Rounds 5 & 6
Sunday 4th & Monday 5th May
Premier Motorcycle Protection
THUNDERSPORT GB
CHAMPIONSHIPS 2014 THE HOME OF SPORTSMAN RACING
THUNDERSPORT GB RACE DAY TIMETABLE SUNDAY 4TH MAY 2014 9.00am: 15 minutes Qualifying Buff Headwear Thundersport 500 9.18am: 15 minutes Qualifying Dunlop Aprilia Superteens 9.36am: 15 minutes Qualifying Sparklight Golden Era SBK & SS 9.54am: 15 minutes Qualifying A&R Racing Pre-National Sport 600 10.12am: 15 minutes Qualifying Bridgestone Supertwins & Minitwins 10.30am: 15 minutes Qualifying IOM Race Products Streetfighters & F400 10.48am: 15 minutes Qualifying The Van Insurer 600 Sportsman Elite 11.06am: 15 minutes Qualifying IN Competition Aprilia RRV450GP & GP3 11.24am: 15 minutes Qualifying The Bike Insurer Thundersport GP1 RACE 1 - 10 Laps - (11.45am) Buff Headwear Thundersport 500 RACE 2 - 10 Laps - (12.05pm) Dunlop Aprilia Superteens RACE 3 - 10 Laps - (12.25pm) Sparklight Golden Era SBK & SS RACE 4 - 10 Laps - (12.45pm) A&R Racing Pre-National Sport 600 RACE 5 - 10 Laps - (1.05pm) Bridgestone Supertwins & Minitwins Lunch Break RACE 6 - 10 Laps - (2.10pm) IOM Race Products Streetfighters & F400 RACE 7 - 14 Laps - (2.30pm) The Van Insurer 600 Sportsman Elite RACE 8 - 10 Laps - (2.55pm) IN Competition Aprilia RRV450GP & GP3 RACE 9 - 14 Laps - (3.15pm) The Bike Insurer Thundersport GP1 RACE 10 - 10 Laps - (3.40pm) Buff Headwear Thundersport 500 RACE 11 - 10 Laps - (4.00pm) Dunlop Aprilia Superteens RACE 12 - 10 Laps - (4.20pm) Sparklight Golden Era SBK & SS RACE 13 - 10 Laps - (4.40pm) A&R Racing Pre-National Sport 600 RACE 14 - 10 Laps - (5.00pm) Bridgestone Supertwins & Minitwins RACE 15 - 10 Laps - (5.20pm) IOM Race Products Streetfighters & F400 RACE 16 - 8 Laps - (6.15pm) IN Competition Aprilia RRV450GP & GP3
MONDAY 5TH MAY 2014 9.00am: 10 minutes Warm Up Thundersport 500 & Streetfighter (odd numbers) 9.13am: 10 minutes Warm Up Supertwins/F400 & Streetfighters (even numbers) 9.26am: 10 minutes Warm Up Aprilia Superteens, RRV450GP & GP3 9.39am: 10 minutes Warm Up Pre-National 600 & 600 sportsman Elite (odd numbers) 9.52am: 10 minutes Warm Up Thundersport GP1 & 600 Sportsman Elite (even numbers) 10.05am: 10 minutes Warm Up Golden Era Superbike & Supersport RACE 1 - 10 Laps - (10.25am) Buff Headwear Thundersport 500 RACE 2 - 10 Laps - (10.46am) Dunlop Aprilia Superteens RACE 3 - 14 Laps - (11.07am) The Van Insurer 600 Sportsman Elite RACE 4 - 10 Laps - (11.32am) Sparklight Golden Era SBK & SS RACE 5 - 14 Laps (11.53am) The Bike Insurer Thundersport GP1 RACE 6 - 10 Laps (12.18pm) A&R Racing Pre-National Sport 600 RACE 7 - 10 Laps - (12.39pm) Bridgestone Supertwins & Minitwins RACE 8 - 10 Laps - (1.00pm) IOM Race Products Streetfighters & F400 Lunch Break RACE 9 - 10 Laps - (2.00pm) IN Competition Aprilia RRV450GP & GP3 RACE 10 - 10 Laps - (2.21pm) Buff Headwear Thundersport 500 RACE 11 - 10 Laps - (2.42pm) Dunlop Aprilia Superteens RACE 12 - 14 Laps - (3.03pm) The Van Insurer 600 Sportsman Elite RACE 13 - 10 Laps - (3.28pm) Sparklight Golden Era SBK & SS RACE 14 - 14 Laps - (3.49pm) The Bike Insurer Thundersport GP1 RACE 15 - 10 Laps - (4.14pm) A&R Racing Pre-National Sport 600 RACE 16 - 10 Laps - (4.35pm) Bridgestone Supertwins & Minitwins RACE 17 - 10 Laps - (4.56pm) IOM Race Products Streetfighters & F400
SNETTERTON 200 CIRCUIT
RACE 18 - 10 Laps - (5.17pm) IN Competition Aprilia RRV450GP & GP3
THUNDERSPORT GB (Affiliated to the ACU as Club Thundersport Ltd) This meeting is held under a European OPEN Road Race Permit, complying with the National Sporting Code and the Standing Regulations for Road Races of the ACU, the Supplementary Regulations of the above organisation, and in accordance with the ACU / FIM Environmental Code. Permanent Course Licence No. 011 ACU Permit No. ACU 40315 Outline Flags and other signals used at this meeting: (full details are shown in the ACU Handbook a copy of which is available for inspection in the Race Administration).
OUTLINE FLAGS AND OTHER SIGNALS
RED LIGHTS - May be extinguished as the signal to start races. May be illuminated to stop races or practice NATIONAL FLAG - May be used as the signal to start races GREEN FLAG - Indicates that the track is clear YELLOW FLAG - This Flag indicates that there is danger ahead. Overtaking in this sector is forbidden YELLOW /RED STRIPED FLAG - This indicates a lack of adhesion in this sector. Oil, Water or another substance (debris) on track RED FLAG - The race or practice session is stopped. Riders must return slowly to the pits or as directed by the marshals YELLOW I BLACK CROSS - This flag is shown at the startline at the beginning of the last lap. OHEQUERED FLAG - Indicates the end of the race or practice session
NOTICE: MOTOR SPORTS CAN BE DANGEROUS! Despite the organisers taking all reasonable precautions, unavoidable accidents can happen. Please comply with all instructions of marshals and notices and remain in permitted areas only. THEY ARE CONCERNED WITH YOUR SAFETY
SNETTERTON 200 CIRCUIT MAP
CLERK OF THE COURSE Dave Stewart
SECRETARY OF THE MEETING Dave Stewart 10 Hemington Lane Lockington Leicestershire. DE74 2RJ
RACE SECRETARY Bernadette Stewart
ASSISTANT RACE SECRETARY Janet Day
CHIEF TECHNICAL STEWARD Stuart Smart Nick Coe
CHIEF INCIDENT OFFICER Jon Pedersen
SOUND CONTROL Rodger Wadey
OFFICIALS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
CHIEF MARSHAL
DEPUTY CLERK OF THE COURSE Paul Matthews
STARTLINE OFFICIALS Dave Richardson (Chief) Jo Lumb
START CONTROLLER Mark Lumb
RACE CONTROL Angie Matthews - Joanne Page
ASSEMBLY AREA
Norman Lowes Margaret Lowes - Rosey Ferguson
SENIOR JUDGE Sarah Smart
ACU STEWARD John Ward
TIMEKEEPERS Sports Timing Services
CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICERS Prof. Clive Loveday Dr Mike Eichhorn
AMBULANCE SERVICE APMS Ambulances
COMMENTATORS Robin Murphy - John Ward
CIRCUIT MANAGER Jamie Hopper (01953 887303)
BUY IT STRAIGHT, BUY IT RIGHT.........
THEN..............RIDE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT!!!
I can’t stress the importance of keeping our sport clean strongly enough! The issue of stolen bikes and stolen parts, has been a shadow over motorcycle racing since John the Baptist & Syd were in nursery school together. It is a curse that has always made it hard to get household names involved in our sport. Nobody wants to get involved with a bad smell and the adverse publicity of sponsoring a sport that isn’t clean is just not worth the risk to a lot of multinational companies. The fact that more big non-bike related companies are now looking towards bike racing as a good showcase for their products is testament to how far we’ve gone to clean up the sport. Back in the 1990s the biggest unwitting sponsors of bike racing were the insurance companies and the ordinary motorcyclists who were paying through inflated premiums due to the stratospheric numbers of road bikes being stolen. At the height of the bike crime wave one in every three new bikes would be stolen within a year of purchase. If that kind of epidemic ever hit the car market Jeremy Clarkson and his buddies would have ensured that the government was toppled. Being a minority market though left us to find our own solutions because the insurance companies either declined to quote – or more commonly charged an extortionate premium that we had no option other than to pay. In that era it was pretty much accepted that most of the parts and even whole bikes would end up being used in racing. Entire grids of Yamaha 250 LCs and Suzuki RG250 Gammas were founded on other peoples
No matter how attractive the proposition may seem to be, always check out the numbers and the seller
These things didn’t only smoke because they were 2-strokes. In the early 1990s entire grids of them were also “Hot” in a legal sense.
misery – that sick feeling you have when you look at the empty space where you know you left your pride & joy. Cheap bikes were plentiful and if you asked no questions, you were told no lies. The old self-justification that “It was probably on HP and the insurance company will pay out!” sounds even thinner today than it did back then, given that we now understand the good old insurance company just passed the cost back on to us in the form of even higher premiums. Those days are thankfully long gone and the tolerance of stolen parts in motorcycle racing is now pretty much zero. The ACU finally took a firmer position on it in 2001 and since then it has been illegal to attempt to use a motorcycle with altered, defaced or removed engine or frame numbers. After an initial period of lax enforcement, we now seem to have almost entirely eradicated the problem with the main organisers. Unfortunately, the controls put in place by the sports governing body have had two side effects:Firstly, the trade in stolen bikes and bike parts has largely transferred into the Track Day market where there are no formal controls whatsoever. If anything, the track day sector is probably a more lucrative sector for stolen parts than club racing ever was. Secondly, some bikes become almost “legitimised” through the track day market by being rebuilt with new parts over a period of time and sometimes an unsuspecting newcomer to racing will end up buying a bike or parts that cannot be used. If anyone EVER tells you that there is a legitimate reason for a bike to have defaced numbers (the last 4 digits drilled out is the common one) and still be used – they are a crook or a fool. Part of the Category B write off procedure does indeed require the numbers on engine and frame to be removed, but that is because those major parts are supposed to be destroyed. The rest of the parts may be resold and used, but a dealer reselling a defaced frame is breaking the terms of their contract with the insurer/loss adjuster.
