Motourage

American John Hopkins Suzuki stormed to a dominant double victory Sunday at the 10th round of the 2011 British Superbike Championship at Donington Park, putting him in the lead of the BSB Championship with just two rounds to go.

Hopkins’ Samsung Crescent Racing teammate Jon Kirkham was also in great form, fighting for podium finishes and placing 5-3 to strengthen his position as leader in the Rider’s Cup – the competition to be the best rider outside of the Showdown’s Title Fighters.

John Hopkins:
“This is a very special double-win for me. It’s good to come back from injury and to immediately win and to take over the Championship lead. But as well, this is a day of remembrance back at home for the victims of 9/11, so I’m thinking of those people and their families. This is my tribute to them.

“We enjoyed some great racing today. I was careful to conserve my tires in the first race and I let the opportunities come to me. Tommy Hill’s mistake when passing Shane Byrne played to my advantage and then it was just a matter of planning and waiting for the chance to pass Michael Laverty, and that came four laps from home. I had plenty of pace left in the bike and in the tires to take it from there.

“The second race was actually harder; I got most of the racing done early. I was in the lead by the fourth lap, but the lack of distractions meant the pain in my fingers was very obvious. The bike was awesome though and from half-distance I was able to pull four-tenths a lap on Tommy, and once we got to a two-second buffer, I just controlled it from there.”

Jon Kirkham:
“I’m really pleased. I was looking for two top-fives this weekend, so a fifth and a third is more than job-done. I got caught behind Ryuichi Kiyonari early in the first race and this let the leaders get away. It was only a matter of a couple of seconds, but it’s so hard to pull that back given the pace at the front.

“The second race was brilliant fun. I could see from my pit board that I was being chased hard, and when Kiyo slowed I had to pass quickly and make something of a break if it wasn’t going to get messy. I got my head down, and from there to the end of the race I wouldn’t let my speed drop. So the gap grew quite comfortably and I was surprised at the end to see Tommy’s bike coming into view. To share the podium with John today was fantastic.”

Jack Valentine, Team Manager:
“It’s been a fantastic performance this weekend; from Hopper, JK and the whole team. Hopper went fastest in warm-up this morning and JK was fifth again and that told us we were well-set. In the races both riders seriously-impressed us. Hopper’s race craft in race one was brilliant; it was a masterful performance – patient when he needed to be, then so strong and decisive in his attacks. JK might have missed the jump with the leaders but his pace throughout the race was almost identical.

“In the second race Hopper did his work early and settled in for the ride to the flag. JK had his hands full with some tough rivals but brilliantly came out on top; his lap times were within a tenth or two-tenths of Hopper’s and on occasion faster. Impressively, he maintained that right through to the last lap and given a couple more laps he’d have given Tommy Hill something of a surprise!

“In all it’s been a brilliant weekend: To have Hopper leading the Championship and JK the Riders’ Cup is the best possible outcome. Now we look forward to Silverstone in a fortnight’s time. That’s a great track for us; Hopper set the fastest ever Superbike lap-time there earlier this year when we did the British WSB round, so we can expect more of what we saw this weekend from him. And with JK so resurgent, there’s every reason to be excited about our prospects.”

MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship
Round Ten, Donington Park:

Race one result:
1 John Hopkins (Samsung Crescent Racing)
2 Michael Laverty (Swan Yamaha) +0.480s
3 Tommy Hill (Swan Yamaha) +0.781s
4 Shane Byrne (HM Plant Honda) +3.920s
5 Jon Kirkham (Samsung Crescent Racing) +6.345s
6 Josh Brookes (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +10.281s
7 Peter Hickman (Tyco Honda) +13.141s
8 James Ellison (Sorrymate.com Honda) +18.578s
9 Martin Jessopp (Rapid Solicitors-Bathams Ducati) +22.154s
10 Graeme Gowland (WFR Honda) +22.543s

Race two result:
1 John Hopkins (Samsung Crescent Racing)
2 Tommy Hill (Swan Yamaha) +1.986s
3 Jon Kirkham (Samsung Crescent Racing) +3.315s
4 Martin Jessopp (Rapid Solicitors-Bathams Ducati) +5.978s
5 Josh Brookes (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +8.324s
6 Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) +12.236s
7 James Ellison (Sorrymate.com Honda) +12.541s
8 Shane Byrne (HM Plant Honda) +22.445s
9 Chris Walker (Pr1mo Racing Kawasaki) +16.308s
10 Graeme Gowland (WFR Honda) +26.746s

MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship standings:
1 John Hopkins (Samsung Crescent Racing) 568
2 Tommy Hill (Swan Yamaha) 565
3 Shane Byrne (HM Plant Honda) 543
4 Michael Laverty (Swan Yamaha) 532
5 Josh Brookes (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) 530
6 Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) 518
7 Jon Kirkham (Samsung Crescent Racing) 172

After qualifying in pole position, Relentless by TAS Suzuki’s Alastair Seeley produced yet another faultless performance today, winning the British Supersport race at Donington Park by more than five seconds.

The Ulsterman also took the fastest lap and will start tomorrow’s second Supersport outing from the pole position slot on the grid.

Alastair Seeley:
“The first two laps, Ben [Wilson] tried to break away, but I didn’t panic and made sure I used all of the track with fast-flowing lines. Then when I caught him I got that much drive onto the back straight, I wasn’t prepared to shutoff and try to get in his slipstream. I used more of the track and the curbs, pulled alongside, and it was a matter of who braked the latest. I probably ran in a bit too deep but it gave me the lead. After that I just watched my board. I could hear him for about a lap and after that I started to disappear and it gave me great satisfaction to see “plus three” and then “plus four” on my board. The wee bike felt really strong today and gave me a lot of confidence, so big thanks to the team and Suzuki.”

Philip Neill, Team Manager:
“I’ve said it all before about Alastair Seeley, but pole position, convincing race win; and fastest lap is all he can do now. I have an idea for him tomorrow, but realistically all he can do is win and see if some of the other guys can get in the mix for honors. Wet or damp races would make it very interesting for us in both classes.”

British Supersport Race 1 Result: 1 Alastair Seeley [Relentless Suzuki by TAS]; 2 Ben Wilson [Kawasaki] +5.441sec; 3 Christian Iddon [Triumph] +7.342; 4 Paul Young [Triumph] +7.647; 5 Jack Kennedy [Yamaha] +7.813; 6 Jimmy Hill [Triumph] +14.898.

MSS Colchester Kawasaki rider run Gary Mason will run a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R specially developed under the newly announced 2012 race regulations for the last three rounds of the British Superbike Championship starting this weekend at Donington Park. Next year’s rules, brought in to keep costs and rider aids under control, restrict engine tuning and crucially mean all teams will run a control ECU unit.

“These new rules have been brought in for 2012-2015 and are a major change to the spec of the bikes, so we’re looking to hit the ground running next year and where better to test and develop than at the races,” Team boss Nick Morgan explained. “Winter testing is always hit and miss, plus you never get to use the right tracks, so this is ideal.”

“We’ve chosen Gary to spearhead this development because he’s proved in both the wet and dry he has great throttle control, has had two years with the team and obviously knows the new ZX-10R inside-out, all of which will help with the new ECU. It’s obviously very early days but we know the chassis is great, the rider is focused and we have some top technicians, so I don’t see why we can’t have a proper go at this.”

“We welcome Ian to the team for Donington, which is a track we love as a team and I think he will certainly have a few points to prove there. Danny and Howie are always up for a battle in Superstock and I don’t see this weekend being any different, except Danny is the fittest he’s been since his run of bad luck and injury.”

Gary Mason (Championship position: 8th) added, “This season is already over in terms of the Championship, so it’s exciting to be looking at 2012 already. Testing is fine, but you can’t beat race data. There’s a bit of an unknown feeling, for example I’ll be looking at a new dash and it’s going to be a bit weird using a clutch again! I really believe I can get in amongst them though and show people what I can do on a bike that needs more throttle control.”

Ian Lowry joins the MSS squad for the first time this weekend and said, “I’m really looking forward to getting to Donington as it’s my favorite circuit. This is the start of the Showdown so the top six are fighting for the Championship, and everybody outside this is fighting for seventh place. But, the reality is I want to be battling with the top guys and throw a few spanners in the works. I’m feeling pretty good at the moment and got a good few miles done on the pushbike over the past two weeks. This week has been pretty mental at work, so I’ll be glad to get away for the weekend.”

