TOUGH TEST IN SPAIN FOR HASLAM

Arai wearer LEON HASLAM battled to seventh and sixth place finishes respectively in round eight of the World Superbike Championship at Aragon in Spain on Sunday.

Haslam: Tough in Spain

The BMW rider qualified on the front row of the grid for the two 20-lap races before a wrong rear tyre choice ended his chances of victory in the opening encounter and race two mistakes prevented a sixth podium finish of the season.
 
“In race one we simply opted for the wrong compound rear tyre,” admitted Haslam. “In the warm up in the morning the race tyre that we had already chosen only lasted seven laps so we made a last minute gamble to go with the hardest tyre which we had not really run over the weekend.
 
“We knew that the pace of the tyre would not be so good at the beginning of the race but hoped that it would come good at the end. My lap times remained constant but I just had zero grip. It was the wrong choice and we missed out on a podium as I felt I could have definitely challenged Carlos Checa for third.”
 
Haslam continued: “In race two I had a better start and felt pretty good but then ran off the circuit and lost a lot of time. I pushed again and got back up to battle with Checa and Sykes and a few other guys but ran off the circuit again.
 
“Every time I went a little bit deeper on the brakes I really struggled. I was pretty happy to finish ahead of Sykes and Checa but I felt that we had a good enough pace, especially at the end of the race, to be in the leading group. There were just too many mistakes today.”

HASLAM AIMING FOR ARAGON GLORY

LEON HASLAM is looking to repeat his podium finish of the last round at Misano in Italy when he contests round eight of the World Superbike Championship at Aragon in Spain on Sunday.

Arai's Haslam- eyeing up the podium

Haslam took his fifth podium finish of the year with third place at Misano and currently sits in sixth place in the World Championship after seven of the 14 rounds.
 
“The first half of the season has been full of ups and downs,” recalled Haslam. “I’ve had a few podium finishes but should have had at least two or three wins. But it has been a very tough first half of the season, with breaking my leg, crashing in the lead in Holland, being taken out whilst leading at Donington and some other annoying little issues.
 
“I’ve missed out on a lot of points that should’ve been in the bag but we are all still very close in the Championship. And I’m confident about the second part of the season. We know we can win and we know we can fight for the podium every weekend.”
 
Haslam is relishing the challenge of returning to Aragon after a two-day test at the circuit last week.
 
“Aragon was a new circuit last year so it was the first time for everyone. Many teams have tested there since, as we did last week and we found good settings for the S1000RR so I am looking forward again to racing at Aragon.
 
“Last year it was not the best of weekends for us, Troy broke his arm and I had pretty average results. But this time I am really looking forward to going there. The track is very demanding, it has a lot of corners that hang on to you. It is not a circuit that suits an aggressive riding style, more fast and flowing. You have to be very precise with your lines and your set-up, but all of that produces good racing.”

www.whyarai.co.uk

HASLAM HOPING FOR HOME GLORY

 

  LEON HASLAM is chasing victory in Sundays fifth round of the World Superbike Championship and in his home round, at Donington Park, Leics.

BMWs Haslam took his third podium finish of 2012 at Monza last Sunday on the S1000RR and is keen to grab his first win and the first win in the series for BMW in Sundays 23-lap races at the 2.49-mile circuit near Derby.

Leon Haslam- wearing a replica of his Dad's most famous design this weekend

 I really enjoy Donington, said Haslam. We had a tough time there last year and I almost had a big crash but with the improvements we have made at BMW Motorrad I can look forward to racing in front of my home crowd with plenty of optimism.

We will have to wait and see what the weather will be like but this round is a couple of months later than it was last year so hopefully it will be a lot warmer.

Haslam, 28, added: Donington Park is renowned for being one of the heaviest braking circuits and it always produces good races, so I am looking forward to it.

