by no means a firm favourite in the championship for me.”

“John Hopkins is a big coo for the championship. He’s a colourful character, he’s loud and he’s got the biggest baseball cap in the world! I can’t wait to see how he’s going to get to grips with the best, quirky British tracks. There’s no doubt the man has got the talent if he’s still got the fire in his belly and he can get his head around the circuits.”

You can now book your advance tickets for the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship season opener on Easter weekend (22-25 April) at Brands Hatch by visiting www.brandshatch.co.uk or by calling 0843 453 9000.

UK’s first female stunt rider Chesca Miles revs up for BSB at Brands Hatch
by Laura Stevens
1 Apr 2011 at 9:13am

The UK’s first female stunt rider Chesca Miles has been hitting the headlines recently as she continues to mix the thrill of motorcycle stunt riding with a modelling and singing career and this Easter weekend (22-25 April) she will be performing for the crowds at the opening round of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch.

Chesca first experienced the adrenaline rush by becoming a stunt pillion rider, but it wasn’t long before she decided to try stunt riding first hand and already she has rocketed to stardom for her skill with the Stunt Starz team.

The stunning 20-year-old is now eager to perform for the biggest crowd of her career to date at Easter Monday’s BSB season opener, whilst on track Jenny Tinmouth will also be making history as the first female rider to compete in the British Superbike Championship.

Chesca said: “I have only been stunt riding for about five months; I got into it because I hang around with the guys that do it and then one day I just decided to try it for myself.

“The first time I got onto the 600cc bike I have to admit it took me about half an hour to build up the courage to do it, but now the fear has disappeared and I just go for it!

“Once you have challenged yourself once then you can constantly push yourself further to try new stunts.

“I don’t worry about falling off as usually it only hurts a little bit and it soon wears off – it makes you want to try again!

“There has been a lot of media interest because I am the first female stunt bike rider in the country, but I really want to get more girls into the sport and hopefully this will help to achieve that.

“You just need to get started on a smaller bike, then work your way up to a 600cc once you get used the handling and control.

“I am now really looking forward to the British Superbike Championship round on Easter Monday; it will be the biggest crowd I have performed for so we definitely want to put on a good show for the fans.”

Book your tickets in advance now for the opening round of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch this Easter weekend (22-25 April). Advance adult tickets for the main raceday (Easter Monday) cost from �25 online in advance with children aged 12 and under free. For more information and to book visit www.brandshatch.co.uk or call 0843 453 9000.

Walker returns to BSB with new Kawasaki team
by Laura Stevens
16 Mar 2011 at 9:19am

The MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship season gets underway in less than 40 days and as the anticipation builds for the opening round, fans’ favourite Chris Walker has today confirmed his place on the expanding grid with the all-new Pr1mo Racing Kawasaki team.

Walker is one of the most experienced riders on the BSB grid and, reunited this year with Kawasaki, admits that there was nothing that would stop him from being part of the new championship season which kicks off on Easter weekend at Brands Hatch.

Walker said: “I am ready for the season now and can’t wait to get cracking. I am working with a brand new team, new sponsors and a new bike as we have the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R so it is an exciting time for me.

“It is a new team coming into the championship and my best times, even since starting out in schoolboy motocross have been with Kawasaki so to say I am chuffed to bits is an understatement.

“The team are making some final preparations and assembling all the goodies to the bike before we can get out on track for a shakedown test soon.

“We are only a small team but we have a strong group of guys behind us and we will have some technical support from Kawasaki so I feel ready for Brands Hatch.

“I was desperate to be part of this season, it is going to be a big year for the championship and there is a real buzz about it already.

“I wanted to be back in the hunt and back on the grid – I certainly didn’t want to miss out and have to watch from the sidelines and I think we can get some results this year.”

Latest videos from BSB testing in Spain
by Laura Stevens
11 Mar 2011 at 12:45pm

The MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship gets underway next month and last week many of the key players were testing at Cartagena in Spain.