In the Superstock class, Danny Buchan and Howie Mainwaring sit in second and fourth positions in the series, but both have tasting victory champagne this year and will be gunning for glory at Donington Park and to take points from series leader Richard Cooper.

Danny Buchan (Championship position: 2nd) said, “I like Donington Park although I’ve only raced on it twice, but I’ve ridden it a couple times on the new ZX-10 and put in some good times. Twenty points is a tough gap, but I’m a fighter, and I’m going to fight for every last point. I’ve been training as usual and have also been swimming lots to strengthen the shoulder, so feeling mint. The plan is to win all three of the last races and the championship. That’s obviously easy to say but I’m feeling full of confidence and when confident I go good! I’m going to dedicate this race to my mate Ben Gautrey who we all lost at Cadwell so I hope to win for his memory.”

Howie Mainwaring (Championship position: 4th) said, “This season hasn’t gone as planned, but the least I can do is put on a good show for the last three rounds and get that third position back. If I can help Danny to the title in the meantime all the better.”

Samsung Crescent Racing Suzuki is readying itself for the crucial Showdown phase of the 2011 British Superbike Championship that gets underway this weekend at Donington Park in Leicestershire, England.

John Hopkins is still recovering from the finger injuries he sustained at the Brno MotoGP in August, but confirms he fully expects to be able to fight for wins this coming weekend. As the top six in the Championship start their three-round battle to determine the series Champion, Hopkins says he couldn’t be more motivated.

Hopkins’ teammate, Jon Kirkham, having narrowly missed inclusion in the Top-Six Title Fighters, begins his own battle to win the Riders’ Cup, awarded to the best rider outside of the top six.

John Hopkins:
“I’m ready to return to racing. I’m having the last pins out of my middle finger and then I’ll have full articulation in all fingers. I’ve been keeping up my fitness and exercising my hand so I expect to be able to push right from the get-go. I know Donington Park well from my MotoGP years – I love the place – so I’m right on the game there.

“I’ve been waiting for this phase of the Championship to start and now it’s here I can’t wait to get stuck in. I can sense this weekend is going to be fantastic, we’re all going to be going for it and it’s my intention to be right at the very front.”

Jon Kirkham:
“The disappointment of missing out on the Title Fighters has been more than made up by the excitement of racing at the front again – and the impending battle to grab the Riders’ Cup. That will be no less difficult than trying to make the top six: There are plenty of riders who have plenty of form right now, but I’m keen to stay in the top six in the race results, and if at any time my being there will help Hopper, then so much the better.”

Jack Valentine, Team Manager:
“To say Hopper is ready would be an understatement. He’s is literally ‘pulling the pin’, or pins, as we speak. We’ve stayed in contact as he’s been recuperating back at his home in the States, and he’s certainly fired up for this weekend. He’s really up for it and I think we can expect him to come out fighting. This is a very exciting point in the Championship, as we literally start all over again and with Donington, Silverstone and Brands being the final rounds – all good venues for Hopper – we can expect a very strong and determined run to the flag from him.

“It’s been good to see JK coming back up to speed over the last couple of rounds, and that last race at Cadwell Park really recharged him; there’s nothing like racing within sight of the lead to spark up a racer. I think we can expect to see JK getting into the top six again; with the Riders’ Cup there’s motivation for him too.

“Within the team we have the bikes ready, all the tools needed to do the job, everything is set for this final stage of the Championship. The energy levels in the team are at an all-time high. We’re definitely ready.”

Samsung Crescent Racing has confirmed that John Hopkins will not ride at Cadwell Park this weekend, the ninth round of the 2011 British Superbike Championship.

The injury to the Suzuki rider’s right hand that he damaged at the Brno MotoGP in the Czech Republic is healing well, but doctors advise it is insufficiently healed to enable him to race again so soon. The team has also confirmed that there will be no replacement rider for Hopkins; Jon Kirkham will be their sole representative on track.

Jack Valentine, Team Manager:
“Unfortunately Hopper’s hand is not healed enough to race this weekend and while this is disappointing to us and the fans it is the right decision when we consider the upcoming Showdown phase of the Championship.

