Well unless you’ve been away on holiday to planet Mars, you will all be aware by now that the keenly anticipated 2013 Vauxhall International NW200 Road Races had to be abandoned on the Saturday after just 2 laps of racing.

We had already seen three cracking races on the Thursday evening with Jeremy McWilliams, just one year short of becoming a member of SAGA, and contesting only his second ever Road Race winning the SuperTwins, whilst another local, Alastair Seeley bagged both the opening Supersport & Superstock races.

A great aperitif before the feast of main race day!!! Or so we thought….

Little did we suspect…Yes rain had been forecast, but little did we think it was to be of Biblical proportions.

Continuous heavy rain, from 9.30 in the morning onwards (for the next 12 hours), resulted in the build up of vast pools of lying water all the way around the 9 mile the course.

As much as we all hoped and prayed that it would brighten up at some stage, and that perhaps we might, just might get some races in, it just didn’t let up and Event Director Mervyn Whyte at 3.30 in the afternoon had no other option other than to announce the inevitable.

I just hope that for all concerned, from the army of hard working volunteers, marshals, officials, spectators and riders alike can pick themselves up, and come back fighting next year.

Quite how they change the format of the race week for the future to provide some sort of ‘safety net’ will be very difficult. I wish them well for the future.

Sadly, and on a personal note, I won’t be one of those returning as the Circuit Commentary Team of the past number of years, is no more.

The circuit commentary this year, and for future years, has been taken over by the BBC N.Ireland Broadcast Team (a fact which, to my considerable annoyance, I was only informed about once I had arrived at the circuit).

Anyway, on a brighter note, if you didn’t purchase any of the superb Event merchandise for whatever reason, then the full range is available here on the website.

Next up then, and a real must for race fans, it’s WSB’s at Donington, along with WSS, plus a full, and I do mean full support programme of races.

A great opportunity to help cheer the Brits to glory, with Eugene Laverty & Tom Sykes currently holding 2^nd & 3^rd in the WSB’s, and Sam Lowes leading the World Supersports.

If you want to make a long weekend of it, there’s FREE admission to the circuit on Thursday (23^rd May), when a number of the top riders will be taking part in some special ‘It’s a knockout’ themed activities from around about mid-day, followed at 14.30 by the Paddock Show Autograph sessions.

As usual the Clinton Enterprises sales units will be out in full force at Donington. Make sure you pay them a visit to check out the complete and full range of official and exclusive merchandise, including FIXI Crescent Suzuki.

Finally, what a fantastic day for the Brits at Le Mans.

Hearty & sincere congrats. to the new Moto 2 World Championship leader, Scott Redding on his first ever Moto 2 Grand Prix win.

And to Monster Energy Tech 3 Yamaha’s Cal Crutchlow on his best ever Moto GP finish. A brilliant second place that not even a broken shin bone could halt.

Next step Cal…..the Top Step!!!!!!

So, after the disappointment of Aragon, both Tom Sykes and Sam Lowes, had  a far better day at the office at Round 3 of the World Championships at Assen.

Not quite the perfect day for ‘The Grinner’, but a dominant win in race 1, along with a close second to Eugene Laverty in race 2 was more than enough to put his Championship Campaign back on course.

Generally, not a bad day all round for the Brits – well done Eugene (4^th & win), Jonathan Rea (2^nd & 4^th).Although Chaz Davies, after the Double at Aragon, was brought back to earth with a bike that had it’s problems, resulting in a  disappointing Row 5 qualifying,  and consequently hard fought 7^th & 5^th  in the races..

Quick word of admiration here for Leon Camier.

Still suffering from a big open knee wound, it took an eleventh hour Medical Test before the FIXI Crescent Suzuki rider was given approval to ride – but a couple of gutsy, not to mention, painful  finishes( 9^th & 7^{th )} , more than vindicated the decision.

Not so lucky however was the other Leon -  Haslam that is.

He was counted out in Free Practice having sustained broken tib. & fib.