Here are some videos from some of the leading contenders ahead of the opening round at Brands Hatch on Easter weekend.

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David Essex and Silver Dream Racer reunited at I, Superbiker Premiere
by Laura Stevens
11 Mar 2011 at 11:50am

The world premiere of I, Superbiker took place at the Empire, Leicester Square last night ahead of its nationwide cinema release next Monday (14 March).

The original Silver Dream Racer David Essex, who is joining the cast of Eastenders, made a special appearance on the night to be reunited with his bike made famous in the 1980 hit movie.

The Silver Dream Racer movie was the inspiration for the new I, Superbiker film, which is based on a season of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship. The original bike from the film was restored and shipped to London from Germany especially for the Premiere.

Essex joined stars of the film Tommy Hill, Josh Brookes, Gary Mason and James Ellison for the exclusive screening with reigning triple BSB champion Ryuichi Kiyonari also receiving a rapturous reception at the end of the evening.

The film score is by David Vanian of The Damned, with music by Phil Collen of Def Leppard and Man Raze who were also in attendance last night to be part of the build up to the film’s general release next week.

Book your tickets now by visiting www.isuperbiker.com

Samsung Crescent Racing wrap up Spanish tests
by Laura Stevens
11 Mar 2011 at 11:44am

The Samsung Crescent Racing team have completed their final day of Spanish testing at Guadix today (Thursday) as John Hopkins and Jon Kirkham now prepare for further UK-based tests ahead of the opening round of the season at Brands Hatch on Easter weekend (22-25 April).

The team had the opportunity to continue their work on the electronics on the second day of the test despite mixed conditions and on the final day the team-mates concluded with practice starts and clutch set-ups.

Team Manager Jack Valentine said: “It’s a shame the rain and cooler temperatures came because we do enjoy the process of pushing for good lap times at the end of a test. But, given our climate in the UK, testing in these conditions is still very productive and offers both riders a valuable insight into how their bikes will work through the season.

“All in all, while we haven’t set new lap records, we have to say we’re very happy with the progress we’ve made. Hopper and JK are both clearly getting to grips with and enjoying their new bikes. We’ve had no upsets and we’ve trialed a lot of new components, developing new settings. It’s been a solid six days work.

“We’ve got 42 more days yet before the first BSB races, so we’ll have more testing to come yet, in the UK.

We’ll be at Brands Hatch and Snetterton in April and probably other circuits, too. Hopper’s going to fit in a few tracks days as well, so he can have a first look at the British circuits. There’s more to come and we’re well on schedule.”

It’s a shame the rain and cooler temperatures came because we do enjoy the process of pushing for good lap times at the end of a test.

But, given our climate in the UK, testing in these conditions is still very productive and offers both riders a valuable insight into how their bikes will work through the season. All in all, while we haven’t set new lap records, we have to say we’re very happy with the progress we’ve made.

Hopper and JK are both clearly getting to grips with and enjoying their new bikes. We’ve had no upsets and we’ve trialed a lot of new components, developing new settings.

It’s been a solid six days work. We’ve got 42 more days yet before the first BSB races, so we’ll have more testing to come yet, in the UK.

We’ll be at Brands Hatch on April 12, and Snetterton on April 13 and probably other circuits, too. Hopper’s going to fit in a few tracks days as well, so he can have a first look at the British circuits. There’s more to come and we’re well on schedule”

Hill sets blistering pace on final day at Cartagena
by Laura Stevens
6 Mar 2011 at 3:10pm

On the final day of testing at Cartagena Tommy Hill and the Swan Yamaha team pushed on in the final sessions of the afternoon to set the fastest time of the test with a 1m:32.914s lap time which put him ahead of team-mate Michael Laverty.

In the penultimate session, the final one on track for Swan Yamaha, Hill put in a new tyre towards the end and fired in a lap time faster than anyone else so far to edge ahead of team-mate Laverty who closed in.

