Australian former World Champion Mick Doohan confirmed to attend TT2011

Mick Doohan to complete lap of the course with Ian Hutchinson!

Former Grand Prix World Champion Mick Doohan, who won five consecutive 500cc World Championships in the late nineties, has confirmed that he will be visiting the Isle of Man for the 2011 TT Races.

His visit to the Isle of Man includes starting the Monster Energy Supersport 2 Race and presenting the trophies for the PokerStars Senior TT. He will also complete an Arai parade lap on a Honda Fireblade with 5 time 2010 TT Champion Ian Hutchinson on Wednesday 8th June as well as being a VIP Guest in the hospitality suite. He will be meeting fans on Thursday 9th June as part of the 'Day of Champions'.

The popular Australian is widely considered to be one of the greatest motorcycle racers in the history of the sport. Only Giacomo Agostini with eight and Valentino Rossi with seven have won more World Championships.

Riding for Honda, he won his first 500cc world championship in 1994 and dominated the class until 1998, winning five consecutive championships. In 1997, his most successful year, Doohan won 12 out of 15 races, finishing second in another two and crashed out of the final race of the season at his home GP when winning by more than six seconds.

In June 1996 Doohan was inducted as a Member of the Order of Australia for his contribution to the sport of motor racing. In 1999, following an accident in qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix, Doohan announced his retirement.

Commenting on his visit, Doohan said:

"I'm really looking forward to visiting the Isle of Man and seeing a race or two. I'm a massive fan of all bike sport and the TT Races has a huge pedigree and is obviously world famous so I want to go and see what all the fuss is about. I have a great respect for what those guys do there - I've seen some YouTube footage and its looks mad. I'm sure when I'm sitting in someone's front garden with a beer or a cup of nice English tea it will look even madder."

"I've had a great relationship with Arai over the years and they are pretty involved as an Official Helmet partner so it will be great to dust down the leathers and get a lap of the famous Mountain Course as well as having the chance to meet some fans."

Following his trip to the Isle of Man, Doohan will also be visiting Silverstone to see the British leg of the MotoGP Championship. He added:

"I'll be hopping over to Silverstone for the MotoGP race right after the TT to catch up with some old mates. I've never visited the place before and with all the new work they've been doing to the track and the pits it all looks pretty cool."

Paul Phillips, the TT and Motorsport Manager, Isle of Man Government, commented:

"This visit is a real coup for the TT organisation as Mick is truly one of the greatest and most flamboyant motorcycle riders of all time. His visit will really boost the profile of the event and generate even more media coverage and I'm sure that TT fans will enjoy meeting this Australian legend."

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

MotoGP Round 1, Losail, Qatar, Sunday March 20th - 21 March 2011

DANI PEDROSA, REPSOL HONDA
Race Position: 3rd Championship Position: 3rd

“I DON’T KNOW WHAT WE HAVE TO DO…”
Dani Pedrosa started the first race of the 2011 MotoGP season at a floodlight Losail racetrack riding hard – and was framing for the top step of the podium in the early stages. Once passed by teammate Casey Stoner, however he eventually faded into the clutches of Yamaha-mounted Jorge Lorenzo and ended up with the last rostrum place. Even though he is starting his campaign fit and well – for the first time in a while – the Spaniard was not happy with his result.

“I’m disappointed, not for the race I had, but for the physical problems I had again with my left arm. Already in practice I felt something, but I was not sure if it could be that bad, at the end I couldn’t grab the handlebar and in the last 7-8 laps I couldn’t use the clutch at all. I was just holding the arm and I was suffering a lot. I feel sorry for my team as well, because the bike was very good, fast, perfect also in the corners. I’m proud of how I've been riding, I’ve been fighting with Casey in this circuit as nobody else did in the past but at the same time I feel sad because I don’t know what the future will bring. I know we will go to Jerez in two weeks, where the bike will run very well, and I’m very strong and fast, but I don’t know what will happen.”

CAL CRUTCHLOW, MONSTER YAMAHA TECH 3
Race Position: 11th Championship Position: 11th 

“MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!”
Cal Crutchlow made an impressive MotoGP debut at Losail, having started in front of Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards on the grid. Hampered again by the nasty left little finger injury he suffered during the pre-race test in Qatar less than a week ago, Crutchlow rose to the occasion brilliantly, fighting for the top ten for most of the 22-lap race. He was right on the back of a group battling for ninth that was headed by Nicky Hayden, Hiroshi Aoyama and Hector Barbera; but Barbera proved tough to overtake and Crutchlow lost contact with Hayden and Aoyama with three laps remaining. He was rewarded for his determined performance when he swept by Barbera on the final lap to finish 11th.