“Hopper’s been in daily contact as he’s undergone intensive laser treatment and hyperbaric chamber sessions. He’s explained the external pins are expected to be removed on Wednesday, but of course the weekend is too soon after that for his hand to be sufficiently healed.

“We will, we suspect, lose a few podium points to our rivals in the Showdown, but to race a Superbike at a track such as this when you don’t have 100 percent strength in your throttle and brake hand is simply too dangerous both to the rider and his competitors and would only stand to slow Hopper’s recovery from the injury.

“The team will nonetheless be at very near full-strength as we look forward to giving Jon Kirkham additional resources for the weekend. He’ll have two crew chiefs working for him as well as his regular crew of mechanics and we hope this will fast track his set-up, allowing him to get back to where he belongs; at the front of the field.”

The Ducati 848 Challenge currently sponsored by Rapid Solicitors is set to continue as a support series for British Superbike in 2012.

Now in its second year, the Ducati 848 Challenge has become one of the most exciting and fiercely competitive race series on the UK calendar, with a spectacle that has thrilled crowds at BSB rounds and at its overseas appearances at Assen and Monza.

This closely contested championship has proven popular with both spectators and TV audiences and has seen the number of riders joining the series rise steadily over the year

In 2012, the Ducati 848 Challenge will closely follow the current format with eight rounds, 16 races, including two overseas rounds that have proven to be such an enticing experience for many of the current riders.

The 2012 series will be fully supported and operated by Ducati UK and again offer a generous race package that will include the series registration within the price of a new 848 Evo Superbike.

The Ducati 848 Evo, regarded as one of the best handling production bikes on road and track, will remain in its current specification through into 2012 and continue to offer a level playing field for both 2011 and 2012 model year bikes.

Stuart Higgs, British Superbike Championship series director:
“The 2011 Rapid Solicitors Ducati 848 Challenge has been a great addition to the BSB portfolio of championships. Aside from the great racing this year, Ducati UK has also created a race series that’s great value for the competitors with a strong media platform and high attendances at BSB events. The 848 Ducati is an exceptional sports bike, and we are delighted that the series will continue into 2012.”

MSS Colchester Kawasaki team boss Nick Morgan is looking for strong rides from his four riders as they head to Brands Hatch GP this weekend for a British Superbike Championship triple header. Gary Mason has a great opportunity to reach the all important BSB ‘Showdown’ top six if he gets three good rides in this weekend’s event. In the National Superstock class, Danny Buchan continues to lead the series in his debut year despite an injured shoulder.

Gary Mason discusses motorbike racing with his crew chief, Andrew Pitt

Mason is currently eighth in the Superbike class, 21 points away from sixth position. But, with two triple header rounds at Brands Hatch and Cadwell Park ahead, he still has a good chance to make the cutoff, which will determine the top championship positions.

Mason finished in fifth place at the last round at a rain-hit Oulton Park while his three teammates crashed out in treacherous conditions. His Superbike partner, Alex Lowes, has alternated between BSB and WSB with some flashes of brilliance plus some painful crash landings.

Gary Mason, championship position: 8th
“This is a massive round for me obviously and the focus is getting some good results and staying upright. If I can get three good outings, ideally I can get into that top six or thereabouts so we’re all set for Cadwell Park. I absolutely love the place; I won in European Superstock there for this very team, I like the flowing tracks and it suits the bike.”

Alex Lowes, championship position: 16th
“The World Superbikes have been an amazing experience, but I need to get back up the sharp end in BSB, this is so important to me. I’m really looking forward to Brands and I feel fine after Silverstone; most people thought I’d really hurt myself but I’m okay.”

National Superstock 1000 riders Danny Buchan and Howie Mainwaring both took nasty spills at the last round at Oulton Park with Howie falling while challenging for the lead on lap two and Danny crashing at the same corner. However, Danny still leads the series, and both riders got out at Brands on a test day recently to get themselves dialed in.

Danny Buchan, championship position: 1st
“Obviously I’ve been riding broken for a while now and I could really have done with the points to have created a decent lead at Oulton. I want to go to Brands, get some good points and then get myself fully fixed for Cadwell Park.”

