SMT Honda sign Aussie Supersport start

SMT Honda have announced that reigning Australian Supersport Champion Jason O'Halloran will be joining them for the final rounds of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, with both Adam Jenkinson and Tom Grant sidelined due to injury.

Team owner Robin Croft said: "When it became clear that neither Adam nor Tom would be fit to participate in the final three rounds we began to look at our options and I'm delighted to be able to secure the services of Jason. His track record speaks for itself and it's clear he's an immensely talented rider so we're eagerly looking forward to his arrival."

"He's keen to further his career on the International stage and whilst he's obviously got three new circuits to learn, he's got plenty of experience on the Honda Fireblade and has been putting in some great rides in the Australian Superbike Championship this season. It will be a new experience for him but we're confident that we can give him the package to shine."

O'Halloran began racing in 2002 and finished runner-up in the 125cc Australian Championship a year later. He soon progressed in to the Australian Supersport Championship and after finishing seventh and third in 2005 and 2006; he dominated the 2007 series, taking seven race wins and three lap records. He also deputised for injured countryman Kevin Curtain in the Yamaha World Supersport Team, finishing a highly creditable 12th at the Czech Republic round at Brno.

This season O'Halloran made his debut in the Australian Superbike Championship and in his first season has already set a new lap record at Phillip Island and is currently lying in fifth in the standings, with two rounds still remaining.

He has already been out on track with some of the BSB riders when he competed in the Suzuka 8-Hour race on the Moriwaki-backed machine alongside Cal Crutchlow and Tetsuya Yamaguchi.

O'Halloran will be competing in the sixth round of the Australian Superbike Championship this weekend, before heading to the UK in time for the Croft.

Laverty frustrated with Cadwell Park results

Michael Laverty has admitted that he was frustrated by his results at Cadwell Park on Monday, after having problems finding the right setting on the Relentless Suzuki.

Laverty consolidated his Championship position with two top ten results, maintaining ninth place in the series, but is now only two points behind Simon Andrew with six races remaining.

Laverty said: "I struggled with my set up this weekend and was very frustrated with the results. In saying that, we did set a goal of top ten at the start of the year but I know we are much better than that. Cadwell is a difficult circuit to find the perfect set-up at, although I do think I under-achieved this weekend, so I'm now looking forward to riding at Croft in two weeks time."

Laverty relentless in hunt for podium finish

Michael Laverty is seeking his first podium finish of the season next weekend when the Bennetts British Superbike Championship reaches Cadwell Park for the August Bank Holiday Monday extravaganza.

Laverty's results this year have not reflected his efforts on track and those behind the scenes of the Relentless Suzuki by TAS squad, with his best result being two fourth places at Oulton Park and Brands Hatch. At the previous round at Knockhill, Laverty had been consistently strong throughout free practice and qualifying but when it came to the races he had to settle for sixth. As the championship reaches round nine though, Laverty is ready to step on to the podium.

Laverty told the BSB website: "I am looking forward to Cadwell Park as it is a good circuit but it is difficult to get the right setup and it is physical. You need to be in good shape to ride well there as it is demanding on the body and mind. I enjoy riding it and there have been improvements to make it safer now. There is always a good crowd that turn up and they can get close to the track so it has a great atmosphere."

"The setup is difficult because it feels almost like two different circuits; you have the tight, twisty woodland section then the wide, sweeping back part of the track so it is a real challenge there. The weather will affect the bike setup and the pace is going to be hot. This is the team's first season in BSB so we have no previous data from other seasons so every event we have been starting from scratch. We come into each round blind in terms of settings and we start from the basics with gearing and chassis setup. We are always making changes unlike teams like Airwaves or HM Plant who work on settings from tests or from the round the previous year so we sometimes struggle as we are behind."

"Hopefully the new qualifying system will add something to the day for the fans and will be a bit of a spectacle. I hope I can put a good lap time in then spend the first two sessions for setup then go all out for it in the final session. We should comfortably get in to the last part I think. The main thing is we can't afford to crash in the first parts; we need to keep upright and set a good lap time if we want to stay in. It should be interesting for everyone."

"We haven't had the results we would have wanted so far this year because things have just not come together. I am aiming for two top fives next weekend and really I want to step on to the podium."

Harris: "Qualifying will mix it up"

Karl Harris is counting down the days until the Cadwell Park round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship as he can't wait to be let loose on the Rob Mac Yamaha at his favourite circuit on the whole calendar.