As part of the celebration of his 25^th anniversary of wearing Arai helmets, Haslam will wear a retro design RX-7 this weekend to again recognise the Arai relationship and, as it is the home race, also recognise his father Rons achievements at Donington Park.

Leon's Helmet for Donington

 The design is a copy of Ron's most famous helmet and again includes the 25^th Anniversary logo that Leon is carrying throughout 2012.

It's always nice to be able to do something a little different and although this design is not that technical it is widely recognised from Dad's racing days and he has strong links with Donington so I hope it will be enjoyed by the fans, said Haslam.

He continued: Arai have done a great job with this retro RX-7 and I'm really looking forward to wearing the retro design just for this weekend.

For more information on Arai Helmets in the UK please visit www.whyarai.co.uk

HASLAM SEARCHING FOR DUTCH DELIGHT

Arai racer Leon Haslam is aiming for success in Sunday’s third round of the World Superbike Championship at the historic Assen circuit in the north of Holland.

Leon Haslam

 BMW’s Haslam has taken three podium finishes from the last three years at Assen and
is hoping to continue that run this weekend.

“Assen is a great track and one of my favourites,” said Haslam. “It’s a fast and flowing
circuit and there’s always a lot of British fans at Assen so it provides a great
atmosphere.”

After the opening two rounds – in Australia and Italy – the S1000RR rider is fourth in the
World Championship and arrives in Holland on the back of two podium finishes after
taking third place in both races at Imola three weeks ago.

“The Imola round was good for results but it was also very good for the consistent performance we found with the machine and Pirelli tyres throughout the weekend,”
continued Haslam. “I’m really pleased with the way the team is working this year and I’d
like to think our hard work will let us challenge for race wins soon and the world title.”
Haslam tested at Mugello in Italy on Tuesday and believes the BMW machine continues
to improve as he looks to give the German manufacturer a first win.

He concluded: “We are getting closer and closer to that first victory and if I get a chance
to win I’ll be taking it. At Imola I was only three seconds away from the victory so it’s all
very positive.”

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

ARAI APPOINTS MOTODIRECT AS NEW UK DISTRIBUTOR

Arai Helmet Europe has appointed MotoDirect as the new distributor for the UK. The transition of the distributorship, including the current stock, is expected to take place in May this year. 

Representatives from Arai and MotoDirect- UK's new Arai distributor

The innovative, individual marketing approach towards the Arai brand and the talent to understand and to anticipate product trends were decisive factors. Furthermore MotoDirect is a very well respected distributor and this together with the matching professional, yet passionate attitude towards the Arai brand, have made MotoDirect the first choice for the Arai distributorship.

As MotoDirect is highly experienced in developing premium brand business and building up the existing dealer network, customer and media relations, Arai firmly believes in expanding the Arai brand awareness and premium image in the UK even further in 2012.

Debbie Bullock (managing director MotoDirect):  "We are extremely proud that Arai Helmet Europe has appointed MotoDirect as their new UK distributor. With MotoDirect’s experience and passion we are sure this new relationship will strengthen both Arai’s and MotoDirect’s reputation for both quality and excellence."

Ingmar Stroeven (managing director Arai Helmet Europe): "The individual, personalized approach of MotoDirect immediately appealed to us. We strongly believe in the ability of MotoDirect to move Arai forward. As a highly respected distributor in the UK, MotoDirect adds additional value to the Arai brand. We are therefore confident that we will develop a long lasting, successful relationship."

For additional information about MotoDirect, please contact: Chris Day - chris.day@moto-direct.com / +44 (0) 1773 864435.

For additional information about Arai Helmet Europe, please contact: Sander van de Water - swater@araieur.nl / +31 33 25 410 10.

ARAI'S MARIA COSTELLO MBE JOINS THE COOKSTOWN/BE RACING TEAM FOR THE TT

IRISH Supertwins Champion John Burrows will be joined in the Cookstown/BE Racing team this year for selected events by one of the fastest ladies in the world - Maria Costello MBE.