It doesn’t matter if the Lord Chief Justice himself writes you out a receipt in his own blood, you can’t use it - Walk Away! It sometimes surprises me that some extremely experienced dealers, racers and teams are not au-fait with these simple rules. I then have to ask myself, if they don’t know those simple rules how up to speed are they with the rest of the rules? Don’t get caught out, know the rules and don’t listen to others that may think they know better.
Selling frames and Logbooks. I was asked by a friend recently why a used motorcycle frame with a log book was worth more than a brand new frame from the manufacturer. It was a piece of knowledge I thought every boy from South London was born with, kind of like a baby Gnu knowing how to walk at birth. Frame & Logbook sales are the spawn of Satan himself and if you’d ever bought one from the arches at the back of Silvertown Way or Camberwell New Road, you’d probably find that the remainder of the bike was sitting there housed in another frame that was ‘smoking’ ever so gently. The only reason for buying a frame & Logbook is to legitimise a stolen bike. So even if you’re buying a bike and it has a logbook with matching frame numbers, you need to check the engine numbers and see some history. Always run an HPI check where available and don’t be afraid to ask awkward questions, only someone selling a bent bike will object. Be very careful and make sure you know exactly who you are dealing with. The question you need to ask is “Do I want to risk paying this amount of cash and then lose the bike in a couple of weeks with no recourse?” – You will be the only loser, because the guy you’re standing in the lay-by or car park looking at will be non-contactable and impossible to find when it all goes wrong.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING USED
Being straight pays big dividends.
If you want to see the direct and tangible benefit to you, look no further than our Thundersport GP1 sponsors – The Bike Insurer. The Bike Insurer and The Van Insurer pay a sizeable chunk of money to pay for the TV coverage that everyone in this paddock bene- Above diagrams reproduced from the current ACU Guide fits from. They make their living through putting you in touch with the on how to avoid stolen bikes. company that does the best deal on your bike insurance – try it out and you’ll be surprised how much you can save. They are able to do that because there is now some real competition in the bike insurance market. That competition has returned largely because we are taking more responsibility for enhanced security on our bikes and thus suffocating the market for selling stolen parts. Strangling that market is the key to making everything more affordable in the longer term.
If there is nowhere to sell those parts, there is no point in stealing them! So come on Rodney, don’t be a plonker! – check out those numbers - you know it makes sense.
BUFF速 and Flat is Boring速 are registered trademark property of Original Buff, S.A. (Spain)
速
Buffera Womens Cup Points Georgina Polden (Aprilia 125)
104
2
Charley Oakland (PN600)
54
3
Charley Oakland (E600)
15
4
Alexandra Pressly (TS500)
13
5
Jenny Anderson (650)
4
LOCATION: DAKAR 2012
1
U FF nal B m s i g i r O do Vila o rd i J y b o ne Worn and 2 1 0 2 s hi p pi o n m a h dC Worl nt r y u . o r C ea s sCros recent y y l l a R in n the iders - u p i t D a ka r r r e n R un he be s of t
Available from most good motorcycle retailers and online at: www.buffwear.co.uk
www.buff.eu
Buffera Ltd, Cranborne House, Cranborne Road, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 3JN e sales@buffera.co.uk
BUFF HEADWEAR THUNDERSPORT 500 & SueMe THUNDERSPORT 500 SENIORS
Thundersport 500 Points No
Rider
Hometown
Team
Machine
cc
1
Carl Smalley
163
2
Elliott Humphrey
Scunthorpe
Rat Out Racing
Honda
500
2
Adam Houghton
145
7
Dave Grace
Mickleover
Peter Pan Racing
Honda
500
3
Tom Leonard
123
10
David Blakey
Peterborough
RAF MSA
Honda
500
4
Rob Mawbey
98
5
Adam Palfreman
80
6
Steven Wood
68
7
Jonathan Perry
62
8
Harley Prebble
52
9
Matthew Snow
37
10
Colin Mooney
32
17
David Moss
Deeside
JCM Racing
Honda
500 S
19
Harley Prebble
Maidstone
Prebble Racing
Honda
500
20
David Beswick
Spondon
DB Racing Derby
Honda
500 S
21
Tom Leonard
Stockton
TL Racing
Honda
500
22
Jak Liddle
Acklam
KLM Motorsport
Honda
500
23
Ross Danbury
Princes Risborough
RD Racing
Honda
500
26
Matt Poncia
Shropham
Poncia Brothers Racing
Honda
500
27
John O'Toole
Derby
Autoshine Valeting
Honda
500
28
Steven Wood
Rowley Regis
SW Racing
Honda
500
42
Jonathan Perry
Winsford
Putoline Oils / JPR
Honda
500
49
Adam Houghton
Winsford
Dynasurf Fork Chroming
Honda
500
50
Michael McNulty
Nottingham
Notts Golf Club
Honda
500
53
Rob Mawbey
Derby
Racing Lines Derby
Honda
500 S
55
Alexandra Pressly
Baldrine IOM
Blackstone Racing
Honda
500
64
Adam Palfreman
Letchworth
Rothwell Racing
Honda
500
68
Mark Christian
Naphill
MC Racing
Honda
500
69
Carl Smalley
Scunthorpe
Rat Out Racing / BCM
Honda
500
70
Matthew Snow
Brigg
Rat Out Racing
Honda
500
1
Colin Mooney
145
73
Pat Tynan
Reading
Tynan.co Racing
Honda
500 S
2
Rob Mawbey
141
74
Simon East
Gainsborough
Rat Out Racing
Honda
500 S
3
David Moss
96
76
Edward Flower
Market Harborough
EF Racing
Honda
500
4
Phil Brown
90
5
Simon Parry
84
6
David Beswick
72
7
Simon East
67
8
David Jeff
37
9
Steve Dufton
30
10
Pat Tynan
22
84
Christopher Ashfield
Stourbridge
CA Racing
Honda
500
89
Robin Spink
Bicester
Lust 4 Racing
Honda
500
92
Peter Bardell
Campton
PB Racing
Honda
500
94
Joe Miller
Hull
Kwik Tuf
Honda
500
96
Jack Tynan
Reading
Tynan.co Racing
Honda
500
98
Phil Brown
Breaston
Donkey Box Racing
Honda
500 S
101
Colin Mooney
Stockton
GT Group
Honda
500 S
126
George Beale
Callington
Pendragon Racing
Honda
500
131
James Adams
Bristol
Perminator Racing
Honda
500
178
Darren Corkett
Leighton Buzzard
Sausage Racing
Honda
500
261
Lee Silvain
Bury St Edmunds
Silvain Racing
Honda
500
411
Alan Naylor
Wakefield
Donkey Box Racing
Honda
500
500 Seniors Points
THE BIGGEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK! The Thundersport 500 and Thundersport 500 Seniors championships are the absolute cheapest possible way to go road racing on this planet. A whole race package can be picked up for less than the price of a top of the range helmet. That said, the racing is hard and close - bordering on the frantic at times. The talent of a racer needn’t be judged by the value of the bike he/she happens to be sitting on, some of the most gifted riders in the country ride these humble parallel twins. The predominant choice of bike here is the Honda CB500, but once you’ve watched a couple of these races you’ll never look at one of these staid commuter bikes in quite the same way again. Kawasaki ER5s and Suzuki GS500s are also eligible, but the rules are so tightly controlled that in order to get anything other than a Honda onto the podium requires a super-human effort. The SueMe 500 Seniors championship caters for riders of 40 years of age or older on 1st March of any given racing season. Some of these lads are fulfilling a long term ambition to race that they simply didn’t have the resources to satisfy when they were younger. When you see the level of skill displayed by some of them, you have to think that they could have made a pretty good living at it if circumstances had been different. If you’ve always wanted to have a go at racing, but either thought you couldn’t afford it, or you had left it too late go and have a chat with some of the 500 competitors this weekend.
CLASS LAP RECORD 1.24.335 - Adam Shelton
RACE TO ROAD Our experience in global Superbike, Endurance, GP, Moto2 and road racing championships enables us to transfer pioneering technology from race to road. Our motorcycle and motorsport teams across Europe, Japan and North America share their expertise and success in order to mass produce high performance road tyres. We are continually developing new technologies and compounds in order to further improve our street tyres, so that you can always ride with confidence.