“I’m pretty happy with that and honestly I’d have liked to have got a top ten after how well qualifying went. I couldn’t keep up with the group that included Nicky and Aoyama because it was tough to pass Barbera. They passed and I then overtook him to chase them, but he got me back immediately and let them get away because his pace dropped off quite a bit. I was happy to be in the fight for the top ten for as long as I was and the experience gained is invaluable to help me progress in MotoGP. I wanted to finish and get a race under my belt, so it was mission accomplished. The next couple of races will be tough because I don’t know the circuits but I’ll be doing my best!”

COLIN EDWARDS, MONSTER YAMAHA TECH 3
Race Position: 8th Championship Position: 8th

“I HAD A COUPLE OF MOMENTS…”
Colin Edwards made a blistering start from 10th position on the grid and was looking to force his way into the fight for the top six when he lost time by running slightly off line at the second corner. Dropping back into 10th behind Crutchlow, he quickly moved up to ninth to launch a pursuit of Ben Spies. He closely followed his compatriot for the opening five laps, the 37-year-old setting a consistently fast pace in the mid-1.56 bracket. He shadowed the fast starting Hector Barbera until lap nine when he moved into eighth position. But he’d lost too much time trying to overtake the Spaniard to maintain the pressure on Spies and finished eighth.

“That was the best I could do and I’m happy with the way I raced. A top eight is pretty good considering the speed of the guys in front of me and I was pretty much where I thought I’d end up based on practice. I got a good start and thought the only way I’ve got any chance of getting a top six is to take a few early risks. I went round the outside at the first corner and made up a couple of places. But I had a couple of moments, one when I nearly ran into Ben, which wouldn’t have been a good move. I thought I might have had something for Valentino early on but even when he’s not 100 per cent he can still ride pretty good.”

NICKY HAYDEN, MARLBORO DUCATI
Race Position: 9th Championship Position: 9th

“I CAN’T BE HAPPY WITH THE RIDE, BUT I CAME FROM DEAD LAST.”
Nicky Hayden had a tough weekend to kick off his season, but after starting from the fifth row he rode a good comeback race, steadily increasing his pace and finishing ninth after a series of great passes.

“I got a bad start in the race, and then when De Puniet crashed, I just about ran over him and had to come to a complete stop. I’m happy I didn’t run into him, but that was a bad break, because I was dead last with a gap to the next person. I started picking my way through, and once I got into ninth, I got into a decent rhythm and started doing my pace. It’s been a tough weekend for me on and off the track, but everybody around here is working to the maximum. I can’t be happy with the ride, but I came from dead last, and my fastest lap was my last one. We’ve got a lot of work to do, but it’s just one race, and no one can say we weren’t trying.”

HIROSHI AOYAMA, TEAM SAN CARLO HONDA GRESINI
Race Position: 10th Championship Position: 10th

“IT WAS A SHAME, I WANTED A GOOD RACE.”
Hiroshi Aoyama, the last ever 250cc world champion in 2009, didn’t have an easy first race for his new team, but battled through and earned the last place in the top ten.

“I had a tough race because of the start; De Puniet crashed in front of me and I lost precious ground on the group. Then I got my pace together and recovered positions but it was a shame because I wanted to have a good race. Anyway, I am still happy because I am sure that we will improve in the next race. My feeling with the team is perfect, we are getting on great and they believe in me, which is important if we are to grow together. I want to give them positive results and excitement.”

Karel Abraham, Team Cardion AB Motoracing Ducati
Race Position : 13th Championship Position : 13th

“MY PHYSICAL FITNESS IS OKAY, BUT I HAVE TO WORK ON MY HANDS.”
Czech rider Karel Abraham, making his MotoGP debut on the Cardion AB Motoracing Ducati was in good form and finished 13th, earning 3 championship points in the process.

“I had problems with the brake on lap two. I ran off the track and almost hit the gravel. I lost contact with the group in front of me and unfortunately I wasn‘t able to catch them. My physical fitness is okay, but I have to work on my hands because in the end of the race I lost some time due to lack of strength.”

Round 2 of MotoGP is at Jerez, Sunday 3rd April.

Pictures courtesy of Peter Callister www.petercallisterttphotos.co.uk

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

Introducing the 2011 Limited Edition Isle of Man TT helmet

This second out of a series of three limited RX-7 GP Isle of Man TT helmets is just as all Isle of Man TT Series helmets limited to a production run of 500 for Europe, a guarantee
for exclusivity.

The 2011 Isle of Man TT Series is based on the highly successful, professional racing bred RX-7 GP model. A state of the art helmet in which Arai has packaged all its years of experience from the track, being developed with the help of Arai’s MotoGP riders.