Hill said: “What a good day. I have been doing some race simulations today with some longer stints on track and was comfortably running in the 33s region so I was happy with that.

“I wanted to see if we could go faster so in our final session we put in a new tyre and did the 32s which is awesome way for us to end the test. It showed we can do consistent runs but when we need to we can put in a fast lap when it counts.

“We have made some real improvements over the last few days and there is still more to come when we get back to the work shop and strip the bikes down. We can then have a look through the data and then plan for our next tests in the UK.

“I have to thank the whole of the team for all of their efforts over the last week as we have really achieved what we needed to here in Spain.”

Josh Brookes spent the afternoon session switching between three bikes as he continued to get to grips with the Relentless Suzuki as he slashed some time of his personal best lap of the test so far.

Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne had an off track moment when he ran into the gravel on the HM Plant Honda early in the session, but in true gritty style was back out on the track and gunning for further improvement as the team prepare to complete the final day.

Ryuichi Kiyonari also improved his pace in the penultimate session after working through a series of changes.

Unofficial overall test times from Cartagena – Day 4/Final day:
1. Tommy Hill (Swan Yamaha) 1m:32.914s
2. Michael Laverty (Swan Yamaha) 1m:33.1s
3. Josh Brookes (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) 1m:34.2s
4. Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne (HM Plant Honda) low 1m:34s
5. Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) 1m:35.6s

Source: Participating teams unofficial times

Hill ups the pace on penultimate day at Cartagena
by Laura Stevens
5 Mar 2011 at 6:18pm

Swan Yamaha’s Tommy Hill was able to make further improvements on track during the final hectic hour-long session at Cartagena today, producing the fastest lap of the Spanish test so far as HM Plant Honda’s Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne also dipped into the 1m:33s barrier.

The earlier sessions in the day had been shortened but with an hour on track this afternoon Hill had been working through several minor changes to the Swan Yamaha, which paid off as he set the fastest lap of the afternoon.

Hill said: “I am really happy with the times we ran today as we have to keep reminding ourselves that it is a new bike and we are still learning with every lap. We haven’t got previous data of the circuit to compare to so we are just working through everything we can in the time we have here.

“There has been some good rivalry in the garage with myself and Michael as we have been running very similar times throughout so we have some good banter and then work together to move forward in a real team effort.

“We are learning all the time but I am conscious not to change my style too much here as it might not translate when we get home to the UK tracks. We are all feeling positive and look forward to the final day tomorrow.”

Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne came close to Hill’s time despite the HM Plant Honda team admitting they have lots of work still to get through and believe there is more to come from both riders.

Defending champion Ryuichi Kiyonari was also back on track today, but was working through some issues and is confident that these can be resolved.

The Samsung Crescent Racing pairing of John Hopkins and Jon Kirkham both improved today as the team-mates have clearly settled in with their new team and will now head to Guadix for a further three days of testing next week.

Hopkins came close to breaking the 1m:33s barrier in the closing stages of the session and believes he had more in reserve and Kirkham admits he is now feeling more at home on the Superbike and was able to move into the 1m:35s lap times.

Michael Laverty on the second Swan Yamaha had spent the afternoon session focused on changes to the chassis and working with the rear link and fork settings so didn’t match his reported time from yesterday. However, Laverty is looking forward to the final day on track tomorrow and hopes that the focus from today will show further improvement.

Josh Brookes was also able to improve on his time from yesterday as the Relentless Suzuki team went back to their original base settings in the opening session before a change to the gearing, with tomorrow’s focus to find more confidence in the front.

Michael Rutter took an early bath in the final session as he lost the front and crashed at turn 6.