Harris told the BSB website: "Cadwell Park is one of my favourite tracks and it is completely different from anywhere else in the world. It is fantastic with fast, flowing corners and so many different overtaking places; Park Straight, Hall Bends and you can pull a move into the Esses before the Mountain to name a few. The Mountain definitely is my favourite part of any circuit and I always try to entertain the fans there by launching it in the air. I just love it!"

"I am looking for a good result next weekend, especially after getting a podium at Knockhill. Of course it would be great to go even better but we will have to wait and see. We have done a fair bit of testing there already this year, so we already have a good set-up."

'Bomber' is also ready to take on the new Swan Combi 50 Roll for Pole qualifying system that comes in to effect for the first time next weekend.

"The new qualifying system should certainly make it more interesting on Sunday, who knows how it will go?" said Harris. "In qualifying I always go out pushing from the word go as you never know what will happen on track later in the session so I think I should be ok in that respect. If someone goes down in one of the first sessions that could be it all over for them for qualifying if they haven't done a decent lap time and it could happen to any of the top guys. I think it should mix it up a bit!

THINK! at Cadwell Park

Local race ace Steve Plater will be making two interview stops at the THINK! Motorcycle Academy for the Cadwell Park BSB round. The Woodhall Spa rider really has been busy on track this year riding Superbike, Supersport, World Endurance and winning at both the Isle of Man plus NW200 road races.

THINK! regulars John Reynolds and Niall Mackenzie will also be making appearances for interviews and autographs at the unit, located near Chris Curve. Lloyds British Yamaha's Simon Andrews will also be making an appearance.

Experts from Shoei and Knox will be available to explain the R+D that goes into their products and showcase their safety in special presentations!

Fans will be able to use the interactive computers to win exciting prizes, have their photo taken on a virtual grid and enter the GO VIP! Competition; four lucky fans will be upgraded to full hospitality on race day- be at the THINK! unit at 12 noon when the winners will be drawn.

Local Bikesafe Officers will be on hand to give out advice, help fans get the most out of the Honda Rider Trainer and sign up interested visitors for further training.

Qualifying day - Sunday

12.00 - John Reynolds
13.30 - Steve Plater
15.15 - Niall Mackenzie

Raceday - Monday

11.00 - John Reynolds
11.45 - Simon Andrews
12.00 - GO VIP! Hospitality Draw
12.30 - Steve Plater
13.00 - Knox Expert
13.15 - Niall Mackenzie
15.15 - John Reynolds
15.30 - Shoei Expert

Martin ready for Ulster GP

Hydrex Bike Animal Honda's Guy Martin is already back racing on the road at the Ulster Grand Prix just days after the Bennetts British Superbike Championship round at Knockhill.

The weather today (Thursday) meant that the riders were able to take advantage of a brief break in the torrential rain to get some time on the Dundrod circuit to the west of Belfast. Disappointed at the cancellation of yesterday's planned Dundrod 150 Road Races because of the weather, Martin was left to concentrate on qualifying for Saturday's races.

Aboard the 600cc Hydrex Bike Animal Honda Martin posted the fifth fastest time in the session, just a second off pole setter Bruce Anstey. He repeated the feat on the1000cc Honda Fireblade superstock machine meaning a second row start in both races.

However, it wasn't such a good qualifying session on the team's superbike where he qualified in eleventh place. Martin ventured out on the track in the wet conditions but as it started to dry, he left it too late to change to intermediate tyres meaning a row five start on Saturday.

Martin said: "If we're not under water by then, I'm confident in all the races as we have got a good base setting on all the bikes. We can certainly do it from row two and row five holds no fears for me either, I'll just get my head down and go. I'm feeling good and the bikes are working well so depending what the weather throws at us, we'll see where we end up. If it ends up tossing it down all day, we may be making an early start in the beer tent!"

bikes and hot girls

Bikes, stunts, Cars and girls

Moto girls

Camier on race win and looking ahead to Mallory Park

Airwaves Ducati's Leon Camier is relieved to have got his first Bennetts British Superbike Championship race win and is now continuing to train hard ahead of the next round at Mallory Park in just under two weeks time (27/28/29 June).

Camier has been consistent throughout the season, scoring points at every round including four podiums and a win which elevated him to second in the championship standings after Round Five at Snetterton last weekend.

