Motourage

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.”

MSS Colchester Kawasaki has signed Ian Lowry to ride a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R in the last three rounds of the British Superbike Championship.

The Essex, England-based squad are looking to the young Northern Irishman to fill in for the injured Stuart Easton after the team recently parted company with stand-in rider Alex Lowes.

“It’s well known things haven’t gone that well since my first year in BSB, and I tried a few other options, but this is a massive lifeline from MSS Colchester Kawasaki to really prove my worth,” said Lowry, who finished fifth in his rookie year in British Superbikes in 2009 and has also had top-ten results in World Superbike for PBM Kawasaki. “The bike looks great out on track when I’ve followed it, and it’s clearly good enough for podiums – as both Gary and Stuart have shown – so I’m really excited to ride it. I like all three of the tracks we’re going to, and Donington is my favorite by far, so that’s positive. I have a good relationship with some of the Kawasaki guys after Paul Bird ran me out in World Superbikes, so everything is in place. It’s just down to me.”

Team owner Nick Morgan added, “Ian is a class act as he showed in his debut year in BSB, and we’re delighted to have him on board for the rest of the season. It may seem very soon after our announcement of Alex leaving, but the reality is the team needs two riders on board every week for results and development. We’re going to try and let him get a run-out before Donington, although it’s quite late notice and we have a bit of crash damage to fix still.”

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.”

MSS Colchester Kawasaki racer Alex Lowes has been given the dream opportunity to ride in the World Superbike Championship in place of Jonathan Rea, with the blessing of MSS team boss Nick Morgan.

Alex, who is currently filling in for the injured Stuart Easton in the MSS team, will be joining his twin brother Sam – who rides in the World Supersport series – in the WSBK paddock at Brno on July 10. Alex immediately impressed in British Superbikes when he jumped on the new 2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R at Thruxton, putting the machine on pole for the first time.

Team owner Nick Morgan:
“Alex stood in for the team at the last minute and immediately gelled with the bike and squad. We’ve been really excited with his performances. A shot on a World Superbike is a fantastic opportunity, and he goes with our blessing, albeit with a word of caution also!”

Alex Lowes:
“To first be offered the MSS ride, then an opportunity in World Superbikes is incredible and I’d like to thank Nick and the team for being so understanding. My main focus is still on the BSB Championship and getting into that top-six Shootout for Kawasaki. Snetterton is up next before the WSB round, so that is the priority.”

North West 200 204mph top speed record holder Stuart Easton teams up with 2010 Top Newcomer Gary Mason for a full road race attack for MSS Colchester Kawasaki.
 
The two riders are in fantastic form in British Superbikes and will be competing at the legendary event on the all new Kawasaki ZX-10R machine in two specifications; full Superbike (2 races) and the Superstock class (1 race).
 
Easton, who finished second in the 2010 feature Superbike event, is in great form racking up a third Macau GP road race victory over the winter and currently sits in third in the British Superbike Championship. “This is one of my favorite events in the World. I enjoy the whole week; away from the riding it’s really relaxed and you get a chance to really bond with the team. It’s obviously far less intense than BSB but then race day goes crazy! This new Kawasaki ZX-10R is all changed for this year so we’re not too sure how it will go at this particular place, it’s been incredible in BSB and only practice will show its capabilities here.”
 
Mason, who took his first British Superbike podium last weekend, is revved up for the event, saying, “It was my first time last year and I couldn’t believe the event. What an atmosphere and the fans were brilliant. I only did Superbike last year, so I’ll get a lot more track time doing Superstock also, plus Stuart is going to help me in practice, which is mega. I’m aiming for top six if I can get away with the group then it’s all down to slipstreaming.”
 
Team boss Nick Morgan added, “As a team we love this event and although we’ve had success here, we’re desperate for that first full Superbike win! With our all new ZX-10R and the form of both Stuart and Gary, this is a great time to be coming here and we have a good chance to make it happen.”
 
Considered to be one of the world’s fastest road races, the International North West 200’s 8.96 mile long course is a challenge to rider, machine and tires alike. The circuit tests handling and performance with differing surfaces, adverse cambers, first gear hairpin bends to super-fast open corners and straights.
 
The Superbike riders will slipstream each other at speeds of more than 200mph on the long NW200 back straight. The North West 200 is recognized to be Northern Ireland’s largest single-day sporting event with around 120,000 spectators expected to gather at the famous triangle course. The Relentless International North West 200 takes place on Saturday, May 21.

Kawasaki British Superbike team MSS Colchester Kawasaki achieved its best ever British Superbike finish with Stuart Easton taking second place in an action packed second round at Oulton Park. The Scot now lies second in the BSB Championship, a tremendous achievement considering the newness of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R.

Stuart Easton followed a third place race one finish with a second place race two finish

Having secured the new 2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R’s first podium finish in BSB with a third place in race one, MSS Colchester Kawasaki rider Stuart Easton followed it up by going even better in the second race, leading for the majority of laps before finishing second overall. Having gained the holeshot, Easton fought off a determined Josh Brookes for nine laps until the Australian suffered a huge crash at Britten’s, firing his Suzuki in the air and narrowly avoiding taking out Easton. After the resulting safety car, Easton continued to lead the race before eventually being beaten into second by Suzuki rider John Hopkins.