Maria Costello MBE- back at the TT!

Burrows, having been selected by the Moira Motorcycle Racing Club to ride their Honda CBR600 RR in the Supersport class this year, decided to look for a rider to ride his own Yamaha R6, rather than leave it sitting idle in his workshop, and the Northamptonshire lady met all his requirements.

Burrows commented: "After Maria found out my R6 was available she made contact with me and after discussions I was delighted to welcome her to the Cookstown/BE Racing team. Maria will ride the Yamaha at the Cookstown 100, the Isle of Man TT and selected other national events after the TT. Before hitting the roads, Maria will get the chance to test the machine at Kirkistown.

"Maria is a very professional and fast rider and I'm certain she will be an asset to the team. It would have been a shame if the R6 had to sit and gather dust this season, it will be great to see it in action. I'm confident Maria will get some decent results on it and I'm sure her appearances on it will bring all my sponsors some extra exposure. It's a win-win-win situation. It's sizzling news as the team enters its second year with sausage producers Cookstown as title sponsor."

Maria Costello MBE is the second fastest lady ever around the famous 37.73 miles Isle of Man Mountain Circuit, only bettered by Jenny Tinmouth. Maria has lapped there at an impressive 114.73 mph.

The 38-year-old has also twice finished on the Manx Grand Prix rostrum. Maria was third in the 2005 Manx Ultra-Lightweight on a RVF 400 while last year she finished third in the Manx Classic 250cc race on a Bob Jackson Suzuki.
2012 will see Maria make her third visit to Cookstown and the previous two have not been without success. In 2010 she finished third in the Supersport 400 race while last year she was second to Tom Llewelyn in one of the Supertwins events.

In addition to the Cookstown/BE Yamaha R6, Maria will also ride a number of other machines this season. She will have a Pr1mo ZX10R, a 650 Kawasaki, a Team Classic Suzuki XR69 and the Jackson T20 Suzuki.

Maria said: "Joining Cookstown/BE Racing is a great opportunity for me. It's a team with a proven pedigree so I know I'll have a very competitive R6 underneath me. I'd like to thank Steve Wheatman of Hol-Taj and the European Shoe Machinery Company for making the ride possible for me."

Cookstown/BE Racing's number one rider John Burrows will have a Suzuki 1000 Superbike, a Kawasaki 1000 Superstock, a KBM Kawasaki 650 and the Moira MRC Honda 600 at his disposal this year. In addition to Cookstown and BE, he has also retained the financial support of H2 Engineering, the Joni B Supporters Club, Wayne Acheson, Cavanagh/Kelly, Kronos Audio Visual and Cookstown Caravans.

Maria would like to add a huge thank you for the continued support of her sponsors: Hol-Taj, Pr1mo, ESM, Ratech Racing, Rock Oil, Draper Tools, Arai, Vmtek Suspensions, Wilbers, Pirelli, Racing Batteries, Radicool, Jap4Performance, Skidmarx, NGK, EBC, HEL, GBRacing, 1 Off Design, Knox, The Image Works, Able Labels, Alpha Powder Coatings, Daytona, Racebikebitz, Stomp, Pipercross, Christian Baker, Dallington Racquets & Fitness Club, DnG, Sparkes Management Support, Stomp, B&C, Webtech Software, Bournemouth Kawasaki, Hope&Social, Sauls of Spratton & Wiz.

Find out more about Maria's 2012 racing plans at www.costelloracing.com
Follow the pizza race bike blog at www.pizzaracebike.blogspot.com
You can also follow her on Twitter @Maria Costello @TheTruckThat

For more information about Arai helmets in the UK please visit www.whyarai.co.uk

Find us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/whyaraipage

The Leon Haslam Classic

THE second annual Leon Haslam Classic will be held at Wellingborough Golf Club, Northants.
on Tuesday June 12 with children’s medical research charity SPARKS hoping the £12,000
event donation of 2011 can be repeated. 

