Motourage

MSS Colchester Kawasaki got its testing schedule underway with some good base settings and understanding of the new Ninja ZX-10R as riders enjoyed good weather in Cartagena, southern Spain.

The official Kawasaki British Superbike team experimented with wheelbase lengths extensively to see how the new model reacted on what was a very stock-engined machine. With mid-day tarmac temperatures rising to nearly 70 degrees Fahrenheit, it was crucial to get this dry, warm track-time to ascertain chassis settings.

MSS Colchester's Stuart Easton

Team boss Nick Morgan set targets for each of his four riders with the Superstock duo of Danny Buchan and Howie Mainwaring getting down to low ‘1:37’s’ and the Superbike riders of Stuart Easton and Gary Mason 1:34 and 1:35 given the low spec of tune and this being their first test of the new machine. Stuart had also ridden the World Superbike spec machine previously in Sepang, Malaysia. The test session gave the team good mileage on the new bikes and for the technicians, a good understanding of the intricacies of the new, technologically advanced Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R.

The Superbike team now travels to the World Superbike track of Portimao in Portugal for a two day test whilst Howie will head to the Spanish track of Guadix to continue testing the Superstock machine.

Nick Morgan concluded, “Very positive first test for the team, obviously it’s easy to get fixated on the times from these outings against other BSB guys but we have a radically new model that needs methodically testing for settings which is what we’ve been doing. We set and exceeded our targets for the test in terms of new model familiarization, rider development and mileage so very happy so far. The Superbike is effectively an Evo bike as the engines are still being worked on and we didn’t even run a generator whilst the Superstock machines are still track day bikes with an end can, it’s that early for this new model but we can see massive potential in the bikes. The riders and team are working well, we have no egos and we’re looking forward to more track time in Portimao and then back in the UK.”

British Superbike team MSS Colchester Kawasaki’s season start today, ending months of eager anticipation, as the team get their first chance to test out the new Ninja ZX-10R at the Spanish circuit of Cartagena.

MSS Colchester Kawasaki's Danny Buchan, Gary Mason, Stuart Easton and Howie Mainwaring

The intricate track is known for its demanding nature and always provides both riders and teams with a clear indication as to where they stand with regards to chassis setup and the overall balance of the bike. Despite the team being forced to use Superstock spec engines due to the late arrival of certain performance components, the MSS Colchester Kawasaki machines will be running a complete Superbike chassis configuration, so the test is certain to give them a firm direction for future chassis development and give the riders vital time in the saddle.

For Superbike rider Gary Mason this will be his first chance to ride the Ninja ZX-10R; however’ Stuart Easton will be looking to use the time he spent with Kawasaki’s World Superbike team in Sepang to provide MSS with valuable data and feedback.

The Superbike riders will be joined at the circuit by Superstock riders Danny Buchan and Howie Mainwaring who will also put their Ninja ZX-10Rs through their paces. Like Mason, this will be the first time Mainwaring has ridden the new bike. However, Buchan has already tested at Cartagena and set some impressive lap times that hint at the potential of the new bike.

Once the test day is completed Mainwaring will head to the Spanish track of Guadix to continue testing while the Superbike team travels to the World Superbike track of Portimao in Portugal for a two-day test that coincides with a media event organized by one of MSS Colchester’s main sponsors, Maxxis tires.

“It will be great to get the first test of the year underway, said Nick Morgan, MSS Colchester team owner. “We have so much to learn about the new Ninja ZX-10R and every lap our riders complete, in either Superbike or Superstock trim, provides valuable data that we can use to turn this bike into a contender for race wins and hopefully championships. The riders have been itching to get out there and ride the bikes after the winter break and I’m sure they are looking forward as much as we are to the new season. The lack of our full superbike engine shouldn’t significantly hamper our progress; the road bike isn’t exactly underpowered to start with.”

Gary Mason and Howie Mainwaring in the Superbike class will partner Stuart Easton and Danny Buchan in Superstock for MSS Colchester Kawasaki during the 2011 British Superbike season.