Teammate Gary Mason also made strong progress having discovered a base setting in morning practice for his bike that allowed him to progress through the race and recover from a poor qualifying.

Stuart Easton, 3rd in race one, 2nd in race two. Championship position: 2nd
“For us and Kawasaki that’s two podiums and I lead the second race for a long time, so I can’t complain, but I’m just a bit disappointed that the pace car came out. Having said that I count myself lucky that Josh’s bike didn’t hit me, it was like a plane crashing over my head and was so close. We’ve had a fourth, sixth, third and second so far this season which has given the team so much confidence, we are really in the mix. Croft is a good circuit for me and I’m going there second in the championship.”

Gary Mason, 9th in race one, 10th in race two. Championship position: 12th
“Yesterday was hard for us and we didn’t qualify well. Overnight we completely altered the bike for warm-up and found a setting that I absolutely loved and from that we have just got stronger and stronger. The pace was a lot faster in race two and I was trying to hang in there but unfortunately the tire went off a cliff, but we can work with that and with this new setting I’m really looking forward to Croft.”

National Superstock 1000 riders Danny Buchan and teammate Howie Mainwaring dominated the early stages of the Superstock race, swapping paintwork before Mainwaring crashed on lap 11 while in the lead. Buchan looked set to repeat his stunning Brands Hatch debut win having taken over the lead but was overtaken on the last lap by Honda rider Tristan Palmer.

Danny Buchan, 2nd. Championship position: 1st
“That was a good race and I felt really comfortable out there but Tristan has a lot of experience and that counted for him today. I knew I was faster than him through the last sector so I thought I’d have a go there on the last lap but he protected his line well and to be honest I was thinking about the championship. Last year we had a few early non-scores and it affected our championship – two podiums in two races is a tremendous start to the 2011 season.”

Howie Mainwaring, DNF. Championship position: 11th
“I’m pretty gutted, as a team we had everything covered, first and second place, before my crash. I don’t think I did anything differently to the last lap but the rear let go and came round on me. Croft isn’t usually a good circuit for me but I’m going to make it one this year.”

Nick Morgan, team owner
“What a fantastic weekend, to come away from Oulton Park second in the championship is mega. For us as a team it is simply terrific, everyone is buzzing and got the results they deserved. Gary made some huge in-roads in race two, Stuart rode so well in both races and Superstock could so easily have been a double podium. And we have been lucky, that was so close with Stuart and Josh’s bike in race two, I was gutted that the pace car came out as he had built up a decent lead, but I’m happier seeing a pace car than an ambulance.”

MSS Colchester Kawasaki Superstock rider Danny Buchan

Kawasaki British Superbike team MSS Colchester Kawasaki had a fantastic start to the 2011 British Superbike Championship with both of their Superbike riders securing valuable points and Superstock rider Danny Buchan taking an exciting win. Stuart Easton now also holds a creditable third in the red-hot BSB series.

Brands Hatch was always going to be a tough round for the team as it was the first time they had competed with the new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R. Having struggled in qualifying, both Superbike riders found their feet in the race with Stuart Easton briefly taking the lead and nearly securing a dream podium finish. In the second race Stuart built on his impressive first outing on the Ninja ZX-10R to take a hard fought sixth place while Gary Mason overcome his first race difficulties to finish tenth. These results see Stuart Easton leaving Brands placed third in the BSB Championship, a result the team was not expecting due to the newness of the bike, which is getting stronger every outing.

“To be honest, I’m pretty shocked at our results,” said Stuart Easton. “We had some problems over the weekend and to leave Brands in third place in the Championship is a fantastic result. The chassis on the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R isn’t quite there yet and we struggled towards the end of the race with side-grip and the front end. It’s still very early days for the team and I think this year will be about consistency, getting those points in the bag. I’m gutted to miss out on a podium in race one but I knew that whoever was behind was close and I tried to keep them off but nearly lost the front. With a fourth and a sixth I haven’t sprayed any champagne but I’m satisfied and looking forward to Oulton, which I think will suit the bike.”

“My second race was certainly better than the first, and I think we are getting there with the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R,” added Gary Mason. “Brands isn’t a great track for us, and with a new bike it’s hard to get on the pace; a few tenths here and there make a big difference around such a short track. But there is certainly potential, I went faster today than I ever have around Brands and as always the boys worked their guts out. I’m now really looking forward to Oulton which is a rider’s circuit and one I love.”
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New development parts give an already confident MSS Colchester Kawasaki a further boost as the team makes the short hop over the QE2 bridge for round one of the MCE British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch this Easter weekend.

With two positive recent tests including at the short Brands Hatch Indy circuit, the MSS squad have received a specially created Arrow race exhaust from Italy plus new camshafts for increased drive and performance.