Race quality grip, wet-road predictability and touring mileage all in one tyre? That’s exactly what the SportSmart achieves. It gives durability and confidence on both wet and dry roads, and can even provide totally connected track day performance for supersport and hypersport riders.
The RoadSmart II sets a new benchmark of all-round performance in all conditions. It provides the freedom for adventure, with the peace of mind that it can withstand all weathers. Ensuring that even the most demanding riders can ride confidently at all times.
www.dunlopmotorcycle.co.uk Follow us...
/DunlopTyresUK
Cambrian_Tyres_Dunlop_A5landscape+3_27.2.2013.indd 1
3
@DunlopLive
27/02/2013 10:23
DUNLOP APRILIA SUPERTEEN CHALLENGE
Dunlop Aprilia Superteens Points 1
Rory Skinner
185
125 n
2
Joe Thompson
155
Aprilia
125 n
3
Jordan Boyle
109
Aprilia
125 n
4
Georgina Polden
96
Daniel Drayton
76
No Rider
Hometown
Team
Machine cc
5
Edgar Machado
Brent
KMBA Productions
Aprilia
7
TJ Toms
Bridgwater
Motrac Racing
8
Myles Wasley
Stonehouse
Aqua Construction
11
Rory Skinner
Perth
RS Racing
Aprilia
125
5
24
Shane Faber
Henstridge
JDF Racing
Aprilia
125 n
6
Trystan Finocchiaro
69
27
Georgina Polden
Oxford
Kings Two wheel Centre
Aprilia
125
7
Shane Faber
63
34
Daniel Drayton
Scunthorpe
Drayton 34 Racing
Aprilia
125
8
Edmund Best
49
37
Jordan Boyle
Verwood
Artel Racing
Aprilia
125
9
Cam Tenzing-Jenkins
46
44
Edmund Best
Mkt Harborough
EBR Motorsport
Aprilia
125
10
Thomas Burnett
46
46
Daniel Booth
Preston
Longton Battery Services
Aprilia
125 n
52
Oliver O'Flaherty
Bristol
Nitro Cup
Aprilia
125 n
58
Trystan Finocchiaro
Redditch
Motrac Racing
Aprilia
125
63
George Anderson
Evesham
George Anderson Racing
Aprilia
125 n
66
Cameron Fraser
Nottingham
Nitro Cup
Aprilia
125 n
69
David Ince
Burbage
David Ince Racing
Aprilia
125
71
Freddie Craine
Ramsey IOM
Jugger Racing
Aprilia
125 n
73
Cameron Tenzing-Jenkins
Callander
Invertrossachs.co.uk
Aprilia
125
74
Joe Thompson
Selby
Thompsons Aprilia
Aprilia
125
78
Matthew Bower
Sheffield
MD Racing
Aprilia
125 n
88
Jack Reid
Brighton
JR Racing
Aprilia
125 n
93
Thomas Burnett
Ramsey IOM
TRU Racing
Aprilia
125
99
Chris Gray
Deal
CJ Gray Building Contracters
Aprilia
125
THE CHAMPIONS FACTORY Ever since it’s inception way back in 1996, the Aprilia Superteen Championship has been producing British and World Champions. It’s not only the champions:- Casey Stoner, Cal Crutchlow, Bradley Smith, Chaz Davies, Sam Lowes, Alex Lowes, Tommy Hill etc that feed the world with top quality riders though. The Moto GP paddock depends on this series. The World & British Superbike paddocks are also crammed with graduates of this class (the worlds longest running one make series). For all the talk of 2-strokes being old hat, or past their sell by date, nobody has yet come up with an alternative bike that does the job anywhere near as well as the Rotax based Aprilia stroker. And let’s be honest, isn’t it great to hear that 2-stroke wail as they all head for turn one off of the race start? The bike itself is a fairly unremarkable, yet extremely capable, 2-stroke single cylinder bike, which produces around 30bhp. The chassis is something that could easily handle over twice the horsepower it is being asked to deal with in this format and the suspension is good, but not cutting edge. That isn’t the point though. The trick is to get all of the youngsters in the same place, at the same time and then to stand back and watch them learn from each other. The starting age is just 12 years old and the cut off is a riders 19th birthday year. The championship is contested by all riders, but there is also a sub-category for riders who have competed in less than 5 events prior to the start of the season. Those riders are also eligible for the “Nitro Newcomers Cup” and are identified by a small “n” on the grid listing above.
Nitro Newcomers Points 1
Shane Faber
171
2
Myles Wasley
139
3
Daniel Booth
109
4
TJ Toms
100
5
Jack Reid
95
6
Edgar Machado
72
7
George Anderson
68
8
Cameron Fraser
54
9
Matthew Brown
40
10
Sam Messenger
37
CLASS LAP RECORD 1.29.349 Lewis Rollo
THE VAN INSURER SPORTSMAN ELITE 600 No
Rider
Hometown
Team
Machine
cc
2
Jordan Rushby
Beverley
AL Joinery Racing
Yamaha
600 S
5
John Lea
Norwich
Lea Racing
Triumph
600 F
6
Reece Rothwell
Bolton
PRF Racing
Suzuki
600 F
7
Bradley Jones
Stalbridge
Bob Jones Heating
Kawasaki
600 S
9
Paul Charman
Accrington
Paul Charman Racing
Suzuki
600 F
10
Nico Mawhinney
Londonderry NI Northern Escalators
Kawasaki
600 F
11
Stephen Parsons
Milnthorpe
Giraffe Racing
Triumph
675 F
15
Ross Twyman
Canterbury
RT Racing
Yamaha
600 S
19
Charley Oakland
Immingham
DF Racing
Yamaha
600 F
22
Richard McNeill
Bangor NI
McNeill Racing
Suzuki
600 F
25
Josh Hill
Sheffield
Team Hill Racing
Yamaha
600 F
26
William White
Watford
Triumphs Overadversity
Triumph
675 S
28
Keenan Armstrong Doncaster
KA Racing
Yamaha
600 S
30
Liam Shellcock
Oban
Tralee Bay Holidays
Yamaha
600 S
33
Adam Reavill
Grimsby
Team Autodesigns
Kawasaki
600 F
34
Donald Gilbert
Crawley
C-Red Racing
Yamaha
600 S
39
Shane Smith
Harleston
Woodlands Environmental Triumph
675 F
45
Steve MacMillan
Poole
Royal Navy Motorsport
Suzuki
600 F
47
Frank Gallagher
Glossop
Zest Legal Racing
Kawasaki
600 S
54
Sam Cox
Maldon
Apprentice Racing
Yamaha
600 S
55
Lee Shallcross
Manchester
Phoenix Race Team
Yamaha
600 S
58
Jason Lynn
Londonderry NI Walter Bell Suzuki
Suzuki
600 F
Kawasaki
1
Dan Frear
121
2
Sam Cox
85
3
Ross Twyman
75
4
Curtis Wright
73
5
Richard McNeill
55
6
Adam Shelton
51
7
David Allingham
50
8
William White
47
9
Bradley Jones
43
10
Lee Williams
33
Superstock 600 Points 1
Sam Cox
107
2
Curtis Wright
96
3
Ross Twyman
75
4
Adam Shelton
67
5
William White
61
6
Bradley Jones
58
7
David Allingham
50
8
Lee Williams
44
9
Joe Barton
42
10
Dale Thomas
29
1
Dan Frear
150
2
Richard McNeill
80
Formula 600 Points
61
Adam Shelton
Hessle
Scruffs Racing
64
Chris Hellewell
Rotherham
Phoenix Race Team/WDH Yamaha
600 S
67
Matt Pearce
Wellington
Mike Pearce Racing
600 F
3
Stephen Parsons
73
4
Paul Charman
67
5
Reece Rothwell
64
6
Nick Edgeley
50
7
Matt Pearce
44
8
Nico Mawhinney
42
9
Neil Gregory
33
10
Shane Smith
25
Kawasaki
600 S
Sportsman Elite 600 Points
72
Max Wadsworth
Halifax
NEI Motorsport
Kawasaki
600 S
74
Curtis Wright
Stoney Stanton
Pallet Bros Triumph
Triumph
675 S
75
Ozzy Madey
Douglas IOM
Madey Racing
Kawasaki
600 S
77
Stuart Haslam
Langley
Haslam Racing
Kawasaki
600 F
82
Lewis Osler
Wakefield
Osler Racing Team
Kawasaki
600 S
84
David Twyford
Chesham
D&B Racing
Yamaha
600 S
91
James Neesom
Bridlington
Neesom Racing
Kawasaki
600 F
92
Matt Johnston
Newbury
Newbury Motorcycles
Yamaha
600 F
94
Lee Williams
Liverpool
Hi-Tech / Robinsons
Suzuki
600 S
95
Dean Mulcahy
Winsford
Phoenix Race Team
Yamaha
600 S
99
Stephen Kaplan
Carterton
RAF MSA
Yamaha
600 S
106
Joe Barton
Wakefield
HB Motorcycles
Yamaha
600 S
154
Steve Heneghan
Hemel Hempsted
Reactive Parts.com
Kawasaki
600 F
ELITE BLEND
Modern Superstock 600 specification bikes are now so good that what was almost unthinkable 10 years ago is now true. In the right hands, a Superstock bike could set a lap time good enough for a front row start in British Supersport. Bearing in mind the ÂŁ25,000 price gap between the two bikes, that is an amazing testament to how closely the manufacturers are able to replicate what their race departments are learning from racing and putting it into their production lines. With lap times so close, it seems mildly pointless creating two different races and therefore splitting up the pool of talent, so we combine the two different machine specifications into one (very exciting) race. As mentioned elsewhere, these riders learn from each other and the challenge for the Superstock riders of chasing (& sometimes beating) a technically superior machine is extremely satisfying and very constructive from a riding skills perspective. Each class has its own stand alone championship both of which have always been very keenly contested. The overall Sportsman Elite championship combines both categories and is one of the most highly prized titles in British national racing. CLASS LAP RECORDS You might think that it was an insurmountable task to win the overall title on a humble Superstock Formula 600 = 1.13.763 bike, but Danny Murphy managed to do it in 2012 and we have such an array of talent this year Tom McHale that I can see it being possible again. The top F600 riders Daniel Frear, Richard McNeill, Paul Charman, Superstock 600 = 1.13.773 Matt Pearce and the fast emerging talent of Stephen Parsons, will have it as their mission to uphold the Danny Murphy Supersport honour. Whatever happens the action will be as frantic as only 600cc racing can be.
