WSB ROUND 4, ASSEN, SUNDAY 25TH APRIL

Arai riders super strong in Holland

LEON HASLAM, ALSTARE SUZUKI
Race 1: Eleventh Race 2: Second Championship Position: First

“ELBOWS WERE EVERYWHERE!”
Leon Haslam recovered from a disappointing 11th place in race one of the Assen World Superbike to take runner-up spot in race two and extend his championship lead. Haslam’s position in the first race was a result of a loss of air pressure in his front tyre which meant he couldn’t push hard at all; at first he thought it was a brake problem, but kept going and collected five valuable points. Race two was an absolute scorcher – one of the best in World Supers history: Rea won it, but only after the ‘Mother of Battles’ with Haslam, Troy Corser and Toseland, which saw plenty of close contact involving elbows and handlebars.

“Today was very, very hard, but I am happy because I’ve extended my lead in the series. In race one I had a problem with the front end and was struggling in 16th after five laps. I wasn’t sure if it was a brake problem, but when the bike was checked over after the race, the team discovered that air had escaped from the front tyre. It was a real struggle to keep going especially when I was with a couple of other riders, but I was determined to bring the bike home one way or another. The team changed the front discs and pads – in case they were part of the problem – for race two and I was able to do a normal race. It was a fantastic race, with plenty of close contact. Elbows were everywhere and we were close enough to touch each other’s handlebars. It was very hard, but fair, and we all enjoyed it a lot. It must have been great for the fans and of course, having both podiums filled by Brits was also great.”

JONATHAN REA, TEN KATE HONDA
Race 1: First Race 2: First Championship Position: Third

“I’M AS PROUD AS PUNCH”
Hannspree Ten Kate Honda’s Jonathan Rea stamped an indelible mark on the World Superbike championship by winning both races at Assen – his third and fourth championship wins, the first of this season and his debut double. Rea’s stunning weekend performance also included his maiden WSB pole position and the fastest lap of the weekend in a dramatic and thrilling race two – setting a new lap record for the revised 4.452km Dutch circuit. Rea’s results have leapfrogged him from fifth to third in the championship standings.

“You know, it’s been great, but I couldn’t have done it without my team; they gave me a fantastic bike today, so thanks to everyone – my crew chief, data guy, suspension guy, everyone involved. We changed the balance of the bike quite a lot for this weekend and it’s made it more comfortable to ride. I guess you could say that today’s two races were probably the smartest I’ve ever ridden; I never got frustrated or caught in traffic and, when it was time to pull the pin, I did, and I’m really, really happy with the double. It’s a clean sweep with pole position, a double win and, I think the fastest lap, so I’m as proud as punch and I can’t wait to take this home. I’m looking forward to getting back into the swing of things and going to Monza but we’ll definitely savour the moment and I’ll stick around the hospitality this evening and definitely buy the big boss a drink!”

CAL CRUTCHLOW, STERILGARDA YAMAHA
Race 1: Eighth Race 2: DNF Championship Position: Tenth

“IT’S BEEN A VERY FRUSTRATING END TO THE WEEKEND”
Cal Crutchlow made a great start in race one, making it up to sixth on the first corner before a bunched up pack of riders pushed him wide, dropping him to 13th. He fought back with a determined push and was the fastest lapping rider mid-way through. He finally crossed the line in eighth having made up five positions. He was less fortunate in the second race, when a technical issue with the rear suspension forced an early retirement.

“It’s been a very frustrating end to the weekend for me, I know I had the pace to achieve really good results and be up there fighting with the front guys in both races. I made a good start but lost a lot of places on the first corner when the pack pushed me wide, but fought back. Race two was even more frustrating as I was determined and ready to fight for a podium. Unfortunately the technical issue was out of my control so there was nothing I could do.”

NORIYUKI HAGA, XEROX DUCATI
Race 1: Tenth Race 2: DNF Championship Position: Sixth

“IT’S VERY DISAPPOINTING”
Getting off the line in 13th in race one, Noriyuki Haga made up several places to move from sixteenth at the end of lap two to tenth, the position he held from lap seventeen until the finish. In race two Haga went wide at the first corner when he tried to pass riders by going around the outside; feeling strong vibrations from his engine, which only became worse during the first couple of laps, he was forced to return to the box, thus retiring from the race.

