Wednesday, April 27, 2011

BSB 2011

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DSC02530DSC02766DSC03420Tommy BridewellJohn HopkinsTom Tunstall
Alastair SeeleyDSC03962Seeley 2

BSB 2011, a set on Flickr.

Some superb pics from our friends at www.mnjphotography.co.uk. Thought you might like to see them!!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

ARAI RELEASE DETAILS OF TWO VERY SPECIAL RX-7 GP HELMETS

Doohan/TT and Haga Monza White will be available in the UK later this year.

News of two very special limited edition Arai RX-7 GP helmets has just been announced; the Doohan/TT and Haga Monza White will be complete one-offs appealing to fans and collectors alike.

Every year a very special guest is invited to the Isle of Man TT to ride the legendary lap of honour and for 2011 Arai has invited no one less than Mick Doohan. Doohan is best known around the world as five times MotoGP World Champion (1994-1998) and during his outstanding career he always wore and trusted Arai. Several MotoGP riders will join Doohan during the ‘Arai Lap of Honor’, offering a truly unique spectacle.


His famous red, blue and white striped helmet with Koala bear cartoon on the back has become iconic – and Aldo Drudi has designed a limited edition helmet for this special occasion in white, black and red incorporating the TT logo, plus ‘Three Legs of Man’ details and the essence of Doohan’s original paintwork.

The black, limited edition Haga Monza was a tremendous success in 2009. Noriyuki wore this design at the Italian World Superbike race and interest was immediately overwhelming; all of the original Monzas sold very rapidly and thus inspired the brand new RX-7 GP Haga Monza ‘White’. This stunning version is also designed by Aldo Drudi and draws inspiration from its black predecessor; it features the circuit layout, its latitude and longitude as well as his NKI 41 motif. Haga, racing his PATA Aprilia RSV4 will wear the new design during the Italian World Superbike round at Monza, which takes place on May 8.

The Arai Doohan/TT and Haga Monza White RX-7 GP’s will be available in sizes XS-XL with an RRP of £639.99.

Both of the above helmets will be available on an order only basis directly from any Arai Five Star dealer and deadline to place orders will be 14th May, 2011.  Delivery dates will be advised shortly.

Arai’s RX-7 GP: the racer’s benchmark
The RX-7 GP was developed in conjunction with Arai’s MotoGP riders and features 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 motorcycle helmet Arai has ever produced; it 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 helmet to meet Snell M2010, offering far superior head protection for motorcyclists.

The Arai Difference

Without exception all Arai helmets offer a peerless fit; the Japanese brand’s reputation for quality, comfort and safety has recently been further reinforced as, for the 12th consecutive year, Arai came out top of the JD Power and Associates Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Study.

For more information on the Arai Doohan/TT or Haga Monza White, or the rest of the Arai range, call 2724UK on 01782 569800, or visit www.whyarai.co.uk 

ARAI RELEASE NEWS OF LIMITED EDITION ‘FLAG JAPAN’ QUANTUM

Proceeds from unique Drudi-designed helmet to go in aid of Tsunami victims

The incredible power of the Tsunami that enveloped the north of Japan and the resulting scenes of devastation have shocked and dismayed the world in equal measure. It has left deep sorrow and suffering in its wake, and at Arai thoughts and hearts go out to the victims of this disaster.

To offer support to the rescue and welfare organisations helping those in need, Arai is introducing the Quantum ‘Flag Japan’ design. A significant amount of the proceeds from the sale of the ‘Flag Japan’ Quantum will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross Welfare Organisation. 


This special limited edition Quantum helmet is based on the popular ‘Flag’ design series, but legendary designer Aldo Drudi has made a special version with the Japanese flag as the centre of attention. The result is quite simply stunning.

Utilizing many of the Arai RX-7 GP’s race-developed design and safety features with added road-focussed civility, the Quantum is perhaps the most accomplished all-round helmet available. It features Super Complex Laminate Construction (SCLC), with enhanced hyper ridge strengthening in the lower shell, a triple density inner shell, improved peripheral vision and fully removable/washable interior with emergency release cheek pads.

The Quantum ‘Flag Japan’ will be available in the UK as a special order only, placed through the Arai Five Star dealer network by May 14, 2011. It will have an RRP of £469.99 with a size range of XS-XXL.