MSS Colchester's Gary Mason

Gary Mason had a disappointing 2010 British Superbike season with some bad luck and injuries, but, for 2011, he joins established front runner Stuart Easton who has tested the new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R machine with the Paul Bird World Superbike squad and brings vital data as the MSS team starts its testing program.

“In my head it was always going to be a two-year project, but we didn’t know we were going to have such a poor year in terms of results, which may make people question the decision to carry on,” said MSS Colchester’s Gary Mason. “However, when everything clicked I was running good laps, especially in practice but often lost so much time in final qualifying. What I lacked was consistency and that meant I never got on a roll. But it’s easy to make excuses, this is a massive year for me, I have a mega new bike, great squad and a top teammate, so it’s down to me. I’m proud Nick is sticking by me and he knows I can do so much better. I can’t wait to get out on the new bike and start making it my own.”

In the keenly contested Superstock 1000 class, last year’s MSS Colchester rider Howie Mainwaring returns to unfinished business in the series. Having made a stellar start with two second places in the first rounds, Howie also impressed many with a podium at the one-off Superstock round held at the Silverstone MotoGP. Having held second place through much of the series, Howie eventually finished fourth in this competitive and closely matched series.

“I’m so glad to have a second chance with the Colchester lads,” said Mainwaring. “They helped me have such a mega year, and I should have finished higher up the final series board. So a great learning year but now with the new bike I’m looking to step it up and I also want that first win so much it hurts. I’ve been training and MXing loads, so I’m well prepared and I just want to get out there.”

Howie will be backed up by the team’s 2010 Superstock 600 rider, 17-year-old Danny Buchan who will step up to the 1000cc category and also experience the awesome new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R.

MSS Colchester Kawasaki Team Manager Nick Morgan:
“To have four riders we’ve worked with before is so important to me and the technicians. Gary’s better than the results showed last year and he wants this second opportunity. Stuart needs no introduction and he’s already had miles under his belt on the new Ninja World Superbike which will be valuable to us. Howie really impressed us last year and with some more consistency I think he can be a challenger whilst it’s mega to be able to keep Danny in the Team Green family. He can only get better and there’s no pressure in his first year, we just want him to learn and develop. As everyone knows outright model power is so important in Superstock and that’s definitely something that the new Ninja has buckets of, so this could be our year.”

Nick Morgan and his squad head to Macau with hopes of a strong performance. The team’s two-rider line-up for the 2010 will once again feature the team’s regular BSB runner Simon Andrews and Northern Irish road race specialist Stephen Thompson. For short circuit ace Simon Andrews, the Macau road circuit requires a change of tack, but it was one that the BSB star took to well in 2009, his debut at the unusual road course, with a fine seventh place.

MSS Colchester's Simon Andrews

Stephen Thompson takes the reins of MSS Colchester Kawasaki’s Ninja ZX-10R Superbike again following his outing at the NW200 for the team in May. Northern Ireland’s sole competitor for the 2010 race, Thompson is looking to improve on his best finishes of fifth (in 2005 and 2008) and will bring his considerable road racing experience to the team.

Kawasaki’s World Superbike Racing Team will also be present at the Macau GP with MSS Colchester Kawasaki’s new signing for the 2011 British Superbike season Stuart Easton aboard. Easton has a remarkable record at the Macau GP having won the event for the previous two years.

Simon Andrews is looking to build on a fine debut in 2009:
“Last year went far better than we anticipated for my debut on the road circuit and being the fastest newcomer was a real result. So we’re looking to build upon that this time now that we know what to expect but I won’t get too worked-up, I’m just going to concentrate on doing the best we can for the team and finishing our year well.”