“It was very difficult for us today. In race one I didn’t make the good start that I needed to, and from the fourth row I had to push very hard even to make up one or two positions. In race two, I realized already during the warm-up lap that the engine vibrations I was feeling were maybe stronger than normal. I hoped it wouldn’t be a problem and started the race but it became worse as I rode and I knew there was something wrong technically. It’s very disappointing of course because this year, more than ever, it’s important to be consistent – there are so many of us fighting for the positions that count and it’s becoming more and more of a battle.”

The WSB paddock now heads to Monza, with racing on May 9th.

For more news and information on Arai Helmets please visit www.whyarai.co.uk

BSB ROUND 2, THRUXTON, SUNDAY 18TH APRIL

Another great day for Arai riders

JOSH BROOKES, HM PLANT HONDA
Race 1: Second Race 2: First Championship Position: Second

“I JUST GOT MY HEAD DOWN AND STAYED CONSISTENT.”

Josh Brookes secured his maiden BSB victory at Thruxton in race two by just 0.391 seconds, on the back of running a close second to the series leader Tommy Hill in the opening race. His win gave the HM Plant Honda team its first BSB race victory since the penultimate round in 2008, with Brookes also becoming the first Australian to win a BSB race since Troy Bayliss at Cadwell Park during the 1999 season. He was a happy man Sunday evening, and perhaps a very small monkey has been removed from the back of his leathers…

“I was feeling confident; I didn’t quite get qualifying right but I knew we would have the pace to be up there as I know the bike has the speed. There were some tough moves out there in the first race but I made them stick and when I got in the lead I had plus zero on my board and I knew it was going to be close. BSB is so competitive this season so I was expecting someone to have a go back at me. I was happy for second though and my first podium of the year, I just wanted to go one better in the second race. To win race two felt good as I have been waiting a long time to win in BSB – it was great for me to lead the race from the start to the finish and I knew Tommy was breathing down my neck so I just got my head down and stayed consistent. It’s amazing to have finished the day like this – I hadn’t put any pressure on myself to win as I knew I was capable of it, but at least now I have a trophy to prove it!”

ALASTAIR SEELEY, RELENTLESS SUZUKI BY TAS
Race 1: Twelfth Race 2: Ninth Championship Position: Fifth

“IT’S BEEN A TOUGH WEEKEND…!”

Alastair Seeley battled courageously after qualifying crashes and a number of minor problems during both races, scoring solid points that keep him at the sharp-end in the championship table. Seeley gambled with set-up in race one and the series rookie battled to 12th place; for the second outing he reverted to his qualifying set-up, and although he found Thruxton a tough proposition on his full superbike debut, ninth place keeps him well in the championship hunt.

“I tried a different set-up for the first race but it didn’t work for me, so we reverted back to the old set-up for race two. It hooked up a lot better and instead of the tyre going off at half distance, we were right on the money until it deteriorated about four laps from the end. The traction control works overtime around here and it’s a tough circuit to perfect your set-up on – but at least we got more points in the bag and remain top-five in the championship. Thanks to all the boys in the team as it’s been a tough weekend with all the travel problems and burning the midnight oil fixing bikes.”

Steve Brogan suffered an issue with the EVO-class ECU on his Jentin Racing BMW S1000RR and had to compete as a full Superbike runner; he finished 16th and 14th and moves back to fourth place in the EVO championship.

Steve Plater and his HM Plant Honda FireBlade took the top step of the podium for a second consecutive race in the National Superstock 1000 championship, further extending his series lead. The veteran campaigner was pushed wide at the start, undoing his pole position – he then fought hard through the pack to eventually trade the lead with Howie Mainwaring. The two riders then had a battle royale, with Plater ultimately coming out on top. “That was a tough race and I had to put in some hard moves after I didn’t make the best of starts off the line, but we got there and another win is good for me and the team. We put in a lot of hard work during practice and qualifying and that definitely paid dividends today.”

Ian Hutchinson finished sixth on his Padgetts Honda CBR600RR in the British Supersport championship, followed by Ben Wilson in seventh. Glen Richards, suffering shoulder damage sustained from his crash at Brands Hatch, was a frustrated spectator.