Camier said: "I am obviously mega happy to get the win and get it over and done with! I was strong at the start of last season before my crash and it is nice to back to where I could have been earlier on this year had it not been for injury. I didn't really celebrate afterwards; we just went out for dinner with Shakey on Sunday evening. I am now going to continue with the training between now and Mallory Park with the cycling and just general strength building."

"We will see how it goes at Mallory Park, I think it might be a difficult weekend as the circuit is very stop then go, whereas the Ducatis favour flowing circuits. But in saying that we thought it was going to be difficult at Snetterton and then it turned out to be a really good weekend for Airwaves Ducati. We just need to stay consistent; if we can push for the win then I will go for it otherwise it best to just get the results."

Ellison wants better at Mallory Park

Hydrex Bike Animal Honda rider James Ellison saw his hopes of another podium finish disappear at Snetterton but he is confident that he has the pace to be back at the sharp end of the field at Mallory Park in two weeks time (26/27/28 June).

Ellison was hampered at the weekend by a row three start following qualifying and ended race one in seventh, then in race two a problem with the rear tyre saw him finish tenth.

Ellison said: "I was hoping to make up for seventh in the first race with a good result in the second but it didn't quite go to plan. Qualifying really messed the whole weekend up for me. The bike's got the pace and I've got the pace and I should have been running with the top three guys. I was just too far back on the grid and gave myself a lot of hard work with a row three start. In the second race the bike felt pretty good on the warm up lap, but then in the race the tyre was just spinning up along the back straight and I couldn't get any drive. I'm just disappointed as I wanted to get a result for the team, Shaun Muir and Hydrex Bike Animal Honda but we'll try again at Mallory Park."

Zanotti wins 'Airwaves Kick up a Gear' for second time

Red Viper Honda's Aaron Zanotti won the 'Airwaves Kick up a Gear Award' for the second time for his outstanding performance in the British Superbike Championship round at Snetterton last weekend.

Zanotti lined up 23rd on the grid for the two races at Snetterton and finished 19th in race one and 17th in race two, making up a total of 10 places.

The 'Airwaves Kick up a Gear Award' is presented to the rider who has gained the most places from their grid position at each race over the course of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship season. Throughout the season each rider will receive points equal to the number of places gained at the end of each race.

The most points accumulated throughout the season, over 12 rounds, determines the overall 'Airwaves Kick up a Gear Award' winner who will receive a cheque for £4,000 from Wrigley's Airwaves.

'Airwaves Kick Up a Gear Award' standings after Snetterton:

1. Leon Morris (Trimite Brookspeed Ducati) 49
2. Martin Jessopp (Riders Racing Honda) 47
3. Stuart Easton (MSS Discovery Kawasaki) 46
4. Tristan Palmer (Tena for Men Honda) 45
5. Scott Smart (Hawk Racing Kawasaki) 44

Best of the rest: Snetterton support class round-up

UK1 Racing talent Luke Jones secured a victory in the Metzeler National Superstock 600 race at Snetterton this afternoon, while Paul Jordan made the most of his luck to win the Relentless British 125GP race.

Joy for Jones…

UK1 Racing talent Luke Jones secured a victory in the Metzeler National Superstock 600 race at Snetterton this afternoon. A red flag brought the battle to a premature end on lap 11, however should the race have run its full distance, it was unlikely that Jones would have surrendered his lead.

After taking his second pole of the season, Jones looked sure of a win, and the lead in the championship. South African rider Allan Jon Venter ran in second until Lee Johnston reclaimed the position on lap seven, although neither rider could get close enough to the reigning British 125GP champion Jones, who had displayed awesome pace all weekend.

Robbie Brown, who took the victory at Donington Park could only manage fourth place, with Luke Stapleford rounding out the top five.

…and for Jordan

Paul Jordan secured only his second British 125GP win today at Snetterton, capitalising on the misfortune of others to sneak under the radar and take the top step of the podium.

To say that Jordan's win was solely down to luck would be harsh, as he had worked hard to make his way through the top five to put himself into contention. Matt Hoyle had looked a dead cert for the win, however mechanical failure on lap eight put a stop to any thoughts of champagne celebration for the sp125 Racing rider. He was obviously distraught after building a healthy five second lead at the front of the field.

Tim Hastings then took up the lead, but with just half a lap remaining, he spluttered on the Revett Straight, momentarily losing pace and gifting Jordan the win. Martin Glossop remained in the mix to grab second, and an amazing dead heat saw Tom Hayward and Shaun Horsman share third position.