Unofficial overall test times from Cartagena – Day 3:

1. Tommy Hill (Swan Yamaha) 1m:33.5s

2. Shane Byrne (HM Plant Honda) 1m:33.59s

3. John Hopkins (Samsung Crescent Racing) 1m:34.0s

4. Michael Laverty (Swan Yamaha) 1m:34.1s

5. Josh Brookes (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) 1m:35.0s

6. Jon Kirkham (Samsung Crescent Racing) 1m:35.8s

7. Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) 1m:36.0s

Source: Participating teams unofficial times

Laverty sets the pace at Cartagena
by Laura Stevens
4 Mar 2011 at 5:56pm

Swan Yamaha’s Michael Laverty set the pace on the second day of testing at Cartagena as the team moved to the Spanish track for their opening day on circuit, whilst Tommy Hill was just a few tenths off his team-mate.

Laverty quickly adapted to the new track and admitted he was surprised just how fast they could get dialled in as Hill edged towards Laverty in the final session of the day.

Laverty said: “I am really happy with our fist day here; some of the guys were out yesterday getting some track time, so to be fast is the best possible start.

“I went straight out and on my third or fourth lap and I was already into the 1m:35s and then we came in with some slight changes and then I had a clear lap and did a 1m:34s dead.

“We have only been getting the chassis dialled into this circuit after Calafat and made a few slight tweaks to the anti-wheelie and suspension and we have achieved what we need to today so it is a happy Swan Yamaha garage tonight.”

John Hopkins and the Samsung Crescent Racing team continued to improve their pace on circuit as they continued to make very little changes as Hopper racked up some more mileage and is feeling confident of further improvement tomorrow.

Josh Brookes also ran in the 1m:35s lap times as he began to feel more comfortable on the Relentless Suzuki, whilst Jon Kirkham believes he just have to find some more corner exit speed tomorrow to slash his lap time on the penultimate day at the circuit.

Unofficial overall test times from Cartagena – Day 2:

1. Michael Laverty (Swan Yamaha) 1m:34.0s
2. Tommy Hill (Swan Yamaha) low 1m:34s
3. John Hopkins (Samsung Crescent Racing) 1m:35.1s
4. Josh Brookes (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) 1m:35.7s
5. Jon Kirkham (Samsung Crescent Racing) low 1m:36s

Source: Participating teams unofficial times

Image: Tim Keeton.

Hopkins talks BSB test debut
by Laura Stevens
3 Mar 2011 at 7:51pm

John Hopkins made his first appearance with the Samsung Crescent Racing team at the Spanish test today at Cartagena.

Hopkins arrived in the UK last week and following on from the announcement of the team’s new title sponsor Samsung yesterday.

They hit the track for the first time today as Hopper got settled in to the new team and adjusted to the new bike ahead of cranking it up tomorrow as they begin testing new parts.

Hopkins said: “It has been a really good day for me and the guys; we had good weather as the rain held off and I got some good laps in.

“I was just getting the feel for the new bike and the positioning; we didn’t change anything mechanically today, I just wanted to get the feel having not ridden anything other than a motocross bike since the end of last year.

“I did want to stick my leg out a few times on the first laps and get a bit of a slide on but I soon got that out of my system!

“In the second session it was all coming together and I felt much better and more comfortable on the bike. I did have one moment when I out braked myself into turn one and just ran on into the gravel so hopefully that’s that out of the way for a while now!

“Tomorrow I am looking forward to getting back out and we can really start to work on some bits with the bike and try some different parts.

“We don’t want to try and fix problems that aren’t there so we have a bit of a plan for the morning and we are going to try a new swingarm and do some work with the front forks but it has been a great day, the guys are all great and I can’t wait for more tomorrow.”

Image: Tim Keeton.

Cartagena test: Brookes positive after Relentless debut
by Laura Stevens
3 Mar 2011 at 7:43pm

Josh Brookes made his debut with the Relentless Suzuki team at Cartagena today and the Australian title contender admits after a couple of sessions he was feeling more at home on the GSX-R1000.

Brookes recently completed laps at Phillip Island, but today was the first time that he worked with the new team.

He was joined by Alastair Seeley who lines up in the Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship and Guy Martin who will represent the team in the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship.