In the 125GP class Fraser Rogers turned adversity into triumph to claim another podium; the Racing Steps Foundation-backed KRP rookie finished top of the under-17 riders and sixth overall after overcoming a first lap slip-up that cost him 22 places. Rogers now heads the Academy Cup rider standings and lies second in the British 125GP Championship.

“It wasn’t the ideal opening lap but I’m pleased with the end result,” he reckoned afterwards. “I could maybe have done better still but by the time I’d got up to sixth I’d pretty much used up all my energy. That’s something I’ve obviously got to work a lot harder at. But the bike was fantastic, so a big thank you to KRP.”

The next round of the BSB championship takes place on the 3rd of May, at the picturesque and flowing Oulton Park, Cheshire.

For more information on Arai helmets and associated products please visit www.whyarai.co.uk and www.phoenixnw.co.uk

Up, Up and away...

GEORGE WHITE SUPERBIKES LIFT OFF

The innovative motorcycle, accessory and clothing retailer George White Superbikes,
chalked up another incredible first last week by test flying their very own hot-air balloon.

The hot air balloon, built by Chester-based specialists Lindstrand Balloons, will fly, weather permitting, at all rounds of the British Superbike Championship and other selected events in the UK and Europe.

The first official appearance was at round two of the BSB series at Thruxton, Hants, home round to George White's Swindon Head Quarters. (April 17 18)

The 37m high x 47m wide balloon was one of the most complex ever made by Linstrand Hot Air Balloons, founded by Per Lindstand over 25 years ago. It is a bike and rider scaled up 23 times and takes about twice as long to prepare and inflate than a 'conventional' balloon.

The pilot Chris Sanger-Davies says, "as one of the biggest shapes in the world you have to be aware of the size and scale of what is above you - but essentially it is still a hot air balloon and has the same characteristics as standard round balloons of similar lifting capacity, although it is much more weather susceptible."

The balloon will also be in action for day one (Saturday) of the George White Open Weekend held at its Swindon HQ over the weekend of April 24 and 25. One lucky visitor to the showroom will win a ride in the balloon over the store that will be visited by most of the BSB front runners over the course of the weekend.

On Sunday 25th April it will fly over the start to the annual London marathon - putting motorcycling in front of 46,000 runners and with BBC images fed to over 150 countries world-wide.

WSB ROUND 3, VALENCIA, SUNDAY 11TH APRIL

Arai riders claim both wins!

LEON HASLAM, ALSTARE SUZUKI

Race 1: First Race 2: Fourth Championship Position: First

“I EXPECTED THAT I WOULD COME UNDER ATTACK”
Leon Haslam stormed his way to victory in the first World Superbike race at Valencia and then followed it up with a hard-fought-for fourth in the second which increased his series lead to 18 points after three rounds. But for braking problems in race two, Haslam would have been well on course for another podium. He’s happy enough, though.

“I made a reasonable start and was fourth at the end of the lap one and then just worked my way up to first by lap five. Once I was in the lead, I realised that the pace was not great and it all felt pretty easy for me. I expected that I would come under attack, but my pit board signals showed that my lead was increasing! We made some small changes to the bike for race two – because of the hotter conditions – and managed to pass about five riders quite quickly despite not making a very good start. Then the race was stopped and we had to start again. We put a bit more preload on the front, but I began having brake problems before too long. I am happy to be leading the series; delighted that I have increased the lead; and really looking forward to Assen – a circuit where I think our bike will go really well.”

JONATHAN REA, TEN KATE HONDA

Race 1: Sixth Race 2: Fifth Championship Position: Fifth

“I’VE GOT A LOT OUT OF BOTH RACES TODAY”
Starting from the second row on the grid, Rea lost places at the beginning of the opening 23-lap encounter, finishing the first lap in 10th place. The 23-year-old once again fought his way past a number of riders, however, moving up to sixth at the flag. His race two start was better, and Rea was in a leading position when the race was red flagged – with results subsequently based on aggregate times, Rea’s result moved him up to fifth place in the championship standings.