Metzeler National Superstock 600, Snetterton, results:

1. Luke Jones (UK1 Racing) 11:48.927
2. Lee Johnston (Trevor Pennell Transport) +1.991
3. Allan Jon Venter (MAP Embassy Racing) +2.696
4. Robbie Brown (Robbiebrownracing.com) + 6.031
5. Luke Stapleford (Bournemouth Kawasaki/Hawk) +9.990

Relentless 125GP Championship, Snetterton, results:

1. Paul Jordan (KRP) 17:35.937
2. Martin Glossop (KRP) +1.743
3. Tom Hayward (KRP Daniel Weston Racing) +2.241
3. Shaun Horsman (Symity I.T North/ACU) + 2.249
5. Tim Hastings (KRP) +2.452

Wood victorious in fascinating Super Duke Battle

David Wood took to the top of the Focussed Events KTM Superduke Battle championship with a win by the narrowest of margins at Snetterton this afternoon.

The Focused Events Superduke Battle series has already proven to be one of the most hotly contested championships on the BSB card this season, and the action in Norfolk this afternoon confirmed that notion.

In perfect racing conditions, David Wood secured victory by just five thousandths of a second from Richard Cooper, with Fran Williamson and Kelvin Reilly six tenths further back.

During the 12 lap race, the lead swapped regularly, and even the most confident of betting men would have turned the other way. But for the neutral, the racing was immense, with less than a second between the top four for the duration.

For a while at least, it looked as though Cooper would win the day, being braver on the brakes at the end of Snetterton's notorious straights. But both Williamson and Wood found speed elsewhere, meaning there was no runaway winner.

In the end it to came down to who was quickest out of Russell Bend for the drag race to the chequered flag, and had the finish line been fifty yards further back, Cooper would have snatched it. But fortunately for Wood, he found just enough to hold off all-comers to take the top step.

Focussed Events KTM Super Duke Battle, Snetterton, results:

1. David Wood (Art of Racing) 14:39.560
2. Richard Cooper (SJB Racing) +0.005
3. Fran Williamson +0.672
4. Kelvin Reilly (Inmoto Corse) +0.690
5. Dave Heal (Dave Heal Racing/Littlewood Fencing) +11.609

Brogan extends lead with Snetterton victory

Honda UK Racing rider Steve Brogan extended his lead at the top the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 championship with a dominant win at Snetterton this afternoon.

After qualifying on pole, Brogan's chance of a race win was challenged early on by Raceways Yamaha man John Kirkham, who took to the front of the field at the first corner. Kirkham held his position for three laps, as the usual suspects of Marshall Neill, Alastair Seeley, Adrian Coates and Jimmy Storrar took up formation three seconds further down the road from Brogan, who by now was hanging on the coat tails of the race leader.

'Baywatch' took his chance at The Esses and never looked back. Despite hitting heavy traffic on lap 13, Brogan held off the advances of Kirkham to register his fourth win of the season.

Not for the first time this season, the real action could be found in the race for third. Neill, Seeley and Coates all had their chance to make a mark, but it was Seeley who took the initiative on lap 11, although his advantage over fourth-placed Coates and fifth-placed Neill was never a comfortable one.


Metzeler National Superstock 1000, Snetterton, race results:

1. Steve Brogan (Honda UK Racing) 17:03.727
2. John Kirkham (Raceways Yamaha) +3.080
3. Alastair Seeley (Team Rea Estates Racing) +9.151
4. Adrian Coates (Dyer Crossgills Racing) +10.428
5. Marshall Neill (Marshall Neill Racing) + 10.717

Easton’s biggest crash

MSS Discovery Kawasaki's Stuart Easton will be watching today's Bennetts British Superbike Championship races from the sidelines after his high-speed crash yesterday left him with a broken right wrist.

Easton said: "That was the biggest crash of my life down at The Esses yesterday. When the bike went down the data logging said I was doing 130mph and I would have been going faster before that. I went across the grass, across the circuit then back on the grass again and ended up by the tyre wall. To be honest it was all over before I knew it and I was luck to get away with just a broken wrist."

"The BSB medical team here did a great job and Toby Branfoot was able to manipulate it so it is back in the right place. I have a splint but hopefully it won't need an operation to fix. If it is back to normal before Oulton Park then I will be back then, otherwise I will wait until my home round at Knockhill to come back."