For information on the Arai Quantum ‘Flag Japan’, Arai Five star dealer network or the rest of the Arai range call  01782 569800 or visit www.whyarai.co.uk

Monday, April 18, 2011

WSBK ROUND 3, ASSEN, SUNDAY APRIL 17

LEON HASLAM, BMW MOTORRAD MOTORSPORT
Race One: 12th           Race Two: 5th       Championship Position: 3rd

“IT’S BEEN A TOUGH WEEKEND…”
Leon Haslam had a torrid weekend at Assen, but battled hard for points that could prove crucial later in the season. Starting race one on the third row he fought his way up to seventh before crashing out, remounting in second to last place; by the end he’d made it up to 12th, collecting four valuable points (Jonathan Rea nosed his Castrol Honda ahead of Max Biaggi to take the win) on the way. Race two was a different story – Haslam made a much better start into seventh place, and as the leading seven riders broke away, Haslam stayed with them. He got past Eugene Laverty on the start of the fourth lap, then managed to get in front of Noriyuki Haga later that same lap. On lap eight, Leon Camier forced his way past Haslam and began to chase down the leaders; for the remainder of the 22-lap race, Haslam had to work hard to try and defend his track position, fighting off constant attention from Laverty, Michel Fabrizio and Haga for the majority of the race to eventually finish in fifth place. Carlos Checa took victory at the flag, from Biaggi.

 
“It’s been a tough weekend. We’ve been encountering a few minor issues that made lap-by-lap consistency difficult. The situation obviously wasn’t helped by my crash in race one, the back of the bike came round on me unexpectedly and I was unable to stop myself from crashing. I also got clipped by one of the other riders when I was on the floor, which meant I was a little sore for race two. Still I got a good start in the second race and managed to get up with the leaders but sadly I was unable to progress through the pack. But we still managed to secure another top five finish and I know that we will go away from here, work hard back at the workshop and prepare well for Monza.”


JONATHAN REA, CASTROL HONDA
Race One: 1st           Race Two: 3rd      Championship Position: 4th

“I’M HAPPY TO BE BACK WHERE I BELONG, IN THE WINNERS’ CIRCLE!”

Jonathan Rea won race one and followed it up with a podium in race two to kick start his season in style; Assen marks the home race for Rea’s team and the victory was his first of the season and the first for the newly branded Castrol Honda squad, which is based just 50km to the south of the historic 4.452km circuit. After qualifying in fifth place on the grid, Rea made a good start in the opener and passed Checa for the lead on lap four, before powering to victory from second placed Max Biaggi. In race two, the 24-year-old had a slower start and, as he tried to get by fellow Ulsterman, Eugene Laverty, Checa and Biaggi were able to open a gap which Rea was unable to bridge after his tyres went off.


“I’m proud of this one. We spent all weekend developing the bike for the races, and that strategy paid off. I got a good start but couldn’t decide whether to let Max past and let him dictate the pace. In the end I made the right decision to stay in front and take the win. We had to dig deep in race two because I got held up for a while and the front guys got away. I was matching their lap times but we ran into some tyre problems later in the race. I’m really happy with the weekend though – it’s been a long hard winter coming back from injury. The team has worked really well and that’s exactly the right sort of confidence and momentum that we need to take to the next races. I’m happy to be back where I belong, in the winners’ circle.”


Noriyuki Haga and his PATA Aprilia had a superb superpole and qualified fourth on the grid; a DNF after a poor start in race one did not go down well but he wound up race two in eighth, scrapping hard all the way.

Jakub Smrz (Effenbert Liberty Racing Ducati) qualified brilliantly and put himself second on the grid. He had to fight through the pack though, then crashed at Assen’s famous last corner chicane taking his teammate Guintoli out in the process. In race two he made it home in ninth; “The first race I was always in close contact with the front group, though I had to avoid a falling Haslam and got off line. But then I made my mistake in the chicane and inadvertently caused the crash for my teammate Guintoliho. I suffered an elbow injury that did not affect my performance in race two. I had a bad start though and during the first laps I got into contact with Camier; I finally finished in ninth place, only a few tenths from fifth place...”
After a race that was re-started twice World Supersport campaigner Broc Parkes eventually took his second podium of the year and is now only three points from the top, in second place overall, as points leader Luca Scassa crashed out; “I was a little bit fortunate that some other riders went out but I was unlucky to be bumped wide in the first turn, so it was just luck coming back my way. We have learned some things to take from this weekend to Monza and the team is always working on new things, so we can look forward to that.”