Howie Mainwaring, championship position: 7th
“I was on a bit of a bounce back before Oulton so to crash there was mega frustrating. I’m better than my championship position and I need to remind everyone of that at Brands Hatch.”

“The focus for the team is always to get the most out of all of our riders, but I genuinely believe if we support Gary and he gets the breaks, he can still make it into the top six for this Showdown cut-off, said team owner Nick Morgan. “All I really want is four happy riders at the end of it.”

The Samsung Crescent Racing Team heads to Brands Hatch GP this week for the eighth round of the 2011 British Superbikes Championship after a successful trip to Silverstone where John Hopkins took pole position and two top-10 finishes. The team is anticipating another highly-competitive weekend of racing at what is a crucial point in the BSB season.

Jon Kirkham

With two rounds – six races – remaining before the Championship switches to its Showdown phase – the final three rounds where only the top six riders can compete for the Championship – John Hopkins is second in the title standings. Although Hopkins lies 32 points adrift of the lead rider, only podium points carry forward to the Showdown, and in that category, Hopkins is only one point off the lead.

John Kirkham is currently seventh in the Championship, just 20 points outside the top six, but with a maximum potential of 150 points up for grabs, he could overcome this quite readily.

Jack Valentine, Team Manager:
“The team is really buzzing after the Silverstone weekend. Coming after two very successful tests it was another demonstration of our true potential. And as the BSB Championship gets closer to the final Showdown we’re again contenders for the title.

“Hopper’s clearly on top of his game. After qualifying fastest at Silverstone it was always going to be a tall order for him to back that up with a podium finish – the factory-backed WSB Superbikes have an edge on us on top speed – but again he showed his ability to take his bike to the very limit of its capability and bring home the high-scores.

“Earlier in testing here at Brands Hatch GP we found within his first half an hour on track Hopper was on BSB race pace. Importantly he says he loves this circuit. He’s having fun out there. For everyone else in the paddock that’s a dangerous mood for Hopper to be in.

“JK’s probably suffered a few rookie-blues this season; he’s had his fair share of misfortunes, but he’s still in the fight. JK’s on the edge of the Title Fighters top-six and with six races over the next two rounds he stands a very good chance of netting the points he needs to be in the running for the Showdown. He’ll remember he scored a strong fifth finish at Brands at the 2011 season opener, so he’ll be looking to get back to his top-six form over the weekend. All in all, we’re definitely looking forward to some strong performances this weekend.”

Samsung Crescent Racing’s John Hopkins raced to fifth and seventh places today as a wild card entry in the World Superbike Championship round at Silverstone in the UK.

Following his victory in Superpole yesterday – where he set a new lap record – the Suzuki GSX-R1000-mounted British Superbike Championship contender started both of today’s races from pole position, going into the opening race full of fight and dicing for the lead in the early stages. But with a riding style that dictates use of the rear brake, disaster struck mid-way through race one for the American when he suffered a rear brake issue, effectively ending hopes of a podium finish. But he still finished the race in an impressive fifth place.

In race two, Hopkins was at the sharp end of the action, battling hard with WSBK title contenders Marco Melandri, Max Biaggi and Eugene Laverty.

For team mate Jon Kirkham, a pair of finishes in the points was a positive step forward after struggling in qualifying yesterday. Finishing race one in 14th and going on to set faster times in race two – some 15 seconds faster over race distance – to come home in 15th signified solid progress, when other British Championship riders crashed out of contention.

John Hopkins:
“Boy that was a lot of fun. The first race was a bit of a disappointment with the rear brake pad issues, but I managed to alter my corner-entry and keep my focus to bag that fifth place. Race two felt better, but to keep with those factory bikes you really need to make up time on the brakes and on the gas out of the turns. I knew that would kill my tyre, so it was no surprise in the closing stages of race two when we started losing the times. Overall, I’m really pumped about this weekend. It’s been huge fun and we’ve showed the World what the Samsung Crescent Suzuki team is really capable of. I’ve bagged my first-ever World Superbike pole position, mixed it up at the sharp end and enjoyed the racing immensely. A huge thanks to the whole team.”