TVS Apache RTR 160

TVS Motor Company Indonesia (TVSMCI) is really exploiting the large Indonesian motorcycle market. Following the previously launched TVS Neo (‘cub’ class motorcycle), TVS has launched the TVS Apache which positioned as a sporty class motorcycle. The launching ceremony has taken place at Jakarta International Expo Kemayoran on Wednesday, 19 March 2007. It was attended by reporters from various media and also by the TVSMCI board of directors.



RTR Technology
TVS called the Apache as a masterpiece of 160 cc motorcycle. The reason was that beside its ergonomic design, the engine has been perfected by RTR (Racing Throttle Response) technology. This technology combined racing technology with a 15.2 Bhp, resulting in optimum acceleration. On the factory test, Apache could reach 60 km/hour in 4.8 second.




Apache is also equipped with Rotal Petal Disc Brake with 270 mm of diameter, one of the largest in its class. This gives a very precise braking performance because the rapid cooling of the disc brake. For comfort, Apache uses the Poly Shock Absorber and the adjustable handle bar that could be adjusted from normal position into a more sporty racing position.

You can also test the TVS Apache by visiting the nearest dealers. TVSMCI wants you to experience the awesome bike for yourself. Currently, TVSMCI has 26 dealers in Java, North Sumatera, and Riau. For provide the best after-sales services, TVSMCI has a network of 71 workshop partners. So what you are waiting for? Get ready to ride TVS Apache!

Plater gets a hat trick at NW200

Aim Yamaha rider Steve Plater had a fantastic weekend at the recent 2008 NW200 races with three wins in the supersport and superbike races.

Despite some early suspension and set-up issues during practice, the team worked flat out on the bikes to make sure they were ready for the races. However, a gearing change caused some issues for the first superbike race which left Plater with a fourth place finish.

Desperate to improve on his first result of the day, Steve and the team worked hard for Plater’s remaining three race and their efforts were rewarded when he brought home the wins in both the supersport races and then top spot in the Blackhorse Motorcycle Finance Feature Superbike race.

Steve Plater – ‘The team has done a fantastic job and given me the ingredients to win the main race of the day so I have to say a big thank you to them. Everyone has worked so very hard all week and it’s nice to be able to repay them all with these results today.’

Supersport race 1

1st Steve PLATER Yamaha - AIM
2nd Alastair SEELEY Yamaha - JMF Team Millsport
3rd Ian LOUGHER Yamaha - Blackhorse Motorcycle Finance
4th Ian HUTCHINSON Yamaha - AIM Racing

Supersport race 2

1st Steve PLATER Yamaha - AIM Racing
2nd Alastair SEELEY Yamaha - JMF Team Millsport Racing
3rd Ian LOUGHER Yamaha - Blackhorse Motorcycle Finance

Black Horse Superbike race

1st Steve PLATER Yamaha - AIM Racing
2nd Cameron DONALD Suzuki - Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing
3rd Michael RUTTER Ducati - North West 200 Ducati

Byrne steals victory from Haslam

Shane 'Shakey' Byrne doubled up on race wins at Donington Park this afternoon, after diving down the inside of Leon Haslam at the Melbourne Loop with two lap remaining.

Byrne said: "That really was a long hard race and I didn't make it easy for myself! My start wasn't that bad and it was just a case of picking people off at the right places. I knew I could set the fast laps consistently it was just making up the places at the right time. I must admit that the last pass on Leon (Haslam) was one of those where you shut your eyes and go for it. I am happy with another double win for Airwaves Ducati - roll on Snetterton."

Byrne appeared to be struggling at the beginning of the race, whilst Leon Haslam rocketed off the line on the HM Plant Honda but it was James Ellison who took the lead. It was short lived as a determined Haslam took the inside line at McLeans on the opening lap to take the lead.

Once past Ellison's Hydrex Bike Animal Honda Haslam then edged away at the front whilst behind there was a four-way scrap for second place between Cal Crutchlow, James Ellison, Leon Camier and then the chasing Airwaves Ducati of Byrne.

Byrne was able to make his move on Camier first at the Melbourne Loop on lap thirteen, then a lap later took Ellison to move to third and on to the back of the HM Plant Hondas.

Crutchlow was defending hard from the shadowing Byrne but on lap seventeen he left the smallest of gaps on the inside line at the Melbourne Loop which was all that Byrne needed to move to second.

One lap later he repeated the pass on the second HM Plant Honda of Haslam, who was unable to repay the manoeuvre, giving him his second podium of the day.