Haslam's buddy ex-boxer John Conteh- Tee shot packs a punch..

BMW’s World Superbike Championship rider Leon Haslam will host the event once more which is again expected to be a 30-team sell-out at the 18th century Harrowden Hall venue.

Wellingborough’s 6711-yard classical parkland course offers the competitive challenge before the evening’s dinner and entertainment in the lawn marquee completes the fun-packed day.

“Last year’s event was superb and a lot of those present have said they’re already looking forward to this year’s event,” said Haslam. “It’s thanks to everyone at SPARKS and at Wollaston BMW in Northampton that we could put the event together and get it to be a regular fixture on both the golfing and the motorcycle racing calendars.” 

Willie Thorne - switches from 6 holes to 18

In addition to Haslam and his 2011 team-mate and twice World Superbike Champion Troy
Corser, the event’s celebrities included Olympic stars Kris Akabusi and Derek Redmond, actors Kevin Whately and Warren Clarke, boxer John Conteh and snooker’s Willie Thorne.

SPARKS golf manager David Barker commented: “Being back at Wellingborough last year was really well received by everyone involved with SPARKS and a lot of the celebrities are keen to return this year for Leon’s event.”

SPARKS – SPorts Aiding medical Research for KidS – has donated more than £22m to medical
research since 1991 to tackle a wide range of conditions diagnosed in babies and young
children.

The SPARKS golf calendar includes events at Woburn, Sunningdale, Loch Lomond, The Grove, Celtic Manor, La Manga, Wentworth and Turnberry and its golf day hosts include Harry Redknapp, Steve Redgrave and Matthew Pinsent, Sir Trevor Brooking and Matt Le Tissier.

The 2012 SPARKS President is former footballer and keen golfer David Ginola while Sir Geoff Hurst MBE is a Life President along with one of the charity’s founders, Jimmy Hill OBE.

For further information regarding the Leon Haslam Classic please contact Chris Herring;
chris.herring1@virgin.net / tel: 07721 935351.

ARAI’S RIDERS GET READY FOR PHILLIP ISLAND WSBK SEASON OPENER

A strong Arai line-up looks set to battle for WSBK title.......

The waiting is finally over and the World Superbike season roars into action this weekend with racing in Australia at the legendary Phillip Island 4.5km circuit.

Arai has an impressive line-up of riders in the 2012 series, including Leon Haslam, Jonathan Rea, Hiroshi Aoyama, John Hopkins, Jakub Smrz and Davide Giugliano all wearing Arai’s benchmark RX-7GP and all raring to go!

Leon Haslam 2012 design

BMW's Leon Haslam, supporting a brand new design on his Arai RX-7GP and celebrating 25 years of wearing Arai, concluded last week’s three day test at Phillip Island finishing third on the final day and reported the S1000RR to be the best it had felt in all his time with BMW.  Unfortunately on this week’s official test Leon crashed exiting the last corner and has been diagnosed with a fractured right tibia and this may affect his participation in the weekend’s WSBK opening round.

Jonathan Rea design

Two more Arai stars Jonathan Rea and Hiroshi Aoyama team up this year and lead the charge for the Honda World Superbike team. Rea starts his fourth season on the Fireblade and, following an injury-blighted 2011, the 24-year-old is looking forward to a consistent title challenge this year. Japanese ace Hiroshi Aoyama, the 2009 World 250cc champion, joins the team following two years as a Honda MotoGP rider. 

Hiroshi Aoyama design

Crescent Fixi Suzuki rider John Hopkins, who provided a thrilling finale to last year’s British Superbike series, will miss the first race due to a broken hand sustained in a high side crash last week. Drafted in for John is Australian rider Josh Brookes who has been racing in BSB for the last couple of years and has previously raced in both the World Superbike and Supersport championships.   
  