Guarantee though that he’ll be back sooner than anyone predicts, I really can’t think of any rider tougher than the ‘Pocket Rocket’ – hopefully back for Donington next month!

What a fantastic circuit Assen is, and for Sam Lowes, the WSS race dished up a typical Dutch Treat  finish.

As so often is the case, it all came down to the final time at the chicane  -  and our boy was more than a match for the ‘Terrible Turk’,  grabbing  the maximum points by a mere 26/1000ths of a second!  Fantastic stuff.

It’s going to a nerve tingling, season long fight for the Crown between Lowes and the three time former World Champion, Kenan Sofuoglu. At least we all know who we are supporting!

However, what neither rider can do, is overlook  the ever present threat from the ‘Old Man’, 40 year old Fabian Foret.  Drop their guard and Fabian will be in to grab the points….and as they say ‘Points make Prizes’, so beware.

Incidentally, another top ride from Jack Kennedy (7^th), who finished one place ahead of Scotland’s Kev Coghlan, along with Christian Iddon placing 11^th.

On the home front BSB moves onto Oulton Park this coming weekend. It’s the first Bank Holiday weekend of the year – so my tip is, get there if you can (Sst, Sun & Mon). It’s a fantastic track, great for viewing and the racing will be superb.

The Clinton Enterprises sales units will also be there – so make sure you pay them a visit & check out  the full range of OFFICIAL  BSB  & top teams merchandise.  Also available will be a limited number of ‘BSB Oulton Park’  souvenir tee shirts.  Top quality gear at reasonable prices.

See you there!!

Just 2 races into his Moto GP career, and “Das wunder kinda” (or whatever the Spanish equivalent of that is), Marc Marquez becomes the youngest ever premier class winner since Freddie Spencer some 31 years ago, with a jaw dropping display of pure brilliance at the new ‘Circuit of the Americas’.

Personally, it was great to see my two favourite Moto GP jockey’s, Marquez & Dani Pedrosa running away with it.

I must confess I’ve been a bit of Marquez fan since he first came to Donington for the 125 British Grand Prix in 2008.

That was the meeting, if you recall that our own Scott Redding took the victory and became the youngest ever Grand Prix winner, much to the massive approval of the home fans.

However, what few people remember from that meeting, but I can recall pointing it out on the Circuit Commentary that, is that Marquez happens to be 44 days younger than Scott, and that this was Marquez’s first ever Grand Prix podium from only his 6^th ever GP start. It was pretty much apparent from that weekend that we were going to hear a lot, lot more of both Scott & Marc Marquez.

Moving on a couple of years, I recall bumping into Marc at Silverstone in 2010.

It was about 8.00am on the Saturday morning. Rucksack over his shoulder, and completely unrecognised by the few fans about at that early hour he was heading toward his garage. Following a short conversation, I remember saying to him “ Marc, I think that you will be the next Jorge Lorenzo “. His eyes widened, and he replied “Jorge Lorenzo! Thank you”.

I was of course wrong. He is not the next Jorge Lorenzo – he is the FIRST Marc Marquez!!

Already the 2010 125 World Champion, 2012 Moto 2 World Champion, and potentially this years MOTO GP World Champ!!

Must say, another great ride in Texas by Cal Cruthlow on the Monster Energy Tech 3 Yamaha. Just the one little mistake which  surely cost him the possibility of a podium finish.

Great ride also by Scott Redding to take Pole and finish 5^th in the Moto 2 race – enough at the moment to lead the Championship!

Next Round at Jerez on 5^th May.

This weekend though sees the 3^rd round of the World Super Bikes at Assen. Real possibility of an all Brit Podium here.

Good luck to ‘The Grinner’, Eugene, Jonathan & Leon and Chas.

Also to Leon Camier, who having passed a late fitness test to his injured knee, will be back on the FIXI Crescent Suzuki joining Jules Cluzel in Holland.

…and better luck to Sam Lowes than he got in Aragon! Along with fellow WSS Brits, Jack Kennedy, Kev Coghlan & Christian Iddon.