Team owner Nick Morgan was buoyant ahead of his 17th visit to the Macau GP:
“I’m proud to be going to the Macau event again this year. It’s a fantastic event, we love it, we’re avid supporters of the Grand Prix and its organizers do such a fantastic job each year. I said last year that Simon did a mega job for us with great progress for someone not used to the road courses, especially this unique circuit. We’re hopeful we can build on his strong performance this time around. As this is my 17th year at the Macau GP I’m hoping our regular number 17 rider can put us on the podium! Stephen too has a good record at Macau so we’re looking to get ourselves and Kawasaki up there in the thick of it!”

MSS Colchester Kawasaki is looking to a colorful future with 17-year-old Danny Buchan as he moves up to the British Superstock 1000 Championship in 2011. The young Team Green graduate, Buchan had an impressive season in 2010, his debut at national level racing, in the Superstock 600 class, and both MSS Colchester and Kawasaki UK are proud to continue their relationship with the promising youngster as he steps aboard the all-new Ninja ZX-10R for 2011.

Danny Buchan will make the move from 600s to literbikes in 2011

Buchan, who is local to the MSS Colchester Kawasaki race team workshop, has been supported through his still fledgling career by both Kawasaki UK’s Team Green race program and Nick Morgan’s MSS Colchester British Superbike race team, so it is a very positive step for rider, team and manufacturer. His astonishing 2010 season showed Buchan’s talent and potential as he put in amazingly mature and professional performances week after week while getting to grips with not only the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R machine but also racing at a national level in the highly prominent BSB series.

The step up to the 1000cc production-based Superstock class for 2011 shouldn’t be underestimated for the 17-year-old but it’s a very natural one for both Danny and the MSS Colchester team as they welcome the exciting new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R machine for the coming season. Danny tested the out-going Superstock ZX-10R machine recently at Mallory Park and put in impressive lap times for his debut on the larger capacity bike.

Danny Buchan
“I’m really looking forward to this massive challenge on the new Ninja, I loved 2010 with the team and I’m confident in doing well for the 2011 season. I feel really proud to be part of Team Green and know other young riders will get the benefit also.”

MSS Colchester Kawasaki Team Manager Nick Morgan
“It’s fantastic for us to continue our relationship with Danny, in fact relationship couldn’t be a better word because he really is part of the family round here. It’s a fantastic chance for Dan, us at MSS Colchester Kawasaki and Kawasaki UK because it is investment in all of our racing futures. Having Danny on the Ninja ZX-6R in Junior Superstock for 2010 showed his talent is right up there with a truly magnificent performance in his debut season. Ultimately it wasn’t the series win we had grown to think could happen but overall his season was terrific and we know it was only the smallest of steps away.

“It was always part of the grand plan for him to move up to the 1000cc bike with his height lending itself to the bigger machine but on the back of his great performance this year, and with the new Ninja ZX-10R arriving, the time is absolutely right for the lad. It’s a tough championship with some very professional teams and experienced riders but if Danny is going to progress it is a great series to continue his learning curve within.”

Kawasaki Motors UK Sales and Marketing Manager, Michael Johnstone
“Danny had a brilliant year in 2010 considering it was his debut season at national level. It proves his talent, of course, but it also proves Kawasaki’s investment in the young and talented riders in the UK is a success. We’re extremely happy that Danny is moving up to the Superstock 1000 class as it will continue his steep learning curve as a professional motorcycle racer. Good luck to him and Nick Morgan’s team for the coming season.”

British Superbike star Stuart Easton has signed with MSS Colchester Kawasaki stating he is looking forward to the new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R and being reunited with his old team.

Stuart Easton aboard an MSS Colchester Kawasaki at his home circuit of Knockhill in 2008

The former British Supersport champion and Superbike race winner, who last rode for the official Kawasaki UK squad in 2008, sees his return as great timing with his extra Superbike experience and the new, race-developed Ninja ZX-10R machine. Stuart also has a long-term racing relationship with Kawasaki World Superbike squad owner Paul Bird, whose support and inside knowledge of the new machine certainly helped make up his decision.