Italian top designer Aldo Drudi has also designed this 2011 edition Isle of Man TT helmet. His inspiration was "100 years Mountain Course" with the distance (37 ¾ miles)
and all the names of the famous bends prominently present on both sides of the helmet.

Orange, white and blue are the dominant colors, together with the official TT logo and the world famous three-legged triskelion symbol.

Of course this 2011 Isle of Man TT Series Arai RX-7 GP is a fully functional, completely road legal helmet that can be used on the road or track without any restriction.

The helmet will be officially presented at the forthcoming TT launch on 19th April 2011.

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

Arai riders ready for Phillip Island WSBK season opener

After a long winter the waiting is finally over; the 2011 World Superbike season is upon us and kicks off this weekend (26th/27th February) with racing in Australia, at the legendary Phillip Island circuit. The talking and testing is done, and it’s time to go racing. Arai’s riders, Brits Leon Haslam and Jonathan Rea, plus WSB legend Noriyuki Haga and the hard-charging Jakub Smurz are ready…

LEON HASLAM, BMW MOTORRAD MOTORSPORT
After making the switch from Suzuki GSX-R1000 to factory BMW S1000RR Haslam, an Arai wearer since the start of his career, has worked methodically on set-up through pre-season testing. He finished 14th overall on combined times from the two day test at Phillip Island, 1.83s behind Carlos Checa, who was fastest, but will be looking to be up at the sharp end from the start come qualifying and racing.

 

“For me the RR is a proven package. It’s the best selling bike from last year, it’s been winning championships and races all around the globe and in stock trim you will struggle to find a better package. I still feel we have a lot more to come in order to push the bike forward, but have already found a good base to work on. We now don't have long to wait until we will find out where everybody stands..."

JONATHAN REA, CASTROL HONDA
Jonathan Rea crashed on Tuesday afternoon, potentially jeopardising his participation this weekend. Rea had set the third quickest time in the morning’s session on day two of the official WSBK test ,and was on his first lap in the afternoon when he crashed at Phillip Island’s fast turn three, getting off his Castrol Honda CBR1000RR at around 210kph (130mph). He dislocated the ring finger on his left hand but was transferred to The Alfred hospital in Melbourne to undergo x-rays and scans on his left wrist; despite the crash, the 24-year-old set the third fastest overall time of the test and is hopeful about getting back on his bike.

“I’m so frustrated because we were just about there on race pace and everything was feeling really good. My finger and wrist are sore – in fact I’m pretty sore all over –and I certainly didn’t want to start this season the way I finished the last one!

NORIYUKI HAGA, PATA RACING APILIA
Long-term Arai wearer Noriyuki Haga finished the test 11th overall on combined times and, like Haslam, is riding a new bike, the Aprilia RSV4 Factory. Although dressed in PATA livery, this is the machine ridden to the 2010 championship by Max Biaggi so while it is essentially a privateer effort is sure to be competitive. Speaking before testing got underway Nori was upbeat about the coming season, but also aware he has some unfinished business…

“Throughout my career I achieved a lot, but I’m still not satisfied. I dream of winning the world title and it isn’t written that I can't do it on this motorcycle. For sure, on paper, official teams have an advantage, but Aprilia has already shown its willingness to give the greatest support to a racer fighting for a big goal."

JAKUB SMURZ, TEAM EFFENBERT-LIBERTY RACING
Smurz came away from the test with his hopes for the season, and his Ducati, fully intact. He also wound up a superb 4th overall, just .628s behind Checa.

“The two-day test is over, and we definitely leave with a positive result. We have done a lot of work, as evidenced by the total number of laps and have tried a lot of things on both bikes. Certainly I am very satisfied because 4th place, with the participation of everybody without the use of soft rubber and ride by wire is a good sign for the forthcoming race weekend.”

BROC PARKES, KAWASAKI MOTOCARD.COM (WSS)
Broc Parkes, racing in World Supersport, was only 0.014 seconds from equaling Fabien Foret’s fastest time over the two days. For Parkes, who raced for the Provec Motocard.com team at the tail end of last year, starting the season at his home round is an exciting prospect, especially after setting good consistent race pace to go with a personal best time that pushed him to second in the rankings.

“I am happy to have had another couple of days to test because in Almeria it was a bit cold, and it rained in Portugal. So here we did a lot of kilometres on used tyres to get to a good race set-up. We found some positive directions and the bike felt really good, so we stuck in a new tyre and went for a fast lap. I am ready for the weekend!”

2009 Australian Superbike champion Josh Waters is a wild card at Phillip Island riding the Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 and finished testing in 12th place.

All of Arai’s riders will once again be wearing the Arai RX-7GP, a helmet 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, a wider aperture with larger visor for better vision and a five position Air Wing to reduce drag, turbulence and buffeting,  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 M2010 standard.