“We’ve had a few gremlins this weekend, which ended up costing us time but I feel I’ve got a lot out of both races today. It’s been a difficult weekend and it’s been clear we didn’t have the pace of the frontrunners, but we’ve found out how to make the bike better. The new electronics have definitely made the bike easier to ride but we’ve had problems getting acceleration and grip on corner exits. It’s still early days though, and we know what to work on when we test at Assen this week. I’m really looking forward to that and the next race there, and I’d really like to thank my team for all their efforts this weekend. When morale’s been low, there’s always been a smile on their faces and I’m very grateful for that.”

CAL CRUTCHLOW, STERILGARDA YAMAHA

Race 1: Seventh Race 2: Ninth Championship Position: Tenth

“I WAS DISAPPOINTED I LOST THE TOW”
Cal Crutchlow had a tough first race. A less than perfect start saw him drop from pole to seventh going into the first corner of the race; he fought hard for the duration despite suffering from a lack of grip, riding as high as fifth before dropping back to claim seventh at the line. The hot track temperatures of the second race proved challenging for grip levels but Crutchlow hung on to take ninth at the flag.

“Race one was ok, I was disappointed I lost the tow to the leaders at the start. We’ve got bad rear tyre problems again and we seem to be spinning a lot more than the other competitors from the go – the higher grip levels in Portugal suited us better. We’re looking forward to hopefully improving it, quickly. A difficult weekend, the second race was much the same, no grip from the start.”

NORIYUKI HAGA, XEROX DUCATI

Race 1: Fifth Race 2: First Championship Position: Fourth

“I AM MR VALENCIA…!”
Having scored a solid fifth place finish in race one, Haga triumphed in race two finishing 25 thousandths of a second ahead of Carlos Checa. The win, on board his Ducati 1198R, was far from easy but after 20 laps of the second heat Haga had done just enough to collect the silverware on aggregate. At last it seems Haga’s season is heading in the right direction.

“I like Valencia a lot, I am Mr Valencia! The track was a lot warmer in race one than in the morning’s warm-up and I was lacking rear grip. The more I pushed, the more my bike slid around and this needed to be fixed before race two. Before that race we made a change, reverting to the setting we’d used in the warm-up and it worked well. I was able to push hard, stick with Biaggi and Checa and eventually pass them. I was not thinking about the time difference, I just new I had to go at the front. I’m very happy to have been able to win today. I thank my team, Ducati of course, and all the sponsors who helped contribute to this great result.”

Jakub Smrz had a much better weekend on his PATA Ducati and, after failing to finish either race at Portimao, brought it home in tenth place at the end of both races at Valencia.

The WSB paddock now rolls north to set up for business in Assen, on April 28th.


For more information n Arai Helmets and other products we distribute in the UK view our new websites www.whyarai.co.uk and www.phoenixnw.co.uk

LIMITED EDITION 2010 ARAI TT SERIES HELMET

The first of three very special RX-7 GPs unveiled

Arai is synonymous with the Isle of Man TT. It’s the helmet the majority of riders trust and wear to race the 37.73 mile road circuit.

As in previous years Arai, in conjunction with the TT organisers will introduce a special edition, limited production Isle of Man TT RX-7 GP; a run of only 500 will be produced per TT in 2010, 11 and 12. Legendary designer Aldo Drudi has created a truly stunning First Edition design based around the Isle of Man’s famous triskelion (Three Legs of Man) symbol, the famous ‘TT’ letters and symbolism of the black and white chequered flag. It will be offered complete with a special display stand in the style of a TT winners’ podium, enabling the display of all three unique helmets together.

The new helmet will also be worn by the Isle of Man TT travelling marshals throughout the event.

Like its paint the actual helmet is special, too; Arai’s RX-7 GP is considered by many as the benchmark against which all others are measured. Featuring a peripherally belted Structural Net Composite (SNC) shell, with hyper ridge strengthening in its lower section and wider aperture (plus larger visor) for better vision the RX-7 GP is the most technologically advanced – and safest – motorcycle helmet Arai has ever produced.

Arai has long been known for its helmet venting technology and a combination of the RX-7 GP’s Air Intake Stabiliser Diffuser, which increases airflow through the helmet, Airflow Spoiler and visor brow ventilation ducts ensure suitable climate control for any situation. The five-position Air Wing reduces drag, turbulence and buffeting.