Incidentally, it’s also been a hectic start to the season for the Clinton Enterprises on track sales units. They’ve really been racking up the miles.

What with Brands & Thruxton BSB, plus Magny Cours World Endurance, Assen WSB’s this weekend, then back for Oulton Park, before shipping out to N.Ireland for the fans favourite meeting The Vauxhall International NW200 Road Races, and so it goes on….

BSB Rd2 Thruxton

What a crazy weekend that turned out to be! ……….All but a complete wash out on Saturday, followed by some fantastic high speed track action on Sunday.

Well done Race Director Stuart Higgs. He revamped the schedule overnight to such good effect that  amazingly only one race, involving the Triumph Triple’s had to be scrubbed. Talk about getting a quart into a pint pot!

Whilst race day was an incredible feast of speed, it also pitched in with more action than was intended.

I can’t remember so many riders throwing themselves at the scenery resulting in numerous Safety Car interventions and Red Flags. Just hope everyone involved is OK and back on the grid for the next round at Oulton in three weeks time.

Incidentally, we also had our own problems in the Commentary Box.  The TV picture, from which I normally do commentary, was totally useless. This made early identification of riders on the back part of the circuit particularly ‘iffy’.

So who were the day’s top dogs? Unmistakably in the Superbikes, it was Shane Byrne.

To me, the Paul Bird Teamster always looked in control of both races. Even with front brake problems in race 1, as well as ‘Brooksy’ getting past him for much of the last lap, together with a premature halt to race 2, which eliminated the anticipated last lap Club Chicane punch up, ‘Shakey’ still did the double, and is currently the clear Championship leader.

Disappointment of the day for most race fans, had to be the abysmal showing of Kiyo. He really is such a nice man, and I really do feel for him. It’s just going from bad to worse for the 3 time Brit. Champion. His plight is further compounded by the magic being produced by his Samsung Honda team mate, Alex Lowes, who placed 3^rd & 2nd at Thruxton, and holds second in the Title Standings.

It was also Doubles all round for Stuart Easton. A career first for the likeable Scotsman.

Even in the manic world of British Supersports, the Pocket Haggis looked majestic throughout the two head bangers races. What a great signing that was by Tim Martin of MarTrain Yamaha.

Despite the strength of opposition, which includes the two Gearlink Kawasaki riders Alastair Seeley and Ben Wilson, the Smiths Triumph teamsters Skippy McConnell and reigning champ. Glen Richards, Seton Yam’s Graeme Gowland, Luke Jones, Jason O’Halloran, etc.,  and with the certainty that every race of this years Title chase will be just as frenetic, I must say that even at this early stage, I like what I see in Easton, and tip him to edge this years Championship.

Incidentally, if you were at Thruxton, did you manage to purchase your limited edition MCE BSB Thruxton tee shirt from the Clinton stands? There was also one produced for Rd1 at Brands, plus there will be another for the next round at Oulton Park.

If you missed out, try mail order via this website, may be just a few still available

Finally, a quick word about the 2^nd Round of the World Superbikes at Aragon, Spain.

Congratulations to Chas Davies on the Double, and commiserations to Eugene Laverty and Tom Sykes for trhe bad luck, plus of course to FIXI Crescent  Suzuki’s Leon Camier. He fared even worse. He didn’t even start the races following a big crash in first qualifying – also to Sam Lowes & Kev Coghlan in the WSS.

Make a note if you’re coming to Oulton for BSB Rd 3 (May Bank Hol.Weekend 4/5/6th )

the Clinton Enterprises Sales Units will be there with the full range of 2013 super quality merchandise, including the OFFICIAL MCE Insurance BSB clothing and OFFICIAL Top Team’s merchandise…..and much, much more.

So that’s the first round of the British Superbikes done & dusted – and what a brilliant day’s racing it was.

Great to see so many of you race fans at Brands, despite the arctic temperatures preceding the days. Well worth the trip though, don’t you think?