For more information on the Arai range call 2724UK on 01782 569800 or visit www.whyarai.co.uk

AXCES ALL AREAS!

Try on the best value Arai ever and win track time and a pillion ride with Ron Haslam…

The Axces has all the qualities expected of a helmet from Arai: superb comfort and unmatchable fit, plus high quality construction and detailing. But it’s also, with an RRP of £259.99, one of the most affordable helmets Arai has ever produced, providing a more accessible entry point to the iconic Japanese brand. 

And five lucky people who try the Axces on at an Arai 5 Star dealer from 2nd February through to 30th April, 2011 will win a full day of track tuition at the Ron Haslam Race School, based at the superb Silverstone circuit, and get a pillion ride with the ex-GP star himself! That’s not all – 10 runners up will receive a top quality Arai kitbag, worth £79.99, perfect for hauling around all your riding gear.

Launched last year to great acclaim nothing has been spared in construction of the Axces – it’s an Arai, after all. The shell is made from Super Fibre Laminate (SFL) construction and features the same ring shaped strengthening in its lower section as found on the benchmark race specification RX-7 GP. Built into the outer shell is an ‘Air Conductor’ rear vent, channelling for an optional ‘Delta Duct’ top vent as well as side exhaust vents. A powerful chin vent features enlarged duct access for improved efficiency while colour options are simple and straightforward; Plain Black or White RRP £259.99 or Matt Black RRP £269.99. Sizes run from XS–XXL.

Both Ron and Leon Haslam are lifelong Arai wearers, and naturally it’s the helmet of choice for the Race School to use. So if you’re looking for a new helmet, and have never tried an Arai, try on the Axces – and maybe you’ll get to ride with Ron!
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. Also, Arai placed three of its helmets in the overall top ten – including the number one spot – of RiDE Magazine’s 2009 RiDER Power Survey, an exhaustive poll taken from 5000 readers, reported in the November 2009 issue.

For more information on the Arai Axces, this competition or the rest of the Arai range call 2724UK on 01782 569800, or visit www.whyarai.co.uk 

ARAI RIDERS WIN BIG AT ADELAIDE IRISH RACER AWARDS NIGHT!

2010 deemed a vintage year for riders from the Emerald Isle…

The great and the good of Irish, British and International motorcycling gathered for the eighth annual Adelaide Irish Racer Awards on 14th January, 2011. The gala black tie event is the brainchild of Irish Racer magazine publishing Editor Paul Lindsay and BBC Sport NI’s Stephen Watson, and is regarded as the most prestigious motorcycling awards ceremony on the Emerald Isle.

Arai’s racers – from WSB, BSB and Road Racing – all looking forward to and training hard for the start of the 2011 season, did very well on a night spent looking back at 2010 and one late, great legend of motorcycle racing also received an honour from Arai itself;

Arai Lifetime Achievement – Joey Dunlop

The Arai Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded posthumously to the late Joey Dunlop MBE OBE. It was presented by Phillip McCallen and fittingly collected by his youngest daughter Joanne, on behalf of the Dunlop family. She received a rousing reception and a standing ovation from the appreciative and respectful crowd.

Adelaide Irish Motorcyclist of the Year – Jonathan Rea

WSB star Rea impressed the Irish Racer magazine judging panel after a magnificent 2010 in the hotly contested World Superbike Championship, scoring four wins and ten podiums, which included a double at Assen on his way to fourth place in the series.

The 23-year-old from Ballyclare, now based in the Isle of Man, becomes the first rider to win this prestigious award for a third time. In fact Rea has won every award available to a short circuit rider in the eight years the Racer Awards have been in existence. Rea also won the Blackhorse Short Circuit Rider of the Year Award.

Jet2.com Fans’ Race of the Year – Alastair Seeley

Seeley’s outstanding North West 200 Superbike race victory, the first Superbike race win for a local man since Phillip McCallen thirteen years ago, was voted for by the Jet2.com fans.

IFS International Racer of the Year – Ian Hutchinson

Hutchy won the IFS International Road Racer of the Year award after taking an unprecedented, ten International Road Racing victories last season. This included another major milestone, becoming the first rider ever to win all five solo races during a TT.

Arai Europe’s Managing Director Ingmar Stroeven was delighted at the news of their sponsored riders’ accolades, and for Arai to support the Adelaide Irish Racer Awards themselves; “This is truly great recognition of all the efforts our racers make across many disciplines. Racing is fundamental to everything at Arai, and always has been so to do so well on the night is great for us. It’s also a pleasure for us to award the Arai Lifetime Achievement Award to Joey; he did so much for our brand and for the sport of motorcycle racing itself.”

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

2011 Arai's now in - Click the pic for a bigger view