Brookes said: “In a nutshell, I am happy with day one. To start with I was feeling a bit like a passenger; mechanically the Relentless Suzuki was doing everything it was supposed to, but we just needed some adjustments as I didn’t feel comfortable.

“But we moved the foot rests and the handlebars, then the pegs again and the seat position and with everything we changed the more comfortable I felt and I was getting more confident with every lap.

“I am quite happy with the end result of the first day and tomorrow we can get back out and push on again.”

Seeley said: “It was good to be back on the bike and the new 600 feels awesome and felt good from the word go.

“We literally made a few changes to make the bike suit me then tomorrow we have some things to crack on with, but it’s all good in the garage.”

Images: Tim Keeton.

Jon Kirkham to join Samsung Crescent Racing for 2011 season.
by Paul Hood
2 Mar 2011 at 9:05am

With the start of the 2011 British Superbike series just weeks away, TWO big announcements from one of the most recognizable and popular teams in the paddock.

Crescent Racing, headed by enigmatic team manager Jack Valentine, has confirmed the electronics giants Samsung as 2011 title sponsors, while also announcing reigning British Superstock Champion Jon Kirkham as teammate to John Hopkins in the team’s two-rider assault on the 2011 championship.

The new-look Samsung Crescent Racing Team will make its debut at the Cartagena circuit in Spain on March 3, with new signing Jon Kirkham and ex-MotoGP star John Hopkins getting their first taste of the GSX-R1000 machines that they will contest the 2011 BSB championship on.

Jack Valentine commented, “Naturally we are thoroughly delighted to welcome both Samsung and Jon on-board for the 2011 season. In such a tough climate it is extremely pleasing to work with a new partner from outside of the bike industry and with Jon we have a second rider with real pedigree. While it’s been a tough winter period, I genuinely believe we’ve never been in such a strong position at the start of a season and can’t wait to get both riders out on track for testing.”

With the support of Samsung, the team also aims to build on its already well-established brand by competing at the Silverstone World SBK round later in the year, where both riders will race alongside the regular World Championship contenders.

Crescent’s commercial director, Martyn James added, ” A partnership with a global brand like Samsung raises both our own and the championship’s profile, which will undoubtedly open the door to a wider audience. We look forward to using Samsung’s creative technology to assist us both on and off the track this season.”

Responsible for bringing Samsung, Crescent Racing and Jon Kirkham together – and also an instrumental part in the team’s marketing and media focus in 2011 – is Rockabox Media.

James Booth from Rockabox explained, “Motorcycling is an inspirational leisure pastime enjoyed by millions; in the form of British Superbikes it turns into the most exciting spectator sport in the world. With our proven approach to the media, we will bring this to life for thousands of fans with unique behind the scenes footage throughout the season”.

The opening round of the 2011 British Superbike Championship will take place at Brands Hatch on 22nd – 25th April. For more information on the series and to book ticket, visit the official British Superbike website.

Video highlights from the enthralling 2010 season can be seen here: BSB – behind the scenes in 2010.

A thrilling BSB movie – ‘I Superbiker’ coming soon to a big screen near you …
by Paul Hood
25 Feb 2011 at 12:00pm

The much anticipated film ‘I-Superbiker’ is soon to make its big-screen debut, and it truly is a must-see movie for all bike fans.

The film charts the fortunes of four title contenders; Tommy Hill, Gary Mason, James Ellison and Josh Brookes, following them through the highs and lows of the thrilling 2010 season British Superbike Championship.

Showing for ONE NIGHT ONLY on 14th March 2011, now is the time to book your tickets for this fantastic film.

Check out the listings on the ‘I-Superbiker’ website to see if the film is showing in a cinema near you.

‘I Superbiker’ will premiere at the Leicester Square Odeon in London on 10th March. We’ll be running a competition here on the Mirror’s BSB section next week for the chance to win VIP tickets to this exclusive event, so check back soon.

In the meantime, check out the promo video below…

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