Haslam said: "Once I was in the lead I tried to keep setting consistent laps and then with three laps to go I could hear the Ducati behind me. When Shakey came past I just couldn't get him back, he had just timed it perfect. I am happy that I have finally been able to give the HM Plant Honda team my first double podium. I am now looking forward to Snetterton as I think that circuit will suit the Honda Fireblade."

Leon Camier just missed out on a podium finish in fourth, whilst James Ellison followed him home in fifth.

Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Donington Park, race two result:

1. Shane Byrne (Airwaves Ducati)
2. Leon Haslam (HM Plant Honda) +0.355s
3. Cal Crutchlow (HM Plant Honda) +1.447s
4. Leon Camier (Airwaves Ducati) +1.596s
5. James Ellison (Hydrex Bike Animal Honda) +4.186s
6. Tom Sykes (Rizla Suzuki) +7.446s
7. Karl Harris (Team Rob Mac Racing Yamaha) +15.707s
8. Michael Rutter (North West 200 Ducati) +26.794s
9. Simon Andrews (Lloyds Bitish Jentin Racing) +31.816s
10. Gary Mason (Quay Garage Honda) +32.870s

Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings after Donington Park:

1. Shane Byrne (Airwaves Ducati) 190
2. Cal Crutchlow (HM Plant Honda) 122
3. Leon Camier (Airwaves Ducati) 107
4. Leon Haslam (HM Plant Honda) 96
5. James Ellison (Hydrex Bike Animal Honda) 88

Bike Accident Compilaton

Car & Bike Accident Compilaton - Click here for funny video clips

Further Statement from North West 200 Ducati

Following the NW200 Ducati/JHP Racing statement issued yesterday (Thursday) and the subsequent MCRCB rule amendment last night with regard to the minimum weight limit of the 1200cc twin cylinder Ducati Superbikes, the team are pleased to confirm today (Friday) that the team will race at Donington Park this Bank Holiday weekend.

Alistair Kennedy, speaking on behalf of the main sponsors NW 200, said: "Having spoken to all the senior members of the team including John Hackett, Ken Foley and Michael Rutter, we now believe that the amended weight limit will allow us to participate in Monday's races. This is subject of course to no unforeseen technical problems over the weekend."

GSE Racing confirm racing at Donington Park

Following a week of negotiations with MCRCB and MSVR, GSE Racing Team Principal Darrell Healey has confirmed that Airwaves Ducati will race at Donington Park this weekend.

Healey said: "It has been a very busy week for GSE Racing off the track! I am delighted to confirm that as a result of the amendments to the MCRCB Bulletin 2008/6 addressing the teams safety concerns, Airwaves Ducati will be in a position to compete this Bank Holiday weekend in Round 4 of the British Superbike Championship. Donington Park has to be one of GSE Racing's favourite circuits; not only is it an exciting track for the Airwaves Ducati but we have achieved fantastic results there in previous seasons and we look forward to continuing that this weekend."

Both Airwaves Ducati riders are looking forward to getting back on their Ducati 1098R's at the 2.5-mile Derbyshire circuit following their three podium place finishes at Brands Hatch two weeks ago. Their early season form has resulted in a 44 point lead in the championship for Shane Byrne with team mate Leon Camier in third place on 83 points.

Spiga Motors - Honda CBR 1000 RR

Jones joins Rea and Pitt at Donington Park

Parkalgar Honda's Craig Jones will be joining fellow World Supersport Championship racers Jonathan Rea and Andrew Pitt on the grid at Donington Park next weekend (24/25/26 May), when they will be taking on the regulars of the Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship.

Jones, the leading Brit in the World Supersport Championship, is eager to return to the track, having taken a win in the Supersport class there before, back in 2004.

Jones said: "It will be a relaxing and enjoyable meeting for me at Donington Park. The whole idea is to give Parkalgar Honda a race-test in advance of the World Championship round at the same circuit later in the year. Saying that, getting back to the British paddock and on a track I love, I am sure I'll be giving it my all. That goes double now we know that Andrew Pitt and Johnny Rea will be wildcarding at the same event - I suspect it will be World Championship pace from start to finish."

Jones may have broken his left hand in a crash at the last round at Monza, but he is confident he will be almost back to full fitness in time for next weekend: "My hand was broken but I was able to race last weekend and still finish sixth. I have been resting and healing since then and don't expect it to pose any problems at Donington Park. In truth, I am really looking forward to racing in front of the British fans again; this is a real bonus for me and the whole team."

Parkalgar Honda Team Manager Simon Buckmaster added: "The whole idea behind attending the Donington Park round is to give us data and settings for when we return to the track in September for the World Championship round. But on top of that, we are a British-based team and we enjoy racing as well, so while there is a serious angle for the World Championship, we will also be going for the win. It's going to be great to be racing in front of the UK fans; the fact is they are the best in the world."

Bennetts British Superbike Championship

The British Superbike round at Snetterton is one of the fastest on the calendar and with top speeds of nearly 200mph, this really is the round to see superbikes at their flat-out best. Lots of slipstreaming followed by heavy braking means that there are always plenty of overtaking opportunities at Snetterton.

Will it be Honda, Ducati, Suzuki or Yamaha that come out on top? The team and rider line-up is as strong as ever with the rivalry reunited between HM Plant Honda and Airwaves Ducati, with Leon Haslam moving to the black and orange Fireblade for 2008 and Shane Byrne returning to Ducati. Who will stand on the top step of the podium in Norfolk?

Neukirchner takes it to the Max

Max Neukirchner has become the first German to win a Superbike World Championship race as he and Noriyuki Haga took the honours in Monza.

Alstare Suzuki's Neukirchner won Race 1 at the Italian circuit, beating the Yamaha Motor Italia of Haga by just 0.058 seconds.

Race 2 saw Haga edge out Neukirchner by just 0.009secs after a three-man sprint for the line.

Australian championship leader Troy Bayliss was third in Race 1 on his Ducati Xerox, with nearest rival Carlos Checa (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) down in eighth after he was relegated to the back of the field after a clash with fellow Spaniard Fonsi Nieto.

In Race 2, Haga and Neukirchner both were behind Ryuichi Kiyonari as they braked for the final entry into the Parabolica but they got through to complete the fifth closest finish in Superbike history.

An engine problem ended Bayliss' afternoon but Checa also retired to ensure the Australian extended his already-daunting championship lead.

Neukirchner was delighted with his afternoon's work, saying: "It's the first win by a German rider in World Superbike and I'm really happy about that."

"My team did a great job this weekend. Our engine for sure is very fast, Suzuki have done a lot of development work on it."

Haga could not believe how close Race 2 finished.

"On that last lap, I was thinking about what I had to do to win, my head was totally blank but I arrived at the line and couldn't believe the gap, 0.009 seconds," he said.

"Monza is special for me, here is our home track and I have been thinking for all last week that I must win."

French disaster for Stoner

Casey Stoner's defence of his world championship hangs by a thread after a disastrous French MotoGP saw the Australian fail to pick up a point, while Valentino Rossi collected his second-straight victory to take the championship lead.

Stoner led the race early but Rossi powered past him and was never headed from that point, winning by five seconds. The Australian looked set for at least a podium finish, but rain at Le Mans put a spanner in the works.

His bike faltered badly with seven laps to go and he was forced to push it into the pits before changing bikes and heading back out. He finished 16th.

Rossi lead a FIAT Yamaha quinella with Jorge Lorenzo, nursing two fractured ankles, charging into second, while Colin Edwards claimed his first podium of the year, riding a consistent race to finish third, ahead of Dani Pedrosa, who relinquishes his championship lead, while Australian Chris Vermeulen had his best race for the year, finishing fifth.

Rossi, who collected his 90th GP win, leads the championship on 97 points, three clear of Pedrosa and Lorenzo who share second, while Stoner remains stranded back on 56 points, 41 off the lead and in fourth.

The race started well for Stoner, who came from third off the grid to lead Pedrosa and Edwards at the first turn. He looked to have a clear advantage on those two, but when Rossi pushed his way through to second with two laps it was clearly going to be the Italian's day.

The battle for the podium was intense and when the rain started to fall with ten laps remaining, it looked like the riders may have to come in and switch bikes. But they kept the faith, and worked hard just to keep the bikes on track.

But Stoner, who was third at that stage, raised his hand to indicate something had gone wrong as he crossed the start-finish line late in the race. He immediately slipped back to sixth with his engine spluttering and then had to jump off and push his bike when it stopped at the top of pit lane.

Stoner certainly wasn't the only rider to have a bad day, James Toseland crashed out early on and John Hopkins had a hairy moment when the chain snapped on his Kawasaki when he was close to top speed.

In the end, the Yamahas clearly handled to tricky conditions the better, filling the top three places while Pedrosa's Repsol fell off the pace to finish fourth. Vermeulen, a winner at Le Mans last year, rode an excellent race on the Rizla Suzuki to finish fifth, Andrea Dovizioso was sixth, Loris Capirossi seventh, Nicky Hayden eighth, Randy de Puniet ninth and Shinya Nakano tenth. Australia's Ant West picked up two points in 14th.

The day belonged to Rossi, who joined Angel Nieto on 90 GP wins in all classes. In brilliant scenes after the race, Rossi picked up Nieto on his Yamaha and let the former 80cc and 125cc champion drive him back to the pits.

He then joined Lorenzo and Edwards on the podium, with the young Spaniard unable to stand on the podium because of the injuries he sustained in Shanghai two weeks ago.

Engine Tuning KTM

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TriCounty Motorcycles prides itself on offering only the best kit for owners wanting to enhance the performance of their machines. With exhausts from Akrapovic, Yoshimura and Remus, Power Commanders, K&N filters, Dynojet kits, Yoshimura race parts, Dyna ignition components as well as much more.

Chassis Tuning

The best part of the package is the advice that we are able to offer from our years of experience in tuning all kinds of bikes for all kinds of people. Giving us a call will get you on the right road to the performance that you need, quickly.

To match the new found power of your bike, a degree of chassis modification or set up is always recommended. With years of experience, TriCounty Motorcycles is able to advise on all states of tune.

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Harley Davidson tuning

Safety First Suzuki's Fong, Rizmayer To Focus On AMA Supersport Class In 2008

Safety First Suzuki is proud to announce our 2008 AMA racing program. Team Owner, Kevin Hanson, explained what’s in store for 2008. “It’s been a busy last couple of months. Our Suzuki program has been set in place for some time with 17 year old young gun, Bobby Fong, returning. However, I really wanted to take my time and see who was available for the second rider slot.

My rider coach, Owen Weichel, approached me about a Hungarian rider, Gabor Rizmayer, through a longstanding contact with a friend in Europe. The holdup was Gabor is a Suzuki supported rider in Europe and there were some AMA rounds that conflicted with his European race schedule. Thankfully, we were able to secure Gabor for (7) AMA rounds this season starting with Daytona. The great thing is he brings a ton of race experience as well as 125 & 250 GP experience so I’m really excited about the opportunity of having him on the team,” commented Hanson. Both riders will be focusing solely on Supersport except for the Daytona 200. This will allow us to focus all of our efforts on producing great results in the ultra-competitive Supersport class,” advised Hanson.

Safety First Suzuki has also added some new sponsors and key personnel to the team for 2008. Dave Moss, owner of Catalyst Suspension Tuning will serve as crewchief for the team and suspension tuner for Bobby Fong. Dave is a well respected tuner via his trackday tuning business and his two suspension DVD’s, “Introduction to Sportbike Suspension” and “Twiddling Knobs.” “I’m excited about bringing 10 years of tuning, communication and organizational skills to the team for this great opportunity Kevin has presented me with,” commented Moss.

Additionally, Traxxion Dynamics has come on board as a sponsor, along with Traxxion tuner Don Finnelli to serve as lead mechanic and suspension tuner for Gabor Rizmayer. “I’m really excited about using the Traxxion Gas Cartridges this year. I feel this will give us a competitive advantage by allowing the riders to take advantage of using a full-blown superbike style fork product that is legal in Supersport,” exclaimed Hanson. Richard Cherney who has been a long time supporter of Bobby Fong since he started dirttrack racing as a child will serve as Bobby’s lead mechanic.

Penske is also stepping up their support for 2008. Shane Schweighart from Penske will be operating out of the team transporter during the year servicing Penske products for riders as well as supporting the team with Penske 8770 shocks that provide another level of performance over the standard Penske triple clicker shock.

Michelin will also be returning as a big supporter of Safety First Suzuki this year. “We recently returned from testing the new suspension components and Michelin tires at Jennings in January with really good results. We tested new Michelin fronts and rears that are a big leap forward from last year. I think the Michelin riders in the U.S. this year are really going to impressed with the product for 2008, commented Hanson.

See you at Daytona…..

Safety First Suzuki was formed in 2004 by police officer/racer, Kevin Hanson, based out of Chicago, IL. For 2008, Safety First Suzuki will be competing in the AMA Superbike series in the Supersport class. For further information, please checkout www.SAFETYFIRSTRACING.com to see the Safety First Suzuki line of apparel, casual wear and performance products. Kevin Hanson continues to educate elementary school aged children nationwide about the importance of helmet usage.