Czech rider Jakub Smrz, who had his fair share of bad luck in 2011, stays with Liberty Racing Team Effenbert for the 2012 season and making the move to WSBK is Davide Giugliano who partners the 2011 championship winner Carlos Checa in the Althea Racing team.

In World Supersport, Arai will support numerous riders including Broc Parkes who finished 4th last year and switches team and bikes to ride for Ten Kate Racing Products on the Honda CBR600RR.

All of Arai’s riders will once again be wearing the Arai RX-7GP, a helmet considered by many as the benchmark against which others are measured.  Featuring a peripherally belted Structural Net Compose (SNC) shell, with hyper ridge strengthening in its lower section, a wider aperture with larger visor for better vision and a five position Air Wing to reduce drag, turbulence and buffering, the RX-7GP is the most technologically advanced motorcycle helmet Arai has ever produced and easily surpasses ECE 22.05 and was the first helmet to meet the new Snell M2012 standard.

For more information on the Arai range telephone 01782 569800 or visit www.whyarai.co.uk

ARAI'S 'NITRO NORI' HAGA FIRED UP FOR MCE BRITISH SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP WITH SWAN YAMAHA

We're delighted that Arai rider Nori Haga is coming to BSB. The OFFICIAL anouncement happened today, putting an end to the rumours...

The Swan Yamaha team has today (Monday) confirmed that World Superbike sensation Noriyuki Haga will be completing their line-up for the 2012 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship as he permanently replaces the injured Ian Hutchinson for the forthcoming season.

One of our Haga Replicas

Fans’ favourite Haga is famous for his flamboyant riding style with much of his World Championship success in the past powered by Yamaha. Japanese ace Haga joins the MCE BSB Championship with the Swan Yamaha team following a record of 43 race wins in the World Championship, finishing runner-up in the title race on three occasions (2009, 2007, 2000) and securing third in the overall standings in an additional four seasons (2008, 2006, 2005, 2004).

Haga has already celebrated success on MCE BSB Championship circuits at World level including podium finishes at Brands Hatch, Donington Park, Silverstone and Assen as the Japanese contender prepares for his first full season in MCE BSB which gets underway at Brands Hatch on Easter weekend (6-9 April).

And another of our Haga replicas

Haga said: “It is a new challenge for me to race in BSB and I am now ready for the new season with Swan Yamaha. I feel that after many years in the same series this will be a kind of restart to my racing career. BSB has grown a lot and I have big support from the fans in the UK, so I liked the idea of racing in the Championship. It will also be a return to Yamaha, where I spent so many years taking many wins and now I feel like I am going back to my family. I have won races with Yamaha before in the World Championship and now I hope that we can do it again in BSB. I don't know several circuits in England and the BSB Championship but I will do my best to get results this year for the fans, myself and for Yamaha. We will start testing soon and I am very excited to get back on track as we have big ambitions for this season. Finally I hope that Ian Hutchinson can recover soon from his injury.”

Team Owner Shaun Muir concluded: “It was a difficult situation for the Swan Yamaha team when Ian (Hutchinson) was sidelined with just four weeks remaining before we begin our pre-season testing programme. We then had to set out to find a replacement rider and the result for us could not have been better. We are absolutely delighted that Noriyuki will be joining us and we are now looking forward to welcoming him into the team. Noriyuki has such vast experience of racing a Superbike and during his career has always had a strong partnership with Yamaha and we are happy that we can continue that relationship this year. The Swan Yamaha team won the title last season and Noriyuki is really ready for the challenge of BSB and is coming to race here to win.”

Swan Marketing Manager Mark Alldred concluded: “We are thrilled to confirm the full team line up for the 2012 season after Ian’s unfortunate injury. We are delighted to welcome Noriyuki Haga to the team at this late stage. He has a fantastic pedigree at the highest level and will be a real contender for the championship this year. We have a great rider line-up at Swan Yamaha having signed two of the top riders in the championship. We wish them both the best of luck for the forthcoming season.”