For all your motorcycle needs! | 01621 785202 | www.sparklightracing.co.uk Based in Burnham on Crouch, we offer Servicing, Valeting, Repairs as well as our store selling Leathers, Helmets, Spares and much, much more!
SPARKLIGHT RACING GOLDEN ERA SUPERBIKE & SUPERSPORT
No
Rider
Hometown
Team
Machine
cc
2
Sam Nicholson
Nottingham
Motorpoint Derby
Yamaha
600 SS
4
Dominic Clegg
South Milford
HB Motorcycles
Suzuki
750 SBK
6
Nick Williamson
Southampton
RBM Industrial
Honda
1000 SBK
7
Ben Grayson
Colchester
Team 70 Racing
Aprilia
1000 SBK
14
Brad Davey
Abingdon
Motovation Performance
Ducati
916 SBK
16
Craig Jeff
Barnsley
2Jr - Cross Lane Garage
Aprilia
1000 SBK
17
Lawrence Barry
Abridge
LMB Recycling
Yamaha
750 SBK
18
John Dieterman
Preston
Team Baxi Yamaha
Yamaha
750 SBK
20
Andy Challis
Peterborough
Team CT Racing
Aprilia
1000 SBK
21
Toby Johnson
Ashford
TMJ Racing
Honda
600 SS
22
Chris Norris
Stockport
CRN Racing
Aprilia
1000 SBK
24
Jamie Pearson
Derby
Meltedsliders
Suzuki
600 SS
26
Chris Martin
York
Mistral Racing
Kawasaki
750 SBK
30
Andrew Windsor
Chichester
AW Motorsport
Suzuki
750 SBK
32
Liam Martin
Whitehaven
Liam Martin Motorsport
Yamaha
600 SS
33
Jamie Hitter
Diss
Ted Hurst Racing
Kawasaki
750 SBK
35
Shane Pearson
Derby
Meltedsliders
Suzuki
750 SBK
36
Brett Ranson
Battlesbridge
Hydropool Racing
Aprilia
1000 SBK
40
Keith Smith
Doncaster
QC Engineering
Ducati
916 SBK
48
Richard Harrison
Cleasby
Harrison Bros Racing
Honda
600 SS
49
Andy Whale
Birmingham
Whale Racing
Yamaha
600 SS
56
Phil Cox
Maldon
AF Switchgear
Yamaha
600 SS
58
Andrew Goodsell
Hastings
Hastings Racing
Yamaha
600 SS
62
Jason Dixon
Lincoln
HPC Homes Ltd
Aprilia
1000 SBK
65
Oli Dupuy
Ware
PetersonSims Honda
Honda
1000 SBK
66
Paul Maxfield
Rotherham
Biker-Gill-2007
Suzuki
750 SBK
71
Duncan MacMillan
Gt Dunmow
Sparklight Racing
Suzuki
750 SBK
74
Andy Wintle
Malvern
Andy Wintle Racing
Yamaha
600 SS
76
Ian Morgan
Spondon
Meltedsliders
Suzuki
750 SBK
78
Daniel Beighton
Horsham
DB Racing
Kawasaki
750 SBK
98
Thomas Kiy
Wymondham
TK Racing
Kawasaki
750 SBK
Golden Era Superbike Points
1
Oliver Dupuy
145
2
Richard Steadman
121
3
Shane Pearson
107
4
Richard Blunt
104
5
Craig Jeff
91
6
Nick Williamson
79
7
Chris Norris
75
8
Andrew Windsor
54
9
Chris Martin
50
10
Jason Dixon
44
Golden Era Supersport Points 1
Andy Whale
141
2
Richard Harrison
120
3
Sam Nicholson
119
4
Jamie Pearson
87
5
Liam Martin
77
6
Mike Horberry
70
7
Andy Wintle
66
8
Ian Popplewell
56
9
Dave Curtis
41
10
Martyn Bloomfield
41
CLASS LAP RECORDS Superbike = 1.16.382 Lee Reveley Supersport = 1.19.029 Lee Longden
WHEN TRACTION CONTROL WAS ALL IN THE WRIST ACTION! Some of the most memorable race action came from a time before the electronics geeks interferred with the direct relationship between the twist grip and the throttle slides. Seeing Yasutomo Nagai, Scott Russell, Giancarlo Fallappa, Aaron Slight and Anthony Gobert not only backing it in on high speed sections, but also squirming out of corners whilst the chassis tied itself in knots may not have been as fast as modern Moto-GP bikes - but it looked a whole lot faster and infinitely more exciting. The Supersport riders of the time justifiably inspired the class forever more being tagged as “the mad Axe Murderers” category. Stephan Chambon and Thierry van den Bosch brought the loose riding style across from Supermotard racing and seemingly everyone else adopted the sideways into every corner approach to Supersport racing. Golden Era Superbikes and Golden Era Supersport is our version of this classic era of motorcycle racing, before 1000cc across the frame 4 cylinder bikes displaced the “real” Superbikes of the 750cc era. Just looking at these homologation specials on their paddock stands invokes memories of that era and when they fire up, the chatter of the flatslides just makes me grin - I can’t help it. These classes are not Pre-Injection or Pre-2000, they are tailored to the bikes that actually raced in that iconic era. The technical regulations allow all and any modifications that were used in period and ban anything that wasn’t around or allowed at the time. Tyres on the Superbikes are any make, any pattern, any type - including slicks. Rims are also free and even carbon wheels can be used. Tyres on the Supersport bikes must be “Road-Legal” treaded tyres mounted on rims made from non-exotic materials. Full racing wets may be used only when a “Wet Race” has been declared.
CHASE THE DREAM - FIND TH
HE DREAM - LIVE THE DREAM!
MEDIA CONTRIBUTORS
D.L.Jackson-Bike Insurer Racing Line Photography Colin Port Images Sunray-Images.co.uk AK Photography AJB Photographic Jacks Snaps Kent Bad Boyz Last Lap Television Ltd We extend our thanks to all of the above.
Richard Day (Syd) THUNDERSPORT MEDIA MOGUL
THE BIKE INSURER THUNDERSPORT GP1 (INCLUDING SUPERSTOCK 1000)
No
Rider
Hometown
Team
Machine
cc
1
Danny Murphy
Rochdale
MPR Racing
Kawasaki 1000 GP
3
Adrian Clarke
Inverness
Bob Henderson Racing
Honda
9
James Buchanan ©
Stratford u Avon
Loose Cannon Racing
Kawasaki 1000 S
10
Neil Bainbridge
Hutton Rudby
Hare Bulk Haulage
Kawasaki 1000 S
12
Michael Evans
Santon IOM
Monarch Joinery
Suzuki
600 GP
16
Carl Simpson ©
Cleveland
CS Racing
BMW
1000 S
27
Brian Fuidge ©
Poole
Royal Marines Motorsport
Honda
1000 S
29
John Fisher
Plymouth
Pendragon Racing
Kawasaki 1000 S
33
Michael Neeves
Peterborough
BMW Park Lane
BMW
1000 GP
34
Louis Dawson
Bridgnorth
Ducati Wolverhampton
Ducati
899 GP
36
Michael Pearson
Co Antrim
Northern Escalators
Kawasaki 1000 GP
47
Nathan Hutchinson ©
Middlesborough
Hutchinson Transport
Suzuki
50
James Boswell ©
Shenton
Spear Fabrics
Kawasaki 1000 GP
52
Martin Brand ©
Colchester
Brand Brothers Racing
Kawasaki 1000 S
54
Steve Heneghan
Hemel Hempsted
Reactive Parts.com
Kawasaki 1000 GP
60
Darren Cooper
Preston
Fluestox Racing
Kawasaki 1000 S
63
Michael Mace©
Loughborough
No Guts No Glory Racing
Kawasaki 1000 S
70
Andrew Fenton
Rotherham
AFC Racing
Kawasaki 1000 S
71
Philip Crowe
Market Rasen
Holbeach Tyres/Moto46
BMW
73
David Brook
Bradford
Team Arkoni Racing
Kawasaki 1000 S
1000 GP
1000 S
1000 GP
75
Dan Hill
Nantwich
DHR
Kawasaki 1000 S
95
Jordan Watling
Doncaster
JWR Racing
Suzuki
1000 S
96
Callum O'Shea
Port Soderick IOM Manx Racing
Honda
1000 S
100 Connor Tagg
Reading
Knight Road Race Team
Ducati
1198 S
111 Alex Heaton
Sowerby Bridge
AL Joinery/DPC Distribution
Kawasaki 1000 S
169 Sam Boyers ©
Leyland
Auto Smart Honda
Honda
1000 S
175 Dave Moffitt
Willaston IOM
JHS Racing
Suzuki
1000 GP
181 Neil Watson
Barnsley
British Army Race Team
Honda
1000 GP
224 Barry Teasdale
Prudhoe
Bob Henderson Racing
321 Chris Kingham
Farnborough
CK Racing
Thundersport GP1 Points 1
Alex Heaton
96
2
Phil Crowe
92
3
Rob McNealy
75
4
John Ingram
75
5
Danny Murphy
60
6
Barry Teasdale
59
7
Jon Waghorn
45
8
Dan Stewart
38
9
Carl Simpson
34
10
Connor Tagg
33
Superstock 1000 Points 1
Alex Heaton
120
2
Barry Teasdale
88
3
Rob McNealy
75
4
John Ingram
75
5
Jon Waghorn
66
6
Chris Barnes
58
7
Martin Brand
56
8
Carl Simpson
48
9
David Brook
37
10
Stephen Murphy
21
Pre-National Sport 1000 Points 1
Martin Brand
130
2
Sam Boyers
104
3
Carl Simpson
100
4
Michael Mace
69
5
Brian Fuidge
60
6
James Buchanan
53
7
33
Kawasaki 1000 S
Nathan Hutchinson
8
Robert Cadiz
26
Suzuki
9
Peter Hobday
20
10
James Boswell
9
CAREFUL WITH THAT AXE EUGENE!