Jon Kirkham:
“Not quite what I hoped for this weekend, but a pair of points-finishes in World Superbike is definitely something to be pleased with and you still can’t beat the feeling of dicing with your heroes like Troy Corser. Crucially we were a day behind really: After my struggles in practice and qualifying – and an attempt to alter my riding style a little after seeing Hopper’s times – I just reverted to my old self today and started to go much better. Anyway, the bonus to take away from this is that we’ve now got a lot of data for the Silverstone BSB round and I can go to Brands Hatch next weekend with plenty of confidence.”

Jack Valentine, Team Manager:
“What a weekend. First we’re fastest in practice, then on Pole position and then dicing for the lead, before rounding the weekend off with two great results and both riders in the points. This was always going to be a challenge, but thanks to the support from all of our sponsors, including Samsung and Fixi, we were able to show the World what we’re capable of and leave Silverstone with our heads held high.

“Hopper rode two great races, JK demonstrated his ability to bounce back despite set-backs and crucially, we leave here with a great deal of data for the BSB round later in the year. Now we head to Brands Hatch this weekend coming full of confidence: A great team effort and huge thanks to the entire team.”

RESULTS:

Race 1:
1 Carlos Checa 38m06.477s
2 Eugene Laverty +3.304s
3 Marco Melandri +4.782s
4 Leon Haslam +7.116s
5 John Hopkins +11.057s
6 Sylvain Guintoli +21.899s

Race 2:
1 Carlos Checa 38m03.361s
2 Eugene Laverty +2.274s
3 Marco Melandri +3.675s
4 Max Biaggi +3.960s
5 Leon Camier +4.405s
6 Sylvain Guintoli +10.958s
7 John Hopkins  + 11.387s

John Hopkins will race for the Rizla Suzuki team at the Czech Republic round of the MotoGP World Championship at Brno on Sunday August 14; his second appearance of the season for the Rizla Suzuki squad. However, this time he will competing alongside Alvaro Bautista rather than as his replacement.

Hopkins finished a very respectable 10th in Jerez

Hopkins filled in at Jerez while Bautista was recovering from a broken femur and scored a creditable 10th place at the Spanish Grand Prix.

The Anglo-American racer last rode at Brno for Rizla Suzuki in 2007 and recorded his best-ever finish in a MotoGP race by bringing his Suzuki GSV-R home in second place – a result that went some way to seeing Hopkins secure fourth place in the Championship that season.

Hopkins is currently in second place in the British Superbike Championship onboard a Suzuki GSX-R1000 with the Samsung Crescent Racing team. His next event is at Silverstone in England, when he gets a taste of world championship motorcycle racing as he competes in the World Superbike series, also as a wild card, on Sunday July 29.

John Hopkins:
“It’s a real thrill to get the opportunity to ride at Brno, and I’m really looking forward to it. I’m very pleased that we have been able to achieve it because it is something we have been working on for a long time. To be honest, it couldn’t be at a better track for me either. I had my best result in my MotoGP career at that track, and I’m really pumped that I am going there again. As far as the Suzuki goes, I think it’s a great bike, and the package is a lot better than when I last rode it in 2007. I think that in comparison to what I was able to do in Jerez, I believe I will be able to perform a lot better because back then I hadn’t been on a bike in a competitive environment for six or seven months.

“I got thrown in at the deep end in Spain, but this time I will have a lot more race-craft. It’s also a huge benefit for me to be riding alongside Alvaro instead of riding in place of him, so that will be really good; not just for me but for the whole team. With the two of us, we can help develop the bike and share the extra data to get the best out of the GSV-R. It will be better to be riding with him in the team instead of replacing him because nobody likes to see a rider injured, and having more bikes on the grid is always better for everyone.

“I really want to thank everyone at Suzuki for giving me this chance and my Samsung Crescent team back in England for letting me take the opportunity to go back to MotoGP – even if it is just for one ride at the moment.”

Paul Denning, Team Manager:
“Everyone at Rizla Suzuki is looking forward to welcoming John back into the fold for the Brno Grand Prix. It is a track that the GSV-R has gone well at in the past, a track that John really enjoys, and we’ll be doing everything we can to give him a decent platform to get a good result. We also hope that John’s MotoGP experience and data during the weekend will help us find a better solution for both riders and increase our performance overall.”