The Arai RX-7 GP exceeds ECE Regulation 22-05 and the new SNELL M2010 standard. ECE 22-05 represents the legal minimums for helmets in road use throughout the European Union while Snell M2010, introduced in October 2009, demands protective standards well beyond these legal minimums. The RX-7 GP easily surpasses ECE 22-05 and is the first (and only) helmet to meet Snell M2010, offering far superior head protection for motorcyclists.

The Arai RX-7 GP 2010 TT Series is available in sizes XS–XXL and has an RRP of £699.99. It will be sold via Arai Five Star dealer Crossan Motorcycles Ltd who will be at the Isle of Man during the TT fortnight and a commission on each helmet sold will go to the TT organisers – visit www.thevisorshop.com for details on how to pre-order. Also, visit www.araihelmet-europe.com/IOMTT where the 2010 series TT RX-7 GP has its own mini-website.

For more Information and news on Arai Helmets visit www.whyarai.co.uk

New list of racers, new truck!

PHOENIX ANNOUNCES 2010 ARAI RIDER LINE UP

And a brand new Race Service Support Vehicle

The 2010 British Superbike series gets underway this weekend at Brands Hatch and Phoenix, the official UK importer of Arai Helmets, are pleased to announce the world’s ultimate helmet brand will be sponsoring some of the best racers in Britain. Also, to assist Arai’s riders this season will be a brand new, state-of-the-art Race Service Support Vehicle.

Hungry for race wins and the BSB title is Josh Brookes, back onboard the HM Plant Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade for a second season following his fourth place in last year’s championship; the young man from Sydney is keen to avenge a difficult 2009 campaign.

Meanwhile Alastair Seeley, 2009’s BSB Superstock champion, moves up a short-circuit class with his Relentless Suzuki GSX-R1000 and joins the premier league of UK race action – he’s very much relishing his new challenge.

Steve Brogan is riding a Jentin Racing S1000RR BMW in the new EVO class, amongst the full-spec superbikes and is looking forward to showing what he can do against the big boys on a competitive bike.

Also, shifting gears – and classes – for HM Plant Honda is reigning British Supersport champion Steve Plater, who will now line up on the fiercely fought British Superstock 1000 grid. He’ll be battling hard with Aussie veteran Glen Richards, who joins him on a Padgetts Honda. Richards will be a busy man; he’s also riding a Padgetts CBR600RR in the Supersport championship with quietly-spoken, but hard-riding team-mate Ian Hutchinson.

Three names to watch for the future in this year’s British 125GP class; youngsters Wayne Ryan and Fraser Rogers are riding with the Racing Steps Foundation and alongside them for team KRP/Monster, one 16 year-old Dakota Mamola, son of 500 GP racing legend Randy. History could be in the making here…

Arai has long been the favoured helmet among the majority of Isle of Man TT racers, and 2010 will be no exception. Leading the charge down Bray Hill will be last year’s hero Steve Plater, closely followed by Bruce Anstey, Ian Hutchinson, Gary Johnson and two members of the Dunlop racing dynasty, Michael and William.

On three wheels, Dave Molyneux partnered by Gary Partridge will be looking to add to his tally of 14 wins.

Gracing the paddock at all BSB rounds, the Isle of Man TT, North West 200 and at various events up and down the country will be the new Arai Race Service Support Vehicle, freshly delivered to Phoenix by coachbuilders SBR of Preston. The sleek 33ft burnished-silver Mercedes features a purpose built, fully equipped workshop and carries and sleeps a crew of three Arai factory-trained technicians.

A full list of Arai supported riders racing in the UK follows:-

A J Ventner, Alastair Seeley, Andy Winkle, Ben Wilson, Bruce Anstey Chris Burns, Chris Palmer, Dakota Mamola, Dan Cooper, Dave Molyneux, Davy Morgan, Deane Brown, Frazer Rogers, Glen Richards, Gary Johnson, Gary Partridge, Ian Hutchinson, Jay Niven, Jesse Jones, Joe Burns, John Holden, Josh Brookes, Keith Amor, Lee Johnson, Leon Hunt, Luke Jones, Matt Hoyle, Michael Dunlop, Paul Knapton, Peter Hickman, Roy Richardson, Sam Warren, Scott Smart, Simon Neary, Steve Brogan, Steve Mercer, Steve Plater, Tom Tunstall, Tommy Bridewell, Wayne Ryan, William Dunlop