1000 GP
These bad boys are the most sophisticated and powerful bits of kit in the paddock. When you start racing, everyone secretly wants one, but the first time you ride one in anger reminds you very forcefully that they can bite! It is a reminder of how fast technology has advanced in just a few years when you consider that all of the bikes on this grid have more advanced electronics than even the most sophisticated Grand Prix machines had before the 4-stroke Moto-GP era started. It’s even more amazing to consider that if a decent standard club rider were on one of these machines in any Grand Prix before around 1991, he would probably have won! That is a little factoid that both astounds and offends people like me that grew up with Wayne Rainey and Eddie Lawson as their racing heroes (because NOBODY could have smoked the tyres like they did - could they?). This race actually has 3 categories within one race - all riders contest the main Thundersport GP1 category and that can be won outright by a well ridden Superstock bike. The Superstock riders have their own stand alone championship - identified by an (s) in the rider listing above - and there is also a “Pre-National Sport 1000” category for riders who are yet to obtain their National Licence - identified by a (c) in the rider listing above. Apart from the tuning differences, the main elements affecting the lap time differences between the categories here are the tyres. GP1 entrants may use any tyre, slick or treaded and even 16.5 inch rims if desired. The Superstock riders are restricted to using “Road-Legal” treaded tyres on standard rims unless a “Wet Race” has been declared - in which case tyre choice is free. Don’t think that these “Road-Legal” tyres are like your ordinary comutter rubber though, they are most certainly not. All of the major brands now produce some very CLASS LAP RECORDS sticky tyres that comply with this regulation. Unlike BSB or WSB the Thundersport GP1 and Superstock Thundersport GP1 = 1.11.084 - John Ingram riders are not limited to a single tyre rule, Dunlop, Bridgestone, Continental, Pirelli, Metzeler and Michelin are Superstock 1000 = 1.11.728 - Alex Heaton all represented on this grid - and they all want to win!
A&R RACING - CONTINENTAL Pre-NATIONAL SPORT 600 No
Rider
Hometown
Team
Machine
cc
5
Kris Sanders
Wittering
British Army Race Team
Triumph
675 P
7
James May
Oxford
JM Racing
Yamaha
600 P
11
Stephen Parsons
Milnthorpe
Giraffe Racing
Triumph
675 P
12
Michael Evans
Santon IOM
Monarch Joinery
Suzuki
600 P
19
Charley Oakland
Immingham
DF Racing
Yamaha
600 P
22
Ben Ionoff
Coventry
Last is Fast Racing
Triumph
675 P
32
Marc Greenslade
Catterick
British Army Race Team
Yamaha
600 P
33
Adam Reavill
Grimsby
Team Autodesigns
Kawasaki
600 P
43
Chris Wilkinson
Doncaster
Wilko Racing
Yamaha
600 P
45
Steve MacMillan
Poole
Royal Navy Motorsport
Suzuki
600 P
50
Darren Ibbertson
Rotherham
DI Racing
Kawasaki
600 P
55
Tom Hallam
Uttoxeter
Stevefostercranes.co.uk
Honda
600 P
57
Matt Truelove
Lincoln
Team Truelove
Suzuki
600 P
59
Liam Hellewell
Bramley
Churchill Lightning
Kawasaki
600 P
64
Lee Matthew
Westbourne
Royal Navy Motorsport
Suzuki
600 P
67
George Pycroft
Measham
Pallett Bros Triumph
Triumph
675 P
71
Paul Rogers
Boston
Dodgespeed Racing
Kawasaki
600 P
74
Lee Brockhurst
Ashford
LB Racing
Yamaha
600 P
75
Jonathan Young
Worksop
Young Racing
Honda
600 P
76
Martin Plunkett
Sutton Coldfield
Reindeer Racing
Yamaha
600 P
79
Nick Barnes
Peterborough
Park Electric
Yamaha
600 P
80
Acea Webb
Spalding
Wizard Racing
Suzuki
600 P
81
Stevie Elliott
Exeter
Royal Navy Motorsport
Triumph
675 P
83
Ben Shuttlewood
Leicester
BK Racing
Kawasaki
600 P
88
Michael Golden
Ringwood
Martin & Company CA
Kawasaki
600 P
89
Daz Odlin
Louth
Rat Out Racing
Yamaha
600 P
92
Matt Johnston
Newbury
Newbury Motorcycles
Yamaha
600 P
95
Dean Mulcahy
Winsford
Phoenix Race Team
Yamaha
600 P
96
Steve Taylor
Poole
Royal Navy Motorsport
Yamaha
600 P
113 Nigel Pitt
Bury
Pittys Custon Vinyls
Triumph
675 P
126 Dean Young
Romsey
2 Wheels Warehouse
Yamaha
600 P
128 Jon Hunt
Ashford
Royal Navy Motorsport
Triumph
675 P
131 Greg Scanlan
Reading
Scanlan Joinery
Yamaha
600 P
157 Charlie Morris
Potters Bar
CM Racing
Suzuki
600 P
175 Ozzy Madey
Douglas IOM
Madey Racing
Kawasaki
600 P
Pre-National Sport 600 Points 1
Adam Reavill
2
Stephen Parsons
143
3
Dean Mulcahy
110
4
Darren Ibbertson
83
5
Matt Truelove
78
6
Kris Sanders
77
7
Paul Rogers
75
8
George Pycroft
61
9
Wayne Crossman
55
10
Jake Poole
53
149
INTO THE FIRE The world of motorcycle racing can be an intimidating place for newcomers. If you want to start on a 600cc machine, you’ll quickly discover that everyone else on the grid is a budding Axe-Murderer in the making. In order to ease the transition into this fiercely competitive category, we created the “Pre-National Sport 600” class for riders who have yet to gain a National Licence. This grid is made up of a mix of pure novices and riders who are generally in their second season of racing. It tends to work slightly better than a pure “Novice” or “Rookie” grid because the new riders have some slightly more experienced riders around them that they can learn from - rather than the fastest newcomer being left to his own devices. This is hugely beneficial when it comes to things like lapping slower riders, or dealing with temporary course changes such as lack of adhesion flags being utilised on parts of the track. Of course those things can be learnt by trial and error, but having someone who has done it before just ahead of you takes the guesswork out of it. The bikes themselves are a mixture of Formula and Superstock specification machines, but at this learning stage of the process those differences are immaterial. As the season progresses some of these riders will become very polished and take part in the Sportsman Elite races as well in order to measure their progress. As with all 600cc production based formulae, the Pre-National Sport 600 class races on “Road-Legal” treaded tyres unless a “Wet Race” is declared, in which case tyre choice is free. There are no restrictions on the brand of tyre used and all major manufacturers are represented.
CLASS LAP RECORD 1.15.970 Paul Westerdale
Tested and approved by Valentino
Developed in association with nine time World Champion, Valentino Rossi, the Battlax S20 mixes performance with longevity like no other sports bike tyre.