On the evidence of Brands Hatch, ‘Shakey’ is definitely going to be the man to beat for the Championship. (Must say, I was also impressed with his Rookie team mate Keith Farmer’s 1^st showing on a Superbike, despite suffering arm pump in the opening race)

James Ellison on the Milwaukee Yamaha, overcame the shenanigans with his helmet visor at the start of race 1, which thus saw him hit with a ‘Ride Through’ penalty, but truly lived up to expectations by winning race 2 from Alex Lowes.

Would Byrne have won that race but for his last lap Moto Cross excursion – you tell me!

Clearly, Ellison, Alex Lowes & Josh Brookes are clearly bang on the case, although on fist showings, I’m not really sure as to which way Kiyonari is going to go – but still very early days.

For me though this weekends best races were the Saturday & Sunday Supersport battles. That class is going to be ballistic this year, what with Seeley, Wilson, McConnell, Richards, Easton, and Gowland punching each other up for full race distance, but for me the underdog who could surprise them all, is Luke Jones.

Quick mention of the Moto GP Opening round in Qatar, although what with being at Brands, I’ve not seen any of the action as yet.

Defending Champ. Jorge Lorenzo has started his defence of the Title with  a victory, ahead of the ‘Yamaha comeback kid’ Valentino Rossi,  Marc Marquez, Dani Pedrosa & our own Cal Crutchlow.

Great second place to Pol Espargaro for Adam Redding in the Moto 2 race, with Rookie Tech 3’s Danny Kent placing 18^th.

(Note: Cal Crutchlow, Tech3 & Danny Kent merchandise available on this Clinton Enterprises website)

In the Moto 3, Bit. Danny Webb, this year on a more competitive bike finished 11^th.

This coming weekend then it’s Round 2 of the World Superbikes at Aragon, Spain, whilst nearer to home it’s Round 2 of the British Super Bikes at Thruxton – get yourself along there Friday, Saturday  & Sunday. It’s should be another top meeting.

Certainly as far as the BSB Teams are concerned, the ‘Official 3 track’ pre season testing has been anything but plain sailing. A dry, but far from warm Donington Park was well attended, resulting in good solid track time for most teams.

However for Brands & Snetterton the weather had turned damp & really cold, thus restricting any meaningful testing. Having said that, it was a pretty reasonable turn out of top riders on day 2 at ‘Costa del Snetters’, despite temperatures struggling to hit 4 deg C.

Fortunately, some of the ‘bigger’ teams, perhaps wary of the vagaries of a British Spring time, had previously been able to get some solid test laps in at other circuits, (including PBM Rapid Solicitors Kawa., Samsung Honda& Tyco Suzuki) whilst there will be, I’m sure a number of teams who will still be playing catch up when we get to Brands for Round 1.

But of one thing I am certain, we are set for another cracking Series.

BSB does not disappoint,  and remember, part 1 of the Championship is the battle to find our top 6 points scorers when we leave Donington Park in September, these then become the ‘Title Fighters’ who then fight it out over the final 3 rounds to decide the Champion.

It’s going to be a fantastic years racing. I look forward to welcoming you, and bringing you the news over the microphone, at all of the Rounds, starting at Brands Hatch.

Decent weather is something that shouldn’t be a problem for the opening floodlit evening run Moto GP meeting at Doha, with recent daytime temperatures hitting 29 – 30 degrees C ( mid 80’s F ).  However beware, as it is not unknown for rain in the Gulf region at this time of the year.

As we start the post Stoner era, new interest has been injected back into Moto GP with the return to Yamaha of ‘Valentino’, plus with the new whiz kid on the block, former 125 & current Moto 2 World Champ., Marc Marquez entering the Premier class. ………….Then, all I can say is ‘Watch out Dani & Jorge!!!!

…also let’s not forget the real chances of our own Cal Crutchlow on the Monster Tech 3 Yamaha. The Manx based Midlander rounded out 4^th overall in the recent pre season tests at Sepang.

I have no doubt that ‘the Dog’ is in with a strong shout of finishing within the top 3 on a regular basis this year. He certainly won’t be short of supporters- particularly when the ‘Show’ comes to Silverstone on 1^st September!!!

Equally in those same tests, Cal’s team mate & class rookie, Oxfords Bradley Smith made a lot of people take notice as he placed an impressive 10^th overall.

And entering Moto GP for the first time in his career, former BSB front runner, Michael Laverty takes over the Paul Bird CRT machine. It’s a big task in front of him, which includes learning a load of new circuits -  but as they say, ‘The only way is up!’

Yep, it’s going to be an amazing year – both at home & abroad.

And don’t forget you can show your support of Cal this year, his Official merchandise is available from Clinton Enterprises.

Incidentally, Clinton Enterprises also have the exclusive rights to the Honda TT Legends range of merchandise.

On the home front, Clinton Enterprises will be at all of the BSB Rounds, starting with Brands Hatch for Round1, with a number of stands where the new range of Official Team merchandise and Official BSB merchandise will be available. Take time to visit them, you’ll be impressed by the Range, Quality & sensible Pricing of the merchandise. Or of course, you can purchase here on line.

What a cracking day the opening 2013 Official BSB Test at DoningtonPark was on Thursday.

Ok, it was a bit on the ‘cool’ side, but at least the sun shone and there was plenty of hot action on the track, combined with plenty of atmosphere within the Paddock which remained busy all day with race fans.

I just couldn’t believe how many spectators turned out to enjoy the occasion- great to see you all.

SUPERB turn out of Superbikes, with the only absentee’s being the Tyco Suzuki squad (Josh Brookes & PJ Jacobsen) and the new Michael Howarth Team of Howie Mainwaring & Luke Quigley – plus of course Michael Rutter who sent in his ‘sick’ note.

Further good news for all concerned was the un-announced arrival at the circuit of Clive Padgett and his Honda Team, plainly fully ready for action.

Their new Pilot, Jakub Smrz (recently left without a ride, after Splitlath Redmond Aprilia withdrew their entry from this years BSB) impressed me with the way he immediately gelled with the Team. The Czech. Republic rider certainly is a quality actwhich is going to make fora great combination – however, the full season participation in the series all now hinges on Clive Padgett being able to muster the necessary sponsorship. Fingers crossed it all happens.

Sean Muir’s new boy to the Milwaukee Yamaha Team, current Aussie S/Bike Champ., Josh Waters, looked neat, stylish & fast, and along with his team mate James Ellison, was busy in every session learning the bikes.

Of course no rider admits that the Test is anything more than ‘getting some miles under our belts, and that times are not important’.  Yeah, yeah, these are racers, and ALWAYS the competitive edge will take over.

So, as expected Alex Lowes & Kiyo (Samsung Honda’s) were at the business end of the times, along with reigning BSB Champ. Shane Byrne (Rapid Sol. Kawa).

But it was Shakey’s team mate and S/Bike Rookie, Keith Farmer who impressed me. I genuinely think he will be challenging for a top 6 ‘Showdown’ place come September.

I also liked the way Tommy Bridewell set about the day on the Bathams Honda. Tommy, as a person has matured out of recognition over the past 12 months or so, and it shows in his controlled riding. He’s a thinking racer now, and will certainly be up for a few podiums during the season.

‘Big D’ Danny Buchan (Quattro Plant Kawa) also caught my eye. With only a small handful of S/Bike rides last year, the teenager is going to surprise a lot of people this year.

Notwithstanding the low track temperatures, the notorious ‘Craner Club’ only admitted 3 more members. Dan Linfoot went down there in the second S/bike session, as earlier did Paul Curran (S/stock) and William Dunlop (S/Sport), whilst Jon Kirkham dropped the Buildbase BMW at the Foggy Esses – all riders perfectly OK.

If you are still looking to catch some of the pre-season action, then remaining Official Test’s (with FREE entry) are;

Tues, 19^th March Brands Hatch

Wed & Thurs 20^th & 21^st March Snetterton

The Opening Round of the 2013 BSB Series will be at Brands Hatch on Fri, Sat & Sun, 5^th, 6^th & 7^th April.

Clinton Enterprises suppliers of OFFICIAL BSB merchandise, along with selected big Team OFFICIAL merchandise will be in attendance all rounds of the BSB Championships.

With the opening round of the 2013 MCE Insurance British Superbikes Championship drawing ever closer, we race fans get the chance to ‘eye ball’  the early form as the Teams and riders will be in  action at Donington Park for the first BSB Official Test on Thursday 14^th March.

Good news for spectators is that Admission to the circuit is completely FREE.  

To keep you informed of who’s who & what’s what, I will be on the PA to talk you through the day’s action, along with various rider interviews.

There is also a Pit Walk scheduled during the short lunchtime break.

…and with the Superbike overseas testing ban this year, Donington should see a Full House of riders & Teams, which for most will be the first track action of the year.

 Get along to it if you can, should be a great day.

The schedule is;

09.00  — 09.55       Supersport & Superstock 1000

10.00  – 12.00        MCE BSB

12.05  — 13.00       Supersport & Superstock 1000

13.00  — 13.25       PIT WALK

13.30  –  14.55      MCE BSB

15.00  –  15.55     Supersport & Superstock 1000

16.00  –   17.00    MCE BSB

The following week the MCE Insurance BSB Official Tests continue at Brands Hatch on Tues. 19^th March, followed immediately with 2 days at Snetterton on Wed & Thurs (20^th & 21^st March) where again entry is FREE.

Brands & Snetterton track action commencing each day at 09.00 through until 17.00.

All OFFICIAL MCE Insurance BSB & ‘Top Teams’ merchandise available from Clinton Enterprises.

http://bit.ly/1637oOa

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider Cal Crutchlow emerged a confidence boosting 4^th fastest overall in this weeks Moto GP tests at Sepang.

The Isle of Man based star was only bettered on the time sheets by current World Champion Jorge Lorenzo, and Repsol Honda’s Dani Pedrosa & Marc Marquez,…… and this, despite Crutchlow’s Team basically running the 2012 set up!

In fact Crutchlow was frustrated throughout the 3 day tests as his he did not have any new components to try.

Despite an off on day 1, Crutchlow’s team mate, and “Class Rookie”, Bradley Smith bounced back to end a very satisfying 10th overall.

The final pre-season test takes place at Jerez, Spain from 23 – 25^th March with the opening round of the 2013 Moto GP season, commencing with the unique Floodlight evening race at Qatar on 7^th April.

The OFFICIAL Cal Crutchlow and Monster Yamaha Tech 3 merchandise is available from Clinton Enterprises.

Fred Clarke

What a beautiful circuit Philip Island is. Coupled with race day weather of blue sky and sunshine, it was the back drop to a perfect start to the series.

Well, perhaps not so perfect for the 2011 World Champ. Carlos Checa.

The 40 year old managed to hospitalise himself after heavily banging his head on the deck following an incident in Race1 which also took down Goldbet BMW’s Marco Melandri.

This meeting was intended to signal the start of the Panigale era for Checa & Ducati.

Yet while the Panagale was no match for the 4 cylinder bikes on top speed ( Checa’s best 311 kph through speed trap,  Guintoli  & Fabrizio 320kph, Laverty 318kph, Jonathan Rea’s Honda 320 kph), the Team have certainly moved forward, and the Spaniard had earlier recorded a surprise Pole Position, and was also battling for third place with Melandri when the accident occurred.

In reality, for Melandri it was a case of ‘what might have been’ in Race 1.

With 10 laps remaining when he was punted off, third place looked a certainty, and the possibility was there of something even better!

Escaping with nothing more serious than bruising, the Italian came back strong in Race 2, was up to second at one stage, before eventually finishing third just ahead of fellow countryman Michel Fabrizio.

On this form, Melandri now in his second term with BMW, is again going to be right at the heart of the action. And will hope to improve on his 3^rd Overall from last years Series.

Sticking with the Italians, I must say that Michel Fabrizio, who has over the past  few seasons tended to blow hot & cold on consistency, raced this weekend with a lot more fire in his belly.

This was more like the Fabrizio of ’09, when he picked up three wins en route to placing third overall in that years WSBK Championship.

Third in race 1, and a mere 0.007 short of snatching second on the line from Laverty, this he followed up with a spirited fourth in race 2 .

Certainly a hint of better things to come this season for the Red Devils Roma Aprilia rider.

However of all the performances this weekend that caught my eye, it was the two Factory Aprilia riders – Eugene Laverty and new boy Sylvain Guintoli, who made me sit up and really take notice.

Leicestershire domiciled Frenchman Guintoli, looked completely at home on the V4, and his performances confirmed that he is the perfect replacement for the now departed 2012 World Champion Max Biaggi.

He even added a new dimension to the Factory Aprilia Garage, by converting it into a crèche, as ‘her indoors’ was along for a holiday in the Aussie sun, accompanied  by the three Junior members of the Guintoli family!!.

Must say, I’ve always rated Eugene Laverty as a quality act, and now with a bike beneath him free from the technical gremlins that plagued much of last season, it’s great to see his true capabilities.

With a win & second place finish apiece, for Guintoli & Laverty, plus new Lap Record for Laverty, this truly is a “Double Act Formidable”!!

Very early days I know, but looking into the crystal ball it may well transpire that the destiny of the Title could ultimately fall to either of these team mates.

Of the others, I must mention last years WSBK Runner Up and potential Champ for 2013 – Tom Sykes.

Handicapped with a cracked radius bone in his left wrist, resulting from a testing spill a week ago, it had to be a case of damage limitation. He would have been well satisfied with two fighting 5^th places under the circumstances.

Not so much the ‘Grinner’, more the ‘Grimacer’ this weekend!!

PATA Honda teamsters Jonathan Rea and Leon Haslam struggled with electronic gremlins in both races, and had to settle for less than expected.

Goldbet BMW new boy Chaz Davies came up with a mixed set of results on his debut meeting for the Team. A brilliant fourth in Race 1, it all went pear shaped in Race 2.

Tangling with Frenchman Loris Baz on the opening lap, Davies restarted, but had to enter the pit lane to change a punctured rear boot. Unfortunately neither he, nor his Crew had done their homework!

The rules state that the rider must get off the bike before the wheel is changed, but Davies was still on board………… So he was then hit with a Ride Through penalty!

FIXI Crescent Suzuki’s Leon Camier  made a wrong tyre choice for Race 1, finishing 9th, and was then involved in an incident in Race 2  that put him at the back of the field before recovering well to claim 9^th again.

Finally, it looks like the WSS Series is going to be a real cut throat affair this year.

Mahi India Kawasaki’s three times World Champion Kenan Sofuoglu, and our own Sam Lowes on the Russian Team Yashnich Yamaha traded the lead race long, before the Turkish rider was able to pull a small gap over the last couple of laps.

Despite being disappointed with the result, Sam carried on smiling and was the first to congratulate his rival. He is the true sportsman.

Of note in making an impressive Series debut, was last years Euro. SuperStock 600 Champion, 20 year old Michael Van Der Mark .

The PATA Honda rider looked comfortable and un-phased as he kept the dicing duo within striking distance throughout to finish a praiseworthy third place. This is a youngster with a very bright future.

At the other end of the scale 40year old former WSS Champ, Fabien Foret, having blown the start, raced through the field to finish a well merited 4^th place.

Make no mistake, ‘Fab’ Foret  is still a very, very fast racer.

Round No 2. -  Aragon, Spain. April 14^th.

Don’t forget to check out the Clinton Enterprises website. It’s updated and features all the new OFFICIAL Merchandise available.

Fred Clarke.