The 27 year old Scot said, “Ever since I spoke to Paul Bird about the new bike and the opportunity came up to run in the MSS squad I’ve been really excited. I know the team from last time around and they had massive potential which was shown in Simon Andrews rides in 2009. Since then I’ve learnt a lot also and have racked-up wins and podiums, so it feels like a good time to be re-uniting. The new bike looks awesome and I’ve been watching the test times from the WSB team, very impressive. I’ll be riding for Birdy in Macau, and testing the bike in Aragon in Spain next week, maybe if I’m really lucky I’ll get out on the 2010 bike too. The close relationship between the two squads and exchange of info can only help so all-in-all I’m well happy.”

Stuart finished an impressive third in the MCE British Superbike Championship in 2009 but started 2010 with a knee injury that plagued his year giving 10 DNFs and finishing a disappointing ninth. Despite the setbacks he still logged a win and five podiums.

MSS Colchester Kawasaki team boss Nick Morgan said, “We’ve been pursuing Stuart for a long time, he is a class act and definitely our first choice of rider. With his increased Superbike experience and wins under his belt now there is no denying he can cut it at the very front of the BSB pack. Like us, he’s excited by the new Ninja ZX-10R and we can’t wait to get testing with both Stuart and this awesome new bike.”

The MSS Colchester Kawasaki squad will also be campaigning at the Macau GP and look forward to announcing their full lineup soon.

Another Entertaining Day at the Office for MSS Colchester

MSS Colchester Kawasaki proved pulling together as a team means pulling together a strong points haul despite tough luck once again playing a role in their weekend’s work at their home meeting.

With a three-race format in order for their home race meeting at Snetterton Circuit in Norfolk, England, it was always going to be a busy weekend for the MSS Colchester Kawasaki squad this weekend. In the end though, even vastly experienced team manager Nick Morgan couldn’t believe quite how it all panned out.

With an additional race to fit into an already busy Saturday schedule (the re-scheduled race two from the previous round at Knockhill) the Snetterton meeting was held up further when some classic “British summer” weather and an issue with the track surface needed repairing. With both riders looking set to make it through to the final ‘Q3’ session in the Swan Combi Role for Pole strong grid positions looked on the cards. But it was only Gary Mason who got the chance to challenge for a top ten grid slot, where he eventually finished ninth, with Simon Andrews’ Kawasaki ZX-10R ruled him out at the ‘Q2’ stage due to an electrical problem with his bike. That left Simon down in 12th with some work to do for the races.

With the track surface repaired an additional 15 minute session was arranged to test the new surface and it was here Simon gave his crew an even tougher afternoon’s work by, in his words, “launching” his Kawasaki ZX-10R at the Bombhole.

That left the MSS Colchester Kawasaki team with just an hour and a half to rebuild his Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R before the start of race 1 on Saturday afternoon. But with all hands on deck the team built Simon’s bike with just seconds to spare before the pit-lane closed. Race one’s results of eight and ninth for Simon and Gary respectively showed both riders clearly had the pace and the team went to bed exhausted but happy to have finished the day with strong points scores.

Sadly the troubles didn’t end when a sunny Sunday arrived. In fact they got a good deal more testing when first a fuel leak problem was spotted on Gary’s ZX-10R with just twenty minutes to go and then Simon’s bike was found to have a slight misfire, due to an O-ring failing on one of the fuel injectors, when they started it up to go out and form on the grid. Once again both mechanical issues were the trigger for some fast work from the MSS Colchester Kawasaki squad who proved themselves to be real professionals and worked with precision to get the bikes out and racing. With Gary’s bike fixed he was able to make it out on time but Simon was unlucky again, just missing the cut-off point for exiting the pits and had to start from the back of the grid.

Simon made up ground rapidly in the opening laps and was quickly battling with a pack of eight riders, headed by Gary at that point, for a top ten place. Gary’s race took a turn for the worse as a fuel problem caused his bike to lose power and he slipped down the order. Simon, despite working his tires hard in