Good luck to Nori from all at Arai. For more information on Arai helmets in the UK and to find your nearest dealer please visit www.whyarai.co.uk 

NEW ARAI AXCES II NOW AVAILABLE IN THE UK

Packed with Arai’s class-leading features...

The Arai Axces helmet arrived in 2010 and proved an instant, and consistent, hit offering as it did all the hallmarks of premium Arai quality, innovation and fit matched to a great retail price point. It opened the brand up to many riders who aspired to own an Arai, and was given the Value Award in the November 2011 RiDE Magazine Awards issue.

Axces II Classic Star

Debuted to the motorcycling public at Motorcycle Live back in November 2011, the new Arai Axces II builds firmly on the success of the original. Its features and benefits have evolved, and it remains attractively priced. It is now in stock and can be found in Arai Five Star dealers up and down the country.

The Axces II’s new Super Fibre Construction (SFC) outer shell has been re-designed with an enlarged aperture and SAI visor giving better peripheral vision. It uses Arai’s Hyper Ridge reinforcement around the helmet’s lower section, just as the MotoGP-spec RX-7 GP does, combined with a triple density inner shell.

Axces II Triubte

The sophisticated ventilation system has new-style front and rear Air Conductor vents, plus a three-position chin vent with larger intake holes, plus the usual brow vents in the visor. An extra top vent is available as an option. Arai’s lever release visor system ensures swift and tool-free visor removal and replacement in seconds, and its holders are aerodynamically recessed. The 2mm visor is Pinlock® ready and features a de-misting visor lock position.

Axces II Stage

The new luxury fixed inner liner features removable cheekpads, which are available in several thicknesses to create a custom fit. As used in all Arai helmets, the ‘Double D’ ring fastening system ensures correct strap tension at all times.

The Axces II is available in a wide range of designs and plain colours with sizes ranging from XS–XXL and an RRP of £349.99 for plain colours and £449.99 for designs.  For more information on the Axces II, or the rest of the Arai range call Phoenix on 01782 569800, or visit www.whyarai.co.uk 

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 13th consecutive year, Arai came out top of the JD Power and Associates Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Study. 

Stan tests Arai at 100mph in the Dakar!

Following a crash at 100mph on Stage 8, as well as a contentious navigational ruling by the event organizers, Irish and British 2012 hopeful and Arai wearer Stan Watt is keeping his Crescent KTM 450 Factory Replica Rally machine in contention for a successful 2012 Dakar Rally finish.

Stan Watt - still going strong despite a 100mph 'off'

Hindered by some non-bike related technical issues in the early stages, Watt started Stage 7 in 46th place hopeful of making up valuable time over the following fast stages. Yet, as many Dakar riders would agree, good luck and a smooth run can be hard to come by.

Stage 7 saw the riders do a full loop from Copiapo, travelling along narrow tracks in the hills followed by a vast stretch of sand dunes. Rearing to go after a cancelled previous stage, Watt was quick to make up good time and finished the day in 42nd overall. After a rest day on Sunday, Stage 8 took participants from Copiapo to Antofagasta, which contains the rally’s longest special stage on very fast-paced, stone-covered tracks. Running in 21st place after a good start, Watt briefly lost visibility in another rider’s dust cloud and crashed at 100mph after hitting a boulder. Thankfully he walked away from the incident without too greater damage to himself or the bike, and managed to finish the remaining 350km without losing any places overall.

Stage 9, from Antofagasta to Iquique, had been branded as one of the more difficult routes to navigate due to its very limited landmarks. Watt, patched up with a fully working Crescent KTM 450, made tremendous headway, proving in particular his navigational prowess by being only one of five competitors to reach Waypoint 6. However, a controversial ruling by Dakar organizers to subsequently strike this waypoint from the stage has left Watt in 41st position overall. This ruling, which cost him 15th place on the stage and a big jump up the leader board, is being contested by Watt and his support team.