In the Superstock 1000, Arai supported rider Davide Guiglioni took a superb first place and further success followed in the European Championship Superstock 600 with Michael van de Mark also taking the win.

The next Word Superbike championship round is at Monza, with racing taking place on May 8.
For more information and news on Arai helmets please visit www.whyarai.co.uk

Friday, April 15, 2011

NICKY HAYDEN CONFIRMED TO VISIT ISLE OF MAN FOR 2011 TT RACES

MotoGP star to Experience Mountain Course with Arai Parade Lap

Arai sponsored Nicky Hayden, the 2006 MotoGP World Champion, has confirmed that he will attend the 2011 Isle of Man TT Races, fuelled by Monster Energy as part of the event's Mountain Course Centenary celebrations.


His scheduled visit, on Wednesday 8th June, will include an Arai Parade lap with five-time 2010 TT champion Ian Hutchinson and five-time Australian 500cc World Champion Mick Doohan. He will also start and present the trophy for the Monster Energy Supersport Race 2, before he begins his preparation for the British MotoGP round at Silverstone on Sunday 12th June.

The charismatic American, known as the 'Kentucky Kid', currently races for the Ducati Marlboro Team in the 2011 MotoGP championship with team-mate Valentino Rossi and finished on the podium in the second race of the season at Jerez following his 9th place at the opening round at Qatar.

Hayden is the youngest AMA Superbike champion in history, winning the title at the age of 21 in 2002, a year that also included victory in the Daytona 200. He moved to MotoGP in 2003, winning the Rookie of the Year title in his debut season and ending the season fifth overall.

He finished 3rd in the 2005 Championship, the year he also won his first race at Laguna Seca in the USA. He won the MotoGP Championship in 2006, clinching the title in the last race of the season at Valencia.
"I'm really looking forward to going to the Isle of Man. I've been to pretty much every kind of motorcycle race you can imagine-the Daytona 200, the Jerez MotoGP, the Anaheim Supercross, the Namur World Motocross-but I've never been to the Isle of Man or any other real street race. The TT is just one of those events that every race fan wants to see eventually."

Commenting on his visit to the Isle of Man he said:
"I'm really looking forward to going to the Isle of Man. I've been to pretty much every kind of motorcycle race you can imagine-the Daytona 200, the Jerez MotoGP, the Anaheim Supercross, the Namur World Motocross-but I've never been to the Isle of Man or any other real street race. The TT is just one of those events that every race fan wants to see eventually."

You'll love it Nicky! 

Photo courtesy of www.petercallisterttphotos.co.uk for more information and news on Arai Helmets please visit www.whyarai.co.uk 


Monday, April 11, 2011

Time for some lid-lovin' - SHIFT-IT HELMET RE-FRESH KEEPS IT CLEAN!

New spray joins comprehensive range of helmet care products

The Shift-It range of products are designed to look after that essential part of any motorcyclist’s kit – the helmet.

Shift-It is employed by the technicians working on the Arai British Superbike Race Service team and is also used and recommended by the Ron Haslam Race School to keep all of the Arai Chaser helmets used by students there in brand new condition. Further recognition has recently been bestowed on the brand when it took a ‘RiDE Recommendation’ in the magazine’s April issue.





New for 2011 is Shift-It Helmet Re-fresh. Formulated to eliminate odours and bacteria caused by body moisture, one application of Helmet Re-fresh (simply spray the interior and leave to dry in a well ventilated area) leaves a clean, spring fresh fragrance ready for the next ride. Available in 50ml bottles, Shift It Helmet Re-fresh has an RRP of £2.99.

A ‘Re-fresh’ on the entire Shift-It range

Anti-fog Spray            RRP: £2.49
A specially designed spray that prevents fogging on the inside of the visor.

Helmet Lining Sanitiser        RRP: £6.99
Neutral PH, formulated to help remove odours and bacteria, plus a non-aerosol dispenser safe to carry anywhere.