Bringing MotoGP technology to the road and featuring Bridgestone’s proven triple layer compound technology, the Battlax S20 gives you unrivalled performance - wet or dry, straight or twisty. To experience Valentino’s development on your bike, visit your local Bridgestone Bikers Club dealer.
www.bridgestone.co.uk
Bridgestone UK Ltd
RACE SUPPORT AT EVENTS BY OFFICIAL ÖHLINS CENTRE P&H MOTORCYCLES
PRODUCT OFFER • Set up of Öhlins kits and original fitment suspension by P&H Motorcycles technicians • 0% finance of new Öhlins products Cash Price: 1328.28 • Deposit 10%: 132.83 Amount of Credit: 1195.45 • 9 Payments of: 132.83 Total Payable: 1328.28 • APR representative: 0%
Contact P&H Motorcycles for further details. PHMOTORCYCLES.CO.UK P&H MOTORCYCLES LTD • 61-63 Gatwick Road, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 9RD • 01293 413300 • info@phmotorcycles.co.uk
BRIDGESTONE SUPERTWINS & ALTO-DIGITAL MINITWINS
Bridgestone Supertwins Points
No
Rider
Hometown
Team
Machine
cc
4
Tim Neave
Market Rasen
PCR / WK Bikes
CF Moto
650 M
1
Daniel Frear
145
Sam Wilford
113
5
George Stanley
Stapleton
BWSR
Aprilia
450
2
8
Lewis Rollo
Gifford
IN Competition
Aprilia
450
3
Alex Baker
110
11
James Folkard
Liverpool
IN Competition
Aprilia
550
4
Johann Mace
86
15
Harry Truelove
Lincoln
Team Truelove
Suzuki
650 M
5
George Stanley
73
19
Neil Schofield
Barnsley
Schofield Racing
Suzuki
650 M
6
Tom Neave
70
James Folkard
70
22
Alex Baker
Ormskirk
BBR Roofing
Aprilia
450
7
24
Matthew Shillings
Howden
Matt Shillings Racing
Aprilia
450
8
Lewis Rollo
69
26
Daniel Taylor
Kirton Lindsey
DT Racing
Suzuki
650 M
9
Bradley Perie
66
31
Brad Vicars
Tadcaster
AJB Racing
Suzuki
650
10
Matt Shillings
62
35
Sam Wilford
Meopham
IDWE
Aprilia
450
38
Dan Harrison
Driffield
JHS Racing
Suzuki
650
44
Lee Wainwright
Newark
BCL Racing
Suzuki
650 M
52
Ryan Kinning
Grantham
Team Racetek
Kawasaki 650
59
Matthew Truelove
Lincoln
Team Truelove
Kawasaki 650 M
68
Tom Neave
Lincoln
DTM
Kawasaki 650
70
Michael McKenzie
Prenton
McKenzie Racing
Suzuki
650 M
74
Talan Skeels-Piggins
Ashstead
Talan Racing
Suzuki
650 M
75
James Pople
Bristol
Burnt Tree Vehicle Rental
Aprilia
450
77
Ryan McAdam
Aberdeen
IN Competition
Aprilia
450
78
Giles Day
Balderine IOM
Blackstone Racing
Suzuki
650 M
85
Johann Mace
Vendee-France JHS Racing
Suzuki
650
91
Dave Butler
Dublin ROI
Quinn Agri Services
Kawasaki 650
93
William Holland
Bristol
JHS Racing
Suzuki
650 M
96
Conor Wheeler
Hatfield
Pitlane Racing Team
Aprilia
450
97
Bradley Perie
Kendal
Bradley Perie Racing
Kawasaki 650
99
Lee Winters
Windsor
Winters Racing
Suzuki
650 M
111 Sam Smith
Steyning
JHS Racing
Suzuki
650 M
119 Aaron Clifford
Co Meath
Clifford Racing
Aprilia
450
191 James Neesom
Bridlington
Neesom Racing
Kawasaki 650
Alto-Digital Minitwins Points 1
Sam Smith
177
2
Daniel Taylor
133
3
Matt Truelove
114
4
Tim Neave
109
5
Lee Wainwright
104
6
Jason Markham
80
7
Harry Truelove
65
8
William Holland
53
9
Rob Garland
38
10
Giles Day
38
WHAT’S SUPER ABOUT SUPERTWINS? Ever since the demise of the 250GP class (or the Supersport 400 before that), major promoted meetings have been missing a credible middleweight category. Superbikes and Superstocks make for great racing, but the bikes all look and sound so similar that the crucial element of variety has been lacking. Thundersport GB started out with what is now our Supertwin class back in 2009 (it was called GP2 back then) and it has since appeared in Irish Road Races, the North-West 200 and more recently the TT Races. These light and manouverable 650cc twin cylinder 4-strokes can be built for around half the cost of a 600cc Superstock machine and open up a route for the home tuner to get re-involved in the modern racing scene. It won’t be long before Supertwins are added to the British Superbike package and once there it will fill in yet another rung on every budding young racers ladder to success. Whereas the Supertwin category has no tuning restrictions, we also compliment that with our more cost concious Minitwin Championship. The Minitwin idea was originally thought up by two intelligent club racers (Mike Edwards & Tim Jones) and I was fortunate enough to be able to help them make their idea into reality. Cost control is the number one aim of Minitwins and the rules are so tight that you can effectively say that these are as close as you can get to standard road bikes with a go faster exhaust and race suspension. Both classes create great racing and you will see that a well ridden Minitwin can even get into the top 10 of the overall race result. Supertwin or Minitwin - both have that V-twin rumble and both offer superb competition on a budget that a normal working man can afford. Crack on!
CLASS LAP RECORDS Supertwins 1.18.834 Dan Frear Minitwins 1.19.423 Dan Harrison
Streetfighter Championships British Inter Services Points 1
Kris Sanders (British Army)
160
2
Paul Cunvin (RAF)
142
3
Neil Watson (Army)
136
4
Mick Riddle (RAF)
119
5
Jason Markham (British Army)
113
6
Stevie Elliott (Royal Navy)
90
7
Simon Critchlow (RAF)
71
8
Marc Greenslade (British Army)
55
9
Andrew Castle (RAF)
51
10
Jon Hunt (Royal Navy)
48
Via Casotta 20
20062 CASSANO D'ADDA MI
Tel. +39 0363.61304
Fax +39 0363.65255
www.gimoto.com
This design is the intellectual property of gimoto snc design patents pending any reproduction without permission will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
British Military Inter Services Points 1
British Army Race Team
613
2
RAF Motorsports Association
455
3
Royal Navy/Royal Marines Motorsport
308
IOM RACE PRODUCTS STREETFIGHTERS & LMB F400 No
Rider
Hometown
Team
Machine
cc
Streetfighter Xtreme Points
1
Keith Warren
West Drayton
MX Bikes
Aprilia
550 C
1
2
Andrew Plaskitt
Louth
Louth Scoot & M/cycle
Suzuki
750 A
2
Paul Cunvin
162
3
Jon Mead
Wickford
Sparklight Racing
KTM
690 C
3
Mick Riddle
110
Dave Palfreman
100
Ryan Strafford
171
6
Enda Ryan
Castle Donington
Sparklight Racing
KTM
690 C
4
7
Duncan MacMillan
Gt Dunmow
Jim Aim Racing
KTM
690 C
5
Adam Palfreman
77
10
Joe Sheldon-Shaw Sheffield
LSR Racing / KLM
Kawasaki
400
6
Martin Stanier
75
12
Nathan Sakeld
Tidworth
British Army Race Team Kawasaki
400
7
Michael Neillans
68
18
Paul Cunvin
Kings Lynn
RAF MSA
Honda
600 B
8
Keith Warren
48
32
Adam Palfreman
Letchworth
Rothwell Racing
Suzuki
650 B
9
Phil Page
45
45
Andrew Castle
Wallingford
RAF MSA
Honda
600 B
10
Kevin Howdle
44
49
Kevin Howdle
Rawnsley
Alpha Hair Design
Suzuki
1000 A
50
Lewis Barnes
Swindon
LB Racing
Kawasaki
400
1
Ryan Strafford
185
51
Leigh Hutchinson
Beverley
SRT (Southcave)
Triumph
675 B
2
Paul Cunvin
175
57
Ryan Strafford
Mirfield
Access Drilling
Triumph
675 B
3
Mick Riddle
116
64
Bob Docker
Hove
D&B Racing
Suzuki
1000 A
4
Dave Palfreman
109
Adam Palfreman
85
Streetfighter B Points
72
Dave Palfreman
Hereford
British Army Race Team Triumph
675 B
5
79
Stephen Petrie
Thetford
SP Racing
Honda
600 B
6
Michael Neillans
78
80
Michael Neillans
Biddulph
Ghekko Ltd
Honda
600 B
7
Andrew Castle
66
8
Leigh Hutchinson
36
9
Rob Garland
29
88
Andrew Driver
Bromley
Skorpion
MZ
690 C
94
Phil Page
Stotfold
Chicken Shack
Honda
900 A
98
Rob Pragnell
Portsmouth
Willow Construction
Kawasaki
400
110
David Blakey
Peterborough
DB Racing
Honda
500 C
1
121
Martin Stanier
Stoke on Trent
MS Racing
Suzuki
750 A
2
Duncan McMillan
145
123
Andrew Pugh
Bury St Edmunds
AP Racing
Honda
600 B
3
Adrian Bridges
104
4
Andy Driver
100
5
Jon Mead
74
6
David Blakey
54
7
Josh Kent
34
8
Ben Miller
33
9
Joe Miller
33
10
David Jeff
28
Streetfighter C Points Keith Warren
175
Premier Motorcycle Protection
Formula 400 Points
DARE TO BE DIFFERENT
The naked bike market is now the largest sector of the market for road-going machinery. This has largely by-passed the racing sector though because we have all been seemingly obsessed with race replicas. This class breaks that mould. Streetfighters come in three different classes - A - B and C to cater for the different performance levels of the diverse machines available. Rather than being separated simply by cubic capacity, they are divided into sub-75bhp, sub100bhp and sub-150bhp power outputs. Tyres are unrestricted, as are non-standard modifications, which opens the class up to some interesting engineering ideas. The #57 bike of Ryan Strafford is one such example, being a KTM/Triumph hybrid with a destinctive custom look. As long as the bike is unfaired with a maximum size of 330mm x 480mm for a nosecone (if fitted) and sporting handlebars mounted above the top yoke - it’s pretty much good to go. This makes a wide range of bikes that may originally have been fully faired sportsbikes, ideal donor bikes if they have been written off due to the exhorbitant cost of any damaged bodywork - which is the most common cause of insurance write offs for bikes over 3 years old. The class is also a logical progression for those riders graduating from the Thundersport 500 Seniors class, as the bikes are of a similar riding position and nature. The final element of this grid is the Formula 400 class, an updated version of the once mighty Supersport 400 class. These bikes may be 25 years old, but they still evoke memories of their big brothers - the Superbikes of the ‘80s & ‘90s.
