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

The Battle For Britain!

Click the image to view the full poster

All involved with Arai Helmets in the UK are keen to show our support for our lads serving in Afghanistan.

We're taking the Arai Race / Servce Truck to support the Royal Air Force Association's Wings Appeal Easter Egg Run on Sunday, 28th March, ending up at RAF Cosford in Shropshire.

We'll be selling tickets (proceeds to help RAF personnel serving in Afghanistan) for £1 for a chance to win a Rea/Crutchlow/Haslam one-off signed... 'Battle for Britain' poster! Please come and support us and spread the word.

This truely is a genuine one-off poster - and this could be the year a Brit wins the WSB!!

We'd love to see you at RAF Cosford, remember of course you can come and see us on the truck and get your Arai Helmet safety checked and serviced, for free!

More about Arai Helmets, dealers, news etc. at www.whyarai.co.uk

Leon Haslam - This feels great!

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






“THIS FEELS GREAT!”
Leon Haslam recorded his first ever World Superbike win in the first race of this year’s World Championship at Phillip Island. He led from start to finish and took the flag, just 4000ths-of-a-second ahead of Michel Fabrizio (Ducati). His win in race one and runner-up spot in the second puts him on the very top of the Superbike World Championship, nine points ahead of his nearest rival.

“I am so happy to get my first WSBK win and it feels great! I want to thank the team for having faith in me. The first race was such hard work and it was impossible to relax for a second. I realised that Fabrizio was in my wheel tracks going into the last turn and would try and use the draft to get past me, but I kept my head down and charged to the flag. I was so unbelievably happy to win and it was such a fantastic feeling. In race two, I had some problems with rear traction but still thought I could win. I had a great fight with Sylvain but I finally got ahead of him and made it stick. Then suddenly, Carlos was there – he dived under me just three corners from the end, on the last lap. I tried to get him back but he managed to hold me off and take the flag. It feels good to take a win and a second in my first race with the team and it feels fantastic to be leading the Championship.”

Congratulations to Leon and the rest of the Arai riders, from all at Phoenix distribution, official UK importers of Arai

www.whyarai.co.uk
www.phoenixnw.co.uk

Haslam's thoughts..

Here's Leon Haslam's blogged thoughts as he prepares for the first WSB race of the season. Interesting reading!

Not long now and we’ll be starting the first race weekend of the year and I cannot wait. It seems a long time since the last race, but I’ve kept busy over the winter and trained a lot to be 100% for Australia.



I left England on February12th and flew to Singapore. I spent the night there then went to an Island called Bintan, about 40 kms away, and was there for three and a bit days. Oli and I stayed at a small resort and during our stay we went on an elephant safari, did some archery and some bodyboarding. The resort had a good gym, so I also kept up my training programme. There was a variety of food at the resort and sometimes I ate sushi and sometimes Italian. We went from there to Melbourne and arrived on the 18th and straight to the kangaroo park and fed some of them whilst Oli took the usual photos. Next day we went to the track and met up with everybody and talked to the mechanics and prepared for the two-day test. I was really happy at the end of the test because we had done a lot of good work on getting the bike ready for the race and working out a good strategy. We didn’t chase any lap times at all, because they weren’t as important as sorting out the bike for the race.

The following day, Sylvain and I went surfing at Smithy Beach and although the waves weren’t so good, we had a great time anyway. We had to be a bit careful because there was a strong undercurrent, which made getting out a bit hard, but it was fun anyway. After meeting my team for lunch it was off to the golf course for a round with Pere Riba and Roger Lee Hayden. In the evening I had dinner with the team and an early night because we had to be at the circuit by 8.15 the next morning to get a helicopter to Melbourne for a media event. Eight of us riders went to the Eureka Tower and the Skydeck on the 88th floor where we met the Minister for Sport and a load of photos and interviews were done. On the way back to Phillip Island, I sat next to the pilot which was pretty cool and I got some great views at the same time.

Back on the island and I went fishing with my dad, Cal Crutchlow and his dad. We caught about eight decent fish and had a nice relaxed time. In the evening I had dinner with the team in a Mexican restaurant and an early night again. Thursday morning I went to the track to talk to my team and get ready for first practice on Friday.

I love coming to Phillip Island because it is one of the few places we go to where we can spend some chill-out time, have some fun, do some sports and some sight-seeing. There are heaps of things to do and it’s great to have the chance to do so much, when normally we are in and out of a country pretty quickly. And the circuit is fantastic so it’s a great place to start the championship.

Thanks to Suzuki Racing for this!

World Superbikes

It's soon come around - this weekend (26/2/10) sees the start of the WSB 2010 calendar, kicking off at Philip Island, Australia.

Arai Sponsored riders Leon Haslam, Cal Crutchlow and Jonathan Rea are raring to go, sporting some superb helmet designs.

Jonathan will be wearing his new black / grey design, Cal his 2009 design with the 'Monster' logo and Leon, well he'll be wearing this:



Have a peek at more shots of the design and get info on when they are available to buy in the UK by visiting our Flickr photo account - just click on the fitst batch of pictures in the column on the right!