Stan Watt:

“It’s been an eventful last few days. I was making good progress on Stage 8, but then hit a big boulder at around 100mph after I briefly lost visibility in a plume of dust from another rider. This then bucked me off the bike, but thankfully myself and the bike didn’t have any serious damage. My helmet did its job, I lost a little bit of skin, and my wrists are slightly bruised – but nothing that is hindering my riding. The main damage on the bike was the handlebars, which looked like they were more suited to a custom low rider after the crash. Over the remaining 350km I tried to minimize the time loss, and managed to not drop any places. I was lucky to finish that day.

“On Stage 9 I was going really well, and was one of maybe five guys to hit Waypoint 6. But the organizers deemed it too tricky because so few people found it – and cancelled it. Me and the team are contesting this strongly, as this would have given me a great boost overall.

“Apart from the snags we keep hitting, everything is looking good for the next few stages. The bike is going really well, I’m feeling good, and if we can get this decision overturned, we should be able to make our way through the rankings.” 

With another 6 race days left to go, Watt currently holds an overall time of 36:28:27hrs with a variation of 7:43:10hrs.

Keep abreast with all the latest action from Stan and Crescent KTM’s Dakar adventure by following the official Twitter feed @crescentmoto.

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

Dakar Update - Tuesday 4th January 2012

Crescent KTM’s Stan Watt flying through the ranks at 2012 Dakar

In his third Dakar to date, Irish and British 2012 hopeful Stan Watt has been barging his way through the field these first three days of the rally on his Crescent KTM 450 Factory Replica Rally machine.

Stan's going well now!

With a starting position back in 60th place, Watt had anticipated a difficult start from the beginning with a lot of riders to pass on what can be a very busy and dusty track. Stage 1 took the riders from the festive start at Mar del Plata through a short warm-up special stage along the dunes on the seafront, after which a long and fast liaison section guided them to Santa Rosa de la Pampa. Watt’s plan to reach the top 30 early on where however hampered by some minor top end speed issues, seeing him end Stage 1 in 87th place.

With his support team in tow, the issue was rapidly resolved before Stage 2, which saw the competitors head further in-land towards San Rafael. The first part was once again very quick with big, fast bends on firm ground, after which progress was slowed down significantly with a stage through the grey-coloured sand dunes of Nihuil. With no issues to contend with and his sights firmly set on a successful rally, Watt did not hang around and charged through the field into 56th.

Stage 3 proved the first of the very though tests for the riders, heading into the Andes Cordillera to San Juan. Its breathtaking landscapes may be easy on the eye, but are a real challenge for the riders - placing many rivers, holes and rocks in their way – as well as providing some incredibly steep climbs. Watt however, was once again in a valiant mood and passed yet another five riders to improve his overall ranking to 51st.

Despite being off his desired top 30, Watt remains positive and feels that he is now firmly settling into the rally.

Stan Watt says:

“It may not have been the start I had hoped for, but I am now really getting into it. The first day unfortunately saw me have some top end speed issues, which hampered my progress on the first stage. Yet there was not an awful lot of time separating the top 100.

“The Crescent KTM is working really well now and I am very much starting to settle in to the rally. There are some very hard days ahead for all riders, and I’m extremely confident that I’ll be making up yet more places. I’m now firmly looking to head into the top 30.”

With another 12 race days left to go, Watt currently holds an overall time of 9:21:07hrs with a variation of 1:49:25hrs.

Keep abreast with all the latest action from Stan and Crescent KTM’s Dakar adventure by following our official Twitter feed @crescentmoto and by checking out our website www.crescent-motorcycles.com. 

Stan Watt and Crescent KTM would like to thank: KTM UK / Motorex Lubricants / Voltcom Group / Michelin UK / Talon / Adventure Spec / Proseal / Arai / Mototech / Proprinting

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