Helmet & Visor Cleaner        RRP: £2.99
Easily removes insects, road grime and grease leaving a streak-free finish. If used regularly will help repel rain from the visor.

Polishing Cloth            RRP: £1.50
Two lint free polishing cloths per pack, specially made for use with all Shift-It products.

Helmet Polish            RRP: £2.99
Designed to protect against abrasive dust and UV rays, leaving a high-gloss lustre on paintwork.

Helmet Grime Buster        RRP: £2.75
A soft and non-scratch sponge that removes tough grime and dirt from helmets and visors. Can also be used on leather garments with a suitable cleaning solution.

Visor Wipes            RRP: £.069
Fuss-free removal of insects, road grime and dirt, and easily carried in a pocket when out on a ride. If used regularly will help repel rain from the visor.

Helmet Care Kit            RRP: £14.99
The Shift-It Care Kit includes Helmet Polish, Lining Sanitiser, Visor Cleaner and Polishing Cloth – everything you need to look after your helmet!

Shift-It’s products contain no petroleum distillates so are safe to use on all helmet parts and visors and come in handy, pocket-sized packages so they’re easy to carry.

For more information on Shift-It Helmet Re-fresh, or the rest of the Shift It range contact 01782 569800 or visit www.phoenixnw.co.uk to find your nearest dealer.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

GEORGE WHITE'S 'BLAST' OPEN WEEKEND GETS BIGGER AND BETTER...Arai riders and race service present at this Five Star dealer event.

George White’s annual season opener, ‘BLAST’, promises to be bigger and better than ever for 2011. Expect big names, bargains and entertainment a-plenty as the two-day extravaganza returns to the company’s HQ in Swindon on 16/17 April.
The eagerly anticipated dealer event of the year is always one not to be missed and this year is no exception. Visitors can kick off the Spring in style with a spectacular mix of mad deals and stunning action – all topped off with appearances from the cream of the racing crop.

Top riders from British Superbike Championship will head to Swindon for a final relaxed weekend before the 2011 season explodes into action at Brands Hatch seven days later. The line-up boasts Arai sponsored Relentless new-signing Josh Brooks and 2010 BSB Evo champion Steve Brogan, three-times BSB champion Ryuichi Kiyonari, all-new Swan Yamaha pairing Tommy Hill and Michael Laverty, MSS duo Gary Mason and Stuart Easton, Motorpoint Yamaha mounted James Westmoreland, Glen Richards on his WRF Honda and fan-favourite Chris Walker. The “voice of BSB” Fred Clarke will also be on hand all weekend to interview the rider – many of whom will be sporting their 2011 team colours for the first time.
Away from the racing stars and autograph hunting, there are plenty of other activities to keeps visitors entertained. Arai will have their BSB race service truck and technicians present, so bring your helmet along and have it serviced by the same guys who’ll be doing the honours at Brands Hatch the following weekend.

Twelve-times World Trials Champion Dougie Lampkin will wow the crowds with his grafity-defying displays, while The Fuel Girls will perform their incredible fire-breathing routine hot off the back of their London shows. If that’s not enough, stunt demon Mattie Griffin will entertain with his awe-inspiring shows aboard his new BMW F800R. The Monster Chevy Pickup Truck will be making a special appearance dispensing FREE drinks for an hour on Saturday together with FREE Monster stickers for bikes and helmets.

For adrenalin-seekers wanting to take part in the action, George White will be offering the ultimate rush in the reverse bungee jump. A first for what has been acknowledged as the Best Dealer Event in the UK, the reverse bungee will get booked up quickly so visitors should arrive early to secure a place. For the kids, Honda will provide the entertainment in the form of My First Honda License, introducing children aged between 5-11 to the joys of motorcycling.
The core reason for any George White event is the bargains and this weekend won’t disappoint with boots from £1, gloves from 50p and jackets from £2. Early shoppers will find suits and helmets at crazy prices and one lucky winner will be able to choose ANY machine from the vast GW showroom to use for a year - with insurance and servicing thrown in for good measure.

This really is a weekend not to be missed, with fun and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy absolutely free. ‘BLAST’ will take place on 16/17 April at George White, Athena Avenue, Elgin Drive, Swindon. For more details visit www.georgewhite.co.uk - MCN Dealer of the Year.