Stuart Easton tests at Brands Hatch

“The development never stops, and just this week we’ve had our new pipes and cams arrive which we’ve been fettling on the dyno with some induction mods,” team boss Nick Morgan explained. “You could just throw massive horsepower at a Superbike but we’ve learnt that it needs to be a gradual introduction and ensuring it doesn’t throw the traction control and chassis settings out. The lads are chomping at the bit from the four riders to the entire team, so South Essex here we come.”

Superbike riders Gary Mason and Stuart Easton both believe that the season has come at exactly the right time as their own fitness and preparation has developed along with that of the new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R.

“I like Brands but the Indy circuit is very short for nearly 40 bikes,” said Stuart Easton. “I like every corner though so I feel confident and the bike should be even better with its new exhaust and cams. I need two string finishes in round one but who knows what we at MSS can achieve?”

“The timing is spot-on really,” added Gary Mason. “It’s all been building, building…. Need to make all the testing and teamwork pay off now, I feel so focused to try and do well from the off.”

Superstock duo Danny Buchan and Howie Mainwaring were right on lap record for the Indy circuit when they tested last week.

“Not much more to say really,” said Mainwaring. “We had two very positive tests and we couldn’t be in better form in both classes, can’t wait to get started.”

Danny Buchan concluded, “I really enjoy Brands; we were at lap record there only last week so the signs are good. This is my first year in the class so my aim is to be consistently well into the points at each round. My trainer and I have built up to this first round so I feel I’ve been well prepared, all I can say is roll on”

MSS Colchester Kawasaki completed their final two British Superbike tests yesterday with all four riders in fantastic form and raving about their new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R machines

Danny Buchan at Cadwell Park

Superbike riders Gary Mason and Stuart Easton put in front-running lap times and completed full race durations with the bike running full BSB-spec engines for the first time.  Superstock duo Danny Buchan and Howie Mainwaring beat the existing lap records at each event they attended, proving the awesome pace of the new machine in almost stock form.

The squad were blessed with two dry days of full testing at Brands Hatch and Snetterton to bookend an extensive pre-season test program taking in Guadix, Portimao, Cartagena and Cadwell Park.

Danny beat the Superstock lap record for Cadwell Park at an MRO race over the weekend while Howie did likewise at Brands Hatch with an unofficial 46.5 second time around the short Indy circuit.

Team owner Nick Morgan
“It’s been a fantastic couple of days at Brands and Cadwell with all four riders in the form of their lives. The timing is spot on as all the components and team have come together at this last test so we can go into Brands with real confidence in the setup and riders. I’m not one to make bold predictions as they usually come back to haunt you, but it does feel like this could be our time, and to have four riders all showing such speed is brilliant. For this bike to be in such form so early in its development in both Superbike and Superstock guise really tells you something about its standard geometry and engine straight from the crate.”

Stuart Easton
“I’m really happy going into Brands after such a lengthy test schedule and trying so many settings with the bike. We are in good shape for round one, but there’s still so much more to come from the engine and chassis. It’s been good to go head to head with everyone else at Snetterton and I feel we’re in the right area with settings for there also.”

Gary Mason
“I’m really happy with all testing so far. Spain was great, first time getting to ride the new ZX10R and since then the last two tests we’ve had the new superbike engine which gave it more power and it was working the electronics and suspension more. Literally every lap we improved I can’t wait for Brands as that’s when all the hard work matters.”

Howie Mainwaring
“What a mega two days, we’re still learning and trying different things yet getting quicker with every change, it’s been incredible. We’ve been improving by over a second at every track so far over last year. I’m also enjoying having a team-mate pushing me which might sound weird but it’s really good for me and great motivation. It also feels like the team has taken another step forward.”

Danny Buchan
“Feeling really good on the new ZX10R, it’s an awesome bike. It suits my riding style down to the ground. We had a really positive winter and now we’re ready to put all in place at Brands. Knowing we did our fastest time on old rubber 30 laps into the tire today gave me a good feeling also. So we’re now ready and fit for the season.”

MSS Colchester Kawasaki got another preseason boost as rookie Superstock 1000 rider Danny Buchan broke the Cadwell Park class lap record while riding a national club race. The 17-year-old stunned the paddock as he broke the record first in practice and again in the Bemsee-MRO event in his first competitive ride on the new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R.

Danny Buchan on the Superstock 600 machine in 2010

The young Team Green graduate had an impressive season in 2010 showing real pace in the national Superstock 600 series, and he has continued that progress during winter testing as he prepares to line up in the ultra-competitive 1000cc class.

Finishing with a 1.29.946 lap, Buchan laughed, “I’d be well happy with that when we come back here with British Superbikes. I’ve really enjoyed getting some miles on the big bike over the winter and testing has gone well. It’s nice to get a lap record at this stage of the year but I know come the main event everyone will be upping their game again.”

Buchan,  who is local to the MSS Colchester Kawasaki race team workshop in Essex, has been supported through his career by both Kawasaki UK’s Team Green race program and Nick Morgan’s MSS Colchester British Superbike race team.

Morgan added, “What a lap. When you consider he was four seconds faster per lap than the next rider who was on an open class machine and is no slouch at national level, it’s very impressive. We’re not getting carried away, but we know Danny will definitely be up there, and with Howie Mainwaring we have two cracking riders in the series plus the bike of the year”