1
Lewis Barnes
176
2
Joe Sheldon-Shaw
151
3
Rob Pragnell
119
4
Richie Connole
62
5
Chris Burrage
45
6
Nathan Sakeld
35
7
Stuart Gill
13
CLASS LAP RECORDS Streetfighter A Reece Rothwell - 1.15.475 Streetfighter B Ian Popplewell - 1.18.971 Streetfighter C Andy Scanlon - 1.25.062 Formula 400 = Josh Daley - 1.17.765
BRAKES HORSE POWER.
HEL Performance stainless steel braided brake lines are proven to generate more of that essential stopping power giving you that complete inner reassurance no matter what, where or how you ride. Experience borne out of supporting production based race series gives all HEL products increased feel and control over O.E systems, all of which are backed up with a lifetime warranty for total peace of mind. In pure performance (and value) terms, moving to HEL is quite simply the smartest way possible to upgrade and enhance every ride experience.
Don’t stop for anything less.
HEL PERFORMANCE STAINLESS STEEL BRAIDED BRAKE LINES
WHAT’S STOPPING YOU? WWW.HELPERFORMANCE.COM
HEL Performance Products | Lower Trelake Business Park | Tedburn Road | Whitestone | Exeter | Devon | EX4 2HF | Tel: 01392 811601
Hel Thundersport A5 advert April 12.indd 1
11/04/2012 10:26
IN COMPETITION APRILIA RRV450GP & THUNDERSPORT GP3
Aprilia RRV450GP Points
No
Rider
Hometown
Team
Machine cc
2
Zak Corderoy
Blewbury
Aprilia Championship
Aprilia
450
George Stanley
Stapleton
BWSR
1
5
Aprilia
450
7
William Caines
West Wickham
NC Racing
Aprilia
450
8
Lewis Rollo
Gifford
IN Competition
Aprilia
Will Hodgson
175
2
Ben Luxton
165
3
Alex Baker
127
450
4
Sam Wilford
99
9
Ben Luxton
Stockport
JDF Racing
Aprilia
450
5
Lewis Rollo
92
14
Will Hodgson
Wigan
Ron Hodgson Cars
Aprilia
450
6
Louis Dawson
91
19
Aaron Clifford
Co Meath
Clifford Racing
Aprilia
450
7
George Stanley
73
22
Alex Baker
Ormskirk
BBR Roofing
Aprilia
450
8
Dean Court
61
24
Matthew Shillings
Howden
Matt Shillings Racing
Aprilia
450
9
Rhys Hutchinson
50
34
Louis Dawson
Bridgnorth
Ducati Wolverhampton
Aprilia
450
10
Matt Shillings
42
35
Sam Wilford
Meopham
IDWE
Aprilia
450
36
Dean Court
Burscough
Pipe Werx Bikes
Aprilia
450
43
Alex Platt
Lincoln
Stamp End Garage
Aprilia
450
48
Rhys Hutchinson
Middlesborough
Hutchinson Transport
Aprilia
450
55
Ross Simpson
Chessington
Simpson Racing
Aprilia
450
57
Oliver Fitzpatrick
Wallington
Fitzpatrick Racing
Aprilia
450
58
Cameron Lee
Coalville
IN Competition
Aprilia
450
75
James Pople
Bristol
Burnt Tree Vehicle Rental Aprilia
450
77
Ryan McAdam
Aberdeen
IN Competition
Aprilia
450
93
Matty Rangeley
Hull
P&D Financial Hull
Aprilia
450
96
Conor Wheeler
Hatfield
Pitlane Racing Team
Aprilia
450
Cirencester
KJD Racing
Aprilia
450
101 Kurtis Drew
Thundersport GP3 Points 1
Charlie Nesbitt
100
2
Sam Llewellyn
95
3
Anthony Alonso
60
4
Ryan Saxelby
25
CLASS LAP RECORD
Aprilia RRV450GP = 1.19.115
DON’T BRING A KNIFE TO A GUNFIGHT! Not unless it’s as sharp as a razor - and these RRV450s are exactly that. Ask any of the Supertwins frontrunners and they’ll tell you that if you leave a gap even as small as a front tyre going into any corner, you’ll find a whole Aprilia RRV shoved into it well before the apex of the turn! When Aprilia created the SXV450 with its advanced composite frame and super-stiff swingarm, they couldn’t possibly have known that they were inadvertantly producing the basis for one of the very best middleweight sportsbikes in the world. It is often the case that when a bike of this kind is created with the sole purpose of winning races, it ends up being a little uncomfortable on the eye (that’s polite language for “pig-ugly”). Nothing could be further from the truth with Ian Newtons creation, the bikes are truly stunning to look at and they perform even better than they look. The bike was created to give our burgeoning talent pool of Superteens a place to learn how to ride a 4-stroke motorcycle that also demands high corner speed and accurate throttle control. The lessons they learn are then directly transferrable into the 600cc and 1000cc categories. The proof of how well this works is evident in the progression of many ex-RRV riders into the higher levels of the sport. In the past three seasons that “Where the hell did he learn to ride like that?” phrase has been used to describe James Folkard, Jake Dixon and Callan Cooper who all stood on the podiums in their first ever appearances at BSB after graduating from the “Aprilia Acadamy of Excellence”. Take your place at your favourite spot to watch these encounters and you’ll be amazed and entertained in equal measure. Running on the superb Bridgestone R10 Supersport tyres and producing just 62bhp, the RRVs will be fast - very fast! You can’t buy one for the road, you can’t buy one for track days, you can only buy one to race here - you can have one in any colour you like - as long as it’s black!
COST CONTROL ................. vs
.....................CONTROL COSTS
In the modern economic climate, one subject that keeps cropping up is the cost of racing and how, if at all, it can be controlled. One of the things that is almost universally seen as key is the lower costs associated with control tyre classes, one make series and in the real standard/untuned categories. Superstock racing was once thought to be “stock racing” but a top line Superstock 600 machine now costs around £18-£19,000 to build from scratch – so where did the cost control ethos go? Strangely enough as we are at Snetterton, the mecca of outright speed this weekend, I thought I’d take a look at the speed differences between the tuned Supersport bikes and the Superstock bikes to see what you actually get for the extra £10,000 - £15,000 you pay for a true Supersport bike. I used last years BSB data and I must confess I was a bit surprised as the fastest Supersport bike in qualifying went through the speed trap at 159mph, whereas the fastest Superstock bike was less than 2mph down at 157.4mph. Which means in that instance that you’re paying £9,200 for every extra 1mph,……… Stunning! Just look at the Van Insurer 600 Sportsman Elite class to see how evenly matched the Superstock and Formula classes really are in the real world. Tyres are the other major cost and if either the wear rates or the prices of these items don’t come down soon I can see it killing off modern sportsbike racing. The difference in costs between the absolute best products and the merely competent ones are similarly small to that found in the speed data above, but if you want to win, you can’t give away that tiny edge to all the other competitors. You are therefore caught in a vicious circle of paying top dollar in order to be competitive, or being consigned to making up the numbers. Control tyre deals are rarely universally popular, but when structured correctly they can be the absolute making of a championship. As long as the product is suitable and safe, does it really matter if the ultimate lap time achievable on them is slightly slower? If everyone’s on the same product and everyone is benefitting from lower costs, how can that be a bad thing? With the global economy being driven by Chinese and Indian factories, many well known brands of car tyre are actually now produced there before being shipped to Europe for point of sale. Why then are these goods still priced at the same levels as the products manufactured in European
factories? Because we still have to produce our goods to the same high production standards as in all of our other plants worldwide. (Is the usual answer) So, they’re definitely not inferior then? – “Oh no, not at all”. That still begs the question of why a Goodyear, Pirelli, Dunlop or Uniroyal tyre produced in India, South Africa or Brazil still costs the same as one of the same tyres produced in Germany or the UK. The labour costs alone in those countries are less than 30% of what they are here in Europe, so who is pocketing the difference? I could ask the same question regarding motorcycle products and I’d get the same answers. So if the products are just as good, why isn’t there more interest in moving towards a cheaper controlled product and bringing the pressure of Buyer Power to bear on the manufacturers? Reasons given are many and varied, but the one thing they all share is an almost complete lack of understanding of the underlying issues. With British and World Championship production based road racing being a Pirelli/Metzeler closed shop, a lot of riders seem to think they must use those products in order to ‘get used’ to their handling characteristics so that they aren’t at a disadvantage when they move up. If that is true, are all of the Supersport and Superbike riders worldwide wasting their time riding on those same control products? After all, when they move onto Moto2 or MotoGP they will then have to adapt to the Bridgestone or Dunlop rubber? I truly believe it’s just a marketing ploy and not relevant in real terms, otherwise you wouldn’t have riders like Ben Spies who won on Dunlop in AMA Superbike, then Pirelli in World Superbike and then Bridgestone in Moto GP. The best riders take very little time to dial into a new products characteristics. Bens recent interview with Superbike Planet is well worth reading in this respect. None of the ex-Aprilia Superteens seem to struggle moving from Dunlop control tyres in that series to the Bridgestone units in the Aprilia RRV450 challenge, or when they eventually move into the British Championship class-
es on Pirelli or Metzeler products. Back in 2011 World Championship Supermoto took the brave step of opting for an almost unknown, far eastern produced tyre as the control item and it seems to have saved that section of the sport from almost certain extinction. Once everyone had stopped laughing at the name “Golden Tyre” they quickly realised that it actually made the racing better, as the tyres set a new level that they had to ride to. Formula One actually instructed their control tyre supplier to engineer a tyre that wore out fast and lost grip exponentially in order to improve the spectacle of the racing itself. As long as a product is safe and can be constructed to a fixed level of performance, does it really matter if
you’re doing 46 second laps of Brands Hatch or 48 seconds? As long as the other 37 bikes on the grid are all affected by the same margin, it will just make the race last a few seconds longer. So, will we soon see an unknown brand adopted in UK road racing as a control unit for the first time? If and when that happens, will it induce a downward pressure on the cost of the tyres from the established suppliers? Seldom in the history of the sport has such a pressure been needed more than it is today – I look forward to the advent of “The Tyre of Eternal Happiness” – which is a real brand by the way.
Run a Lap of the beautiful Oulton Park circuit with Thundersport GB In Support of Nick Matthews and the DLR Air Ambulance
frolm on y
N O I S N E P S SU T R O P SUP
£35
come and see the
professionals
Last year in a life changing accident Nick broke his back in three places, now on his feet he is raising money for the Air Ambulance and will be running the lap - hopefully right at the sharp end. Run to win or run for fun as long as you join in that’s all we ask for, all will receive a commemorative medal as well as a few spot prizes on the day. Book to run a lap with a donation towards the Air Ambulance (minimum £5.00) Friday 20th June after official testing all welcome, competitors, teams, wives and children. (child size bikes allowed)
HELP US TODAY, YOU MAY NEED US TOMORROW The Air Ambulance receives no Government or Lottery funding, PLEASE Pre-Book by making your pledge to thundersportgb@gmail.com No money is required on booking as all donations will be collected on 20th June at Oulton Park.
BOOK TO RUN WITH A DONATION OF £10 BEFORE 5th May to be entered in our prize draw for a course with..
WERE THEY ONCE HEROES? ..............maybe, maybe not, but they are now!! When you first arrive at a Thundersport GB meeting, chances are the first people you will meet are our dedicated Technical Team, lead by Stuart & Sarah Smart. They are our equivalent of the Hotel Receptionists and it is very important to us that you feel welcome, because first impressions last. The ethos of the whole technical team is governed by how The Boss approaches his work and I hope (no, I know) that our whole team are all there with just one single aim - to HELP YOU to go racing as SAFELY as possible. BUT, have you ever thought about how any of our volunteers came to be involved in their current roles? Babies aren’t born wearing Technical Inspector overalls any more than they are born wearing Orange overalls. So where do they come from and how did they ever get involved? Over the next few programmes I thought it might be useful to introduce you to a few of the team and tell you just why they understand exactly how you feel when you come racing. Now I’m not going to tell you that Stuart was ever going to be the next Barry Sheene as, in case you hadn’t noticed, Stuey isn’t exactly the ideal aerodynamic design for speed. I’m not implying that he was slow, but we never used to worry about the size of his race numbers because we easily had time to read his engine number each time he crossed the line! The old joke used to be “What’s 40 bikes long with a pink blob at the end?” - answer:“The Powerbike grid with Stuey at the back!” That never mattered though, because he always came back in with a huge grin on his face and was always the first in line to help another competitor if they encountered problems. He was (and is) a shining example of a true sportsman and that attitude is carried over into his job in the Technical Bay. He will never say “No” if there is a way to say “Yes” without endangering anyone. In Stuarts Technical Bay nobody “fails” unless there is absolutely no way of rectifying the problem. He somehow manages to balance that easy going attitude with an absolutely rigorous approach to the Post-Race controls designed to pick up on anyone seeking an unfair advantage by non-observance of the class technical specifications. We should all be extremely grateful that he wasn’t an ace racer, because in that quirk of fate we gained an absolute gem of an official. His race experience though, does mean that he understands EXACTLY how you feel when you’ve been out there! (In total fairness, he did also once win a race - but that kind of spoils the story) We all call him “Matty” or sometimes less polite things, but his real name is Paul Matthews. He used to be sidecar passenger to my great friend Tony Chilcott who was tragically killed at Thruxton in 2000. Sidecar drivers will always tell you that their passengers are just a sack of spuds, there simply to comply with the regulations, but everyone knows (especially the drivers) that a good passenger is essential in any team. Ex-sidecar competitors can make excellent officials because they are already used to the concept of the team being more important than the individual. Since he came over to the officials side of the fence, Matty has diligently learned every job in our extensive portfolio and I think the only thing he hasn’t actually tried his hand at is commentary. Matty & I have organised pretty much every kind of event together including a couple of Moto GP meetings, several World Superbikes, a couple of Supermoto Grand Prix, a World Championship SuperEnduro indoors and even a Moped Mayhem or two. No matter the size or status of the event, Matty always brings the highest level of professionalism to his role and it doesn’t matter to him if you’re Valentino Rossi or the newest, raw novice in the land - your safety and enjoyment is all he cares about. The highest accolade I could give him is that if I were ever to go back to racing a bike and therefore be unable to be in Race Control myself, I would want him to be running the event, because he is the safest pair of hands in the business.
COME & JOIN US!
The Thundersport GB marshals, technical staff and other officials travel around the country following the best championship in the land. Each one of them is a vital part of the team that makes the running of our events possible. The sense of achievement at the end of a busy weekend is on a par with that experienced by even the most ardent adrenaline-junky rider. If you’d like to find out more about becoming part of the team, just contact our Chief Marshal - Nick Coe (nickcoe@msn.com) our Chief Technical Officer - Stuart Smart (s.smart1965@btinternet.com) or by using the link on the Marshals & Officials page of www.thundersportgb.com or leave your details in the Paddock Office and we will contact you. You won’t regret it and it could change your life.
THUNDERSPORT GB MARSHALS
The thought of missing out on racing my RRV450GP this weekend....... Now that IS scary!
www.thundersportgb.com Who Dares Wins!
Premier Motorcycle Protection
THUNDERSPORT GB 2014 DATES
The Very Best Racing Events, at the Very Best Circuits, with the Very Best People. DAY
DATE
LOCATION
EVENT
SUNDAY
23RD FEBRUARY
DONINGTON PARK
ACU-CTC COURSE / TEST DAY
FRIDAY
7TH MARCH
BRANDS HATCH INDY
TESTING
SATURDAY
8TH MARCH
BRANDS HATCH INDY
INVICTA CHALLENGE
SUNDAY
9TH MARCH
BRANDS HATCH INDY
INVICTA CHALLENGE
SATURDAY
12TH APRIL
DONINGTON PARK GP
ROBERT FEARNALL TROPHY
SUNDAY
13TH APRIL
DONINGTON PARK GP
ROBERT FEARNALL TROPHY
SATURDAY
3RD MAY
SNETTERTON 200
TESTING
SUNDAY
4TH MAY
SNETTERTON 200
ACE OF CLUBS
MONDAY
5TH MAY
SNETTERTON 200
ACE OF CLUBS
SATURDAY
24TH MAY
CADWELL PARK
TESTING
SUNDAY
25TH MAY
CADWELL PARK
KING OF THE MOUNTAIN
MONDAY
26TH MAY
CADWELL PARK
KING OF THE MOUNTAIN
FRIDAY
20TH JUNE
OULTON PARK
TESTING/QUALIFYING
SATURDAY
21ST JUNE
OULTON PARK
INC. ADAM BOYLE TROPHY
FRIDAY
25TH JULY
ROCKINGHAM INTERNATIONAL
TESTING
SATURDAY
26TH JULY
ROCKINGHAM INTERNATIONAL
THUNDER AT THE ROCK
SUNDAY
27TH JULY
ROCKINGHAM INTERNATIONAL
THUNDER AT THE ROCK
SATURDAY
23RD AUGUST
ANGLESEY COASTAL
TESTING
SUNDAY
24TH AUGUST
ANGLESEY COASTAL
MOTO SUPER-PRIX OF WALES
MONDAY
25TH AUGUST
ANGLESEY COASTAL
MOTO SUPER-PRIX OF WALES
SATURDAY
27TH SEPTEMBER
DONINGTON PARK
DUKE OF DONINGTON
SUNDAY
28TH SEPTEMBER
DONINGTON PARK
DUKE OF DONINGTON
FRIDAY
17TH OCTOBER
MALLORY PARK
TESTING
SATURDAY
18TH OCTOBER
MALLORY PARK
CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS
SUNDAY
19TH OCTOBER
MALLORY PARK
CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS
All above rounds count towards the Thundersport GB Championship and Thundersport GB Cup for all classes. www.thundersportgb.com 01509 678888 www.apriliachallenge.net Dave Stewart - 07738 355186 jamiestewart9@googlemail.com Bernadette Stewart - 07711 721638 stewartbernadette9@googlemail.com Media/Sponsorship Enquiries – Richard Day (Syd) – 07836 589666 / thundersportsyd@gmail.com