Motourage

The Ducati 848 Challenge returns for 2012 now firmly established as the premier one-make series in the UK.

For many riders the Ducati 848 Challenge series has been the ideal platform to display their talents in front of huge BSB TV audiences, and for many it provides the best profile for their valued sponsors.

The success of the championship has been reflected with 25 riders already signed up for the 2012 season and a large number still looking to join the series before the opening round at Brands Hatch over the Easter weekend.

Ducati Manchester’s Robbie Brown, who last season finished third overall, returns for 2012 and must start as one of the Championship favorites along with Darren Fry (JHP Racing/Ducati Coventry) hoping to return to the form that took him to the title in 2010. However, they face stiff competition from riders switching to the Challenge for the first time in 2012, including Marty Nutt (NUTTTravel.com), Ed Smith (Ultim8 Racing) and Max Hunt (OHLINS @ P&H Motorcycles) who all spent last season in British Supersport. Former British 250 Champion Woolsey Coulter is coming out of retirement to take up the Challenge and will be joined by 2011 MRO Stock1000 Champion Byron Beckett, ex-TTC rider Nicky Wilson (NWR), along with Sean Neary (Motocorse) and Ryan Myler (Close Print Ducati).

Although there are some experienced riders competing, the Challenge welcomes a group of up and coming young riders eager to make their mark in the paddock. James White, 18, (Team After Dark) the 2011 Thunderbike Champion will seek to use his experience of racing a Ducati (his 2011 title was achieved on a 749) while James Folkard, 20, (Win43.com) will be stepping up as last year’s Aprilia RRV450 Challenge champion. Sam Coventry (Moto Rapido) joins the series from the Spanish CEV Stock Extreme Championship, Ryan Gibson, 17, (Fast Frame UK) comes from North Gloucestershire 600 class while Kasey Wyatt, 18, (GBmoto Racing) moves up from the highly competitive Aprilia Superteens.

Other riders returning to the fray include Stuart Poyser (P & H Motorcycles), Mark Cheetham (Hunt Pie Machines), Ricky Holden (Holden Racing), Jamie Poole (Moto Rapido), Aaron Brown (Ladybirds Ducati) and Barry Poll and Dan Cruickshank (both Pumpkin Patch Racing). Another returnee, Steve Jordan, will be joined this year by his wife, Sarah Jordan (both Global Robots/Steve Jordan Motorcycles), no doubt creating the first husband and wife team in the BSB paddock to ever race against each other!

The Ducati 848 Challenge will again consist of eight rounds and sixteen races, including six British Superbike rounds, as well as the now traditional two overseas rounds. The series kicks off at the British Superbikes opener at Brands Hatch before visiting Assen, Snetterton 300, Misano and the famous World Ducati Week, Oulton Park, Cadwell Park, Donington Park and finally Ducati UK’s home circuit, Silverstone.

Guy Martin completes the Tyco Suzuki lineup for the forthcoming season. The 2011 Ulster Grand Prix Superbike winner and quadruple podium finisher at last year’s Isle of Man TT will partner Manxman Conor Cummins in an all-new line up for the three major International Road Races.

British Superbike Championship rider Alastair Seeley will also join them in a three-pronged attack at the North West 200 in May.

It will be Lincolnshire rider’s second season racing for Moneymore-based TAS Racing and in inimitable Guy Martin style, he explained just why he wanted to remain on GSX-R machinery with Tyco Suzuki.

Guy Martin:
“It’s taken a while, but it was always on the cards. I’m happy to be back with the team for a second year and I love the new Tyco Suzuki colors. Great job. I couldn’t knock last year to be honest; the only thing we didn’t do was win a TT, but hopefully we’ll put that right in June. That’s the box we want to tick. The North West and Ulster GP are great events but it’s a TT win I really want. The team is good enough, the bikes are good enough; and I believe the rider is good enough, so it’s time to go out and win one.”

Philip Neill, Team Manager:
“After all the speculation it’s nice to finally be able to officially announce that Guy Martin will continue to race for TAS in 2012 in the new Tyco Suzuki livery. I think we both knew that it was going to happen. We made a verbal agreement to each other last August at the Ulster Grand Prix, but all the speculation has brought lots of publicity for our sponsors, the team and Suzuki, which is great. But I suppose when Guy gets out of bed these days he gets media coverage.”

“He’s a hard man to pin down with such a busy schedule, but with Conor onboard and now Guy, I think we have a strong team looking ahead to the three internationals. Guy proved last year that he has all the ingredients required to go all out for that TT win in June. It’s eluded him so far, but we’ll work as hard as we can as a team to make it happen.”

“He’s not just the most popular rider in the UK these days, but also very popular outside the sport, which is good for motorcycling in general. Everyone at TAS, Suzuki, Tyco and existing sponsors like Ian Glen from Beacon are delighted to see him stay for a second year. And as I said before, along with Conor and our BSB duo of Seeley and Brookes, I feel it can be a successful season for Tyco Suzuki.”

The dates and venues for the 2012 Ducati 848 Challenge have now been announced with a calendar incorporating some of the best circuits both in the UK and the European mainland.

The Ducati 848 Challenge will again consist of eight rounds and 16 races, including six British Superbike rounds, as well as the now-traditional two overseas rounds. The series kicks off at the British Superbikes opener at Brands Hatch on April 6 before returning to Assen for a third consecutive year on the May 11. The Championship then makes its first visit to the Snetterton 300 circuit before heading to Misano and the famous World Ducati Week.

The second half of the season is equally enticing as the Championship heads to Oulton Park and Donington Park for the first time, with Cadwell Park sandwiched in between before the end of season finale at Ducati UK’s home circuit, Silverstone on the September 29-30.

The 2012 Calendar gives Ducati 848 Challenge riders a fantastic selection of circuits with three World Championship circuits in the UK but also the two away rounds at Assen held during the Ducati Club Races, Europe’s biggest amateur race meeting followed by a trip to Misano during the biannual Ducati festival, World Ducati Week attended by 60,000 passionate Ducatisti.

The Ducati 848 Challenge heads into its third year, firmly established amongst race fans as one of the premier one-make series seen on UK circuits. 2011 saw some incredibly close and exciting racing and 2012 promises to see more of the same. Again the winner of the Championship will receive an 848EVO while second prize will consist of a full set of Ducati riding gear and third prize a set of Ducati leathers.

Neil Hodgson takes over the reins of Series Ambassador and will be present to mentor some of the younger riders as well as offer advice to those more experienced competitors.
April 7-9: Brands Hatch Indy (BSB)
May 11-13: Assen TT (DCN
May 25-27: Snetterton 300 (BSB)
June 22-24: Misano (WDW)
July 6-8: Oulton Park (BSB)
August 25-27: Cadwell Park (BSB)
September 7-9: Donington Park GP (BSB)
September 28-30: Silverstone GP (BSB)

Having recently agreed terms with TAS Racing team manager Philip Neill, reigning British Supersport champion Alastair Seeley will complete the all-new Tyco Suzuki line-up for next season’s British Superbike Championship.

The Northern Ireland rider has won two British Championships – Superstock and Supersport – for the Moneymore, Northern Ireland-based team since joining them in 2009 and will now form a formidable partnership with Australian Josh Brookes in the official Suzuki BSB team aboard the GSX-R1000.

Seeley made the all-important Title Fighters’ top six during his debut season in British Superbike in 2010, which included a memorable victory at Brands Hatch. He will also represent the team at the International North West 200 in May where he has scored five victories to date. He is the current NW200 Superbike Champion.

Alastair Seeley:
“I’m very excited to be back with the TAS team for another year, especially getting back on a Superbike, and I’m equally excited about the new Tyco Suzuki colors. The bike looks really well. Once we get some pre-season testing done my aim will be to try and win the Championship; that really is my only goal. I think the new rules in BSB will be in my favor, having already won two Championships without electronic aids, and I have every confidence in the boys at TAS to give me the best possible package. Until then I’ll be doing plenty of motocross and trials riding to hone my throttle control skills, but I can’t wait to get started.”

Philip Neill, Team Manager:
“It’s fantastic to be able to confirm Alastair Seeley as our second rider in BSB for next year and also for another North West 200 campaign in May. We have had a tremendous journey with Alastair since we brought him into our set-up at the start of 2009, quite unexpectedly. He was a relative unknown in British championship terms back then, so to be able to turn him into a double Champion in such a short space of time is very satisfying.

“He has been hugely impressive on all types of GSX-R machinery and his goal now is to go on and become the first rider ever to win three different British Championships. He had a great rookie season in Superbike back in 2010; probably the best one we have seen so far. He then took on the Supersport challenge this season with the all-new GSX-R600 and did a great job for TAS Racing and Suzuki, taking 10 wins on the way to the Championship.

“We have rewarded that success with another shot in BSB and after his performance recently at Portimao for Crescent Suzuki, standing in for the injured John Hopkins at a track he’d never seen before and posting more-than respectable times, we believe he can be a genuine title contender during 2012 in BSB.”

Ducati UK has announced that Neil Hodgson will take on the role of Ambassador with Ducati to promote and support the Ducati 848 Challenge.

Hodgson won British Superbike and World Superbike championships with Ducati and also made appearances in MotoGP for the Italian brand. He contested two years in the AMA Superbike class on a Ducati before eventually finding his way to Corona Honda. In 2010 he again contested the British Superbike Championship with Motorpoint Yamaha before an aggravated shoulder injury sustained in a motocross incident eventually led to his retirement

The Lancashire, England native – and current Isle of Man resident – will make a number of appearances at British Superbike rounds and is also scheduled to be at one of the overseas rounds plus World Ducati Week in Misano. Hodgson will be on hand to give advice and mentoring to the 848 Challenge riders on and off track and pass on his knowledge of the circuits. As well as sharing his experience with the 848 Challenge riders, Neil will also be available to present trophies, media interviews and personal appearances and will be an invaluable presence in the paddock for both riders and fans alike.

Ducati UK and Neil are working together to produce a package that will offer unique opportunities to younger and more established riders competing in the Championship. Ducati UK will announce further details in due course.

Neil’s first Ducati 848 Challenge role will be a pre-season track day with the 848 Challenge riders where he will assist the teams and riders with advice and help riders shake off some pre-season rustiness.

As well as his ambassadorial role for the 848 Challenge, Neil will attend Ducati UK events and dealer openings throughout the year and you will be able to meet him at the Ducati stand at Motorcycle Live.

TAS Racing has announced Josh Brookes as the first of two signings for the 2012 British Superbike campaign. TAS Racing has joined forces with Tyco Security Products as the team’s title partner for its 2012 British Superbike and International Road Racing campaigns running under the team name of Tyco Suzuki.

Brookes had a solid debut year with the team in 2011 taking two wins from six podiums on his way to fifth place in the championship standings. Having now familiarized himself with both the TAS Racing team and its GSX-R1000 Suzuki, everyone at Tyco Suzuki believes Brookes will be a strong championship contender in 2012.

Josh Brookes:
“I thought I was heading home for the Australian summer for four months but I’m delighted to be back in the UK for a few days to re-sign for TAS Racing and I love the new look of the bike in Tyco Suzuki colors.

“It took us a while to get things to click this season, but when it did we proved how good a package we are together, so I’m looking forward to taking that to the next level in 2012. I really enjoy working with the boys at TAS and I love the Northern Ireland lifestyle – so at least there will be no surprises when I return to start the season. The goal as always is to win the championship and I really believe we can hit the ground running and do the business from round one in April. I’m looking forward to it.”

Philip Neill, Team Manager:
“Our aim this year with a two rider team in BSB is to target the championship and we believe re-signing Josh as our headline rider is a good start in making that a realistic target. He showed us glimpses of brilliance this year with his race wins and some superb lap times.

“It’s fair to say it probably took us a bit longer than we anticipated to get to know each other, and for Josh to gel with the TAS Racing GSX-R1000 Superbike – so a second year together was always going to be beneficial. It’s good to get the deal finalized and great to have Josh back onboard. Now we need to concentrate on getting him a team-mate to complete the line-up.”

2011 BSB Championship runner up and former MotoGP and AMA man John Hopkins plans to make another go at the World Superbike Championship after signing with Crescent Suzuki, as the UK-based team makes the move from the national to the world stage. Hopkins completes the two-man lineup with his new teammate, Leon Camier, who makes the move from the Alitalia Aprilia team. Camier will begin testing the Crescent Suzuki Powered by Yoshimura GSX-R1000 at Portimao, Portugal later this month, with Hopkins joining him in the tests in early 2012. The first race of next year’s calendar is scheduled for Sunday, February 26 at Phillip Island, Australia.

Hopkins is currently at his U.S. home in California, recovering from surgery to correct a finger injury he sustained at Brno while riding as a wild card for the Rizla Suzuki MotoGP team. He had a successful first season with Crescent Suzuki in the British national series, narrowly missing out on the championship at the last race of the year to Swan Yamaha’s Tommy Hill. Hopkins contested the World Superbike Series in 2009 as a mid-season replacement for Robbie Rolfo at the ill-fated Stiggy Honda team, but injuries – and a horrific crash at the Nurburgring – coupled with Stiggy’s decision to pull out of the series, ended Hopkins WSBK hopes. He signed with John Ulrich’s team in AMA Superbike the following year but was again hampered by injuries. Earlier this season, he captured Superpole at the Silverstone WSBK weekend before finishing fifth in race 1 and seventh in race 2 as a wild card.

John Hopkins:
“I am really happy to be joining up with the Crescent guys again. We had a great year in British Superbike and I’m sure we can continue that in WSB. I wanted to get back into world championship racing and this is a natural progression from last year. The difference this time is that I will be going to tracks that I already know and have some reference from, so that should make some things a bit easier.

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Swan Yamaha’s Tommy Hill snatched his maiden MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship title following a sensational performance in yesterday’s final race of the year at Brands Hatch to beat title rival John Hopkins to the line by just 0.006 seconds and be crowned champion with a two-point advantage at the end of the season. Hill also claimed the 2011 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship Speedy Fastest lap award at the season showdown.

In Saturday’s opening race of the weekend at the final round of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch, Michael Laverty celebrated his third victory of the season as Tommy Hill just missed out on a podium finish. Laverty took the lead on the opening lap which he held until the checkered flag. Hill had dropped to sixth at the end of the opening lap, but a determined performance saw him fight his way through to fourth before he challenged the championship leader, Samsung Crescent Suzuki’s John Hopkins, for the final podium position. Hill had edged ahead on the final lap, but Hopkins took the advantage to the line.

Hill missed out on a podium again in yesterday’s second race of the weekend which he completed in fourth place and just two points separating him from title rival Hopkins ahead of the last race of the year. In the final race the pair swapped places five times on the final lap, which would decide the outcome of the title. Hill narrowly crossed the line ahead to secure second and with it a maiden championship title for the team.

Michael Laverty was caught out by the drying conditions in the second race, but in the season finale he was embroiled in the fight for the final podium positions before ending the race in fifth place. Laverty ended the season fourth in the standings for the Swan Yamaha team.

Thanks to Swan Yamaha rider’s impressive display of racing yet again this weekend, Yamaha have claimed the 2011 MCE Insurance British Superbike Manufacturer’s title award holding a 13 point lead.

Tommy Hill, Swan Yamaha – 2011 BSB Champion
“I am gobsmacked to have won the title for Swan Yamaha; this has been my goal and I was trying to stay as relaxed as possible in that final race. The season has put a lot of pressure on everyone and that reflects on everyone. We have been regularly finishing in the top three and that has therefore been the benchmark and the whole of the Swan Yamaha team have been working so hard all year to make this possible. It has just been a complete shock for me and I feel like we should be having another race next weekend now. It wasn’t until the other riders started congratulating me that I even realized I had won as it was so close between myself and Hopper. It has been a long hard season and it came down to that one race. Everyone wanted a Showdown and that is what we have given them; it really was make or break time and I knew I had to do everything possible to beat Hopper. I knew Michael (Laverty) was behind me, but then when I knew it was Josh (Brookes) I had to just go for it. Coming across the line we didn’t know who had finished second and with it the title. At the moment I feel like I need someone to punch me or something to bring me back to reality. I just want to go out and race again now. I just want to celebrate now with my family, friends and the whole of the Swan Yamaha team and I need to thank everyone for their support this season.”

Michael Laverty, Swan Yamaha
“Today has been a great result for the Swan Yamaha team and congratulations have to go to Tommy for winning the title. I rode my hardest to try and protect him and the rest of the hard work he did himself. There is a lot of satisfaction for the team tonight but at the same time I am disappointed that we were not able to come away as the champion. We have been fast all season long and we showed again yesterday with the win that we have the pace. It has been a great year and I need to thank the Swan Yamaha team for all their support.”

Shaun Muir, Swan Yamaha Team Owner
“We delivered everything we set out to achieve at the start of the season although we have made life difficult along the way. It didn’t start the best for Tommy this weekend but he couldn’t have done more in that race. Big thanks also have to go to Michael for his support in the final race as he did a great job of acting as Tommy’s wingman. We want to take this opportunity to thank all of our sponsors, partners and supporters who have made this possible.”

American John Hopkins extended his lead in the 2011 British Superbike Championship after finishing third in the first race of the final round today at the Brands Hatch GP circuit.

The Samsung Crescent Suzuki rider now leads the championship by 11 points with just two more races to run as teammate Jon Kirkham finished in eighth place and maintains his lead in the Riders’ Cup.

Hopkins rode a steady race today electing to not fight for the win – against riders who will struggle to overcome his points’ advantage – and instead focused on his battle with Tommy Hill, his nearest rival. Hill attacked Hopkins on the final lap and took a momentary lead but Hopkins was able to counter attack and hold the advantage to the finish, netting a further three points advantage over Hill.

Kirkham continues to improve his pace and was one of the few riders to lap in the 1:25-minute bracket today. With a good start, Kirkham should be able to secure the top-five finishes he seeks tomorrow.

Earlier today, both had ridden strong in qualifying with Hopkins securing third fastest for a front-row starting position and Kirkham seventh fastest for a second row.

John Hopkins:
“We’ve had a good day today. We’ve got great lap and race speeds so we can race for wins. But today Michael Laverty and Josh Brookes were riding hard; they both had nothing to lose and everything to gain, while for my part I didn’t need to ride with them or beat them to win this Championship, so I elected to stay clear and ride safe. Maybe too safe, as that tactic did allow Tommy Hill to close on me and it made for an exciting last lap, but I was able to deal with his attack and lead him home. I still can’t rest easy. 11 points isn’t enough to make us feel secure and the strategy for tomorrow is still race to win. I just need to ride the way I have all season and we’ll get the job done.”

Jon Kirkham:
“I’m really pleased to be on the pace and to do the lap times. Dipping into the 1:25s I’m again matching the front runners. Now it’s now just a case of being stronger in the first third of the race, both in defence and attack. For my part, I want two top-fives tomorrow, I want to be at the front – and if my doing so helps Hopper’s cause, then so much the better. Everything is good to go.”

Jack Valentine, Team Manager:
“Weekends like this are never easy. The stakes are that high. It was no surprise Hopper had a small dose of nerves today, but if that’s how he rides when he’s being cautious then we should be good for tomorrow. He’s reflected on his performance today and he’s acknowledged he wasn’t his usual self and he’s judged that a bit of a mistake. Lesson learned; he’ll be back tomorrow the attacking, calculating rider we’ve come to know. Everything is ready. The bike is great; nothing wanting there. The team’s ready. And Hopper’s ready. It’s been a good day today, we’ve done some hard work and I think we’ve felt – and withstood – the pressure. We head into tomorrow with a single purpose.”

MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship
Round 12, Brands Hatch GP

Qualifying:
1 Josh Brookes (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) 1m: 25.111s
2 Michael Laverty (Swan Yamaha) +0.031s
3 John Hopkins (Samsung Crescent Racing) +0.177s
4 Tommy Hill (Swan Yamaha) +0.473s
5 James Ellison (Sorrymate.com Honda) +0.617s
6 Michael Rutter (Rapid Solicitors-Bathams Ducati) +0.861s
7 Jon Kirkham (Samsung Crescent Racing) +0.879s
8 Graeme Gowland (WFR Honda) +1.078s
9 Martin Jessopp (Rapid Solicitors-Bathams Ducati) +1.248s
10 Alex Lowes (Motorpoint Yamaha) +1.873s

Race one result:
1 Michael Laverty (Swan Yamaha)
2 Josh Brookes (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +0.396s
3 John Hopkins (Samsung Crescent Racing) +8.766s
4 Tommy Hill (Swan Yamaha) +8.873s
5 James Ellison (Sorrymate.com Honda) +9.007s
6 Shane Byrne (HM Plant Honda) +11.681s
7 Michael Rutter (Rapid Solicitors-Bathams Ducati) +13.752s
8 Jon Kirkham (Samsung Crescent Racing) +13.923s
9 Graeme Gowland (WFR Honda) +18.452s
10 Martin Jessopp (Rapid Solicitors-Bathams Ducati) +24.763s

MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship standings (after race one at Brands Hatch):
1 John Hopkins (Samsung Crescent Racing) 625
2 Tommy Hill (Swan Yamaha) 614
3 Michael Laverty (Swan Yamaha) 590
4 Josh Brookes (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) 588
5 Shane Byrne (HM Plant Honda) 575
6 Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) 521
7 Jon Kirkham (Samsung Crescent Racing) 190

BSB rookie – and MotoGP, AMA and WSBK veteran – American John Hopkins leads the 2011 British Superbike Championship as it heads to the final round this weekend at the Brands Hatch GP circuit in Kent, England.

Hopkins and the Samsung Crescent Suzuki team have an eight-point lead over his nearest rival, Swan Yamaha’s Tommy Hill, but with three races on the schedule – and 75 points available for the winner of all three – there’s still everything to race for.

Teammate Jon Kirkham in turn leads the Riders’ Cup for the best rider outside of the Title Fighter’s Showdown; and with top-five and podium finishes in recent rounds, he looks set to make the Cup his, while also lending valuable support to Hopkins in the battle at the front.

John Hopkins:
“I’m really keen to get started into the weekend. The points-gap that I have is a great advantage but not really a comfort. The strategy still has to be ‘race to win’ as anything less and we won’t have the Championship, but I’m confident we can do just that. The Samsung Crescent Suzuki has a great set-up, I love riding it and with the data we took from our previous visit to the GP circuit – together with the track knowledge I gained – it puts us in a strong position coming in.

“My injured finger gets stronger each day and I don’t expect it to be a problem. Again I’ll have to manage it – and with three races there’ll be a lot of work to do – but I think we proved at Donington Park and Silverstone that it’s not affecting my racing. There’s mental pressure as well, but it’s nothing new to me; nothing I can’t deal with. The job stays the same: go for the holeshot, take the lead and stay out of trouble. Get the win. It’s racing. I love it.”

Jon Kirkham:
“I’m really looking forward to the weekend. I love the circuit and so after having a bad time here earlier in the year I’ll be going all-out to put in the best performance and finish the year on a high. I’ve got the bike the way I like it now so I’m aiming to be there in the leading pack again. I want to get the points to make the Riders’ Cup mine, but if along the way my being in there helps John’s Championship, then so much the better.”

Jack Valentine, Team Manager:
“Showdown time. Here we are again – just as last year so let’s hope we can finish the job this time. As a team we’re preparing the way we always do – everything 100 percent and everything sorted so we give our riders everything they need to do the job.

“With just eight points in the lead we’re nowhere near applying tactics; we’re in the same boat as everyone and we have to win races to win the Championship. Maybe if we get a win in the first race on Saturday we might be able to play tactical on Sunday, but we know it’s when you start being too clever, or start relaxing – that’s when the problems come. For the riders, they prefer to race to win, it’s probably the safest strategy.

“Hopper’s a great racer in any case. He’s shown all season long that he can respond to challenges and I don’t see anything changing this weekend. Business as usual for him. JK’s had a brilliant end to the year. Mid-season it got away from him for a bit, but since Cadwell Park he’s been brilliant; he’s on the pace all-race, and his race craft improves with every battle. His presence in the top five could yet make every difference to the Championship outcome. Everything is readied: the riders, the bikes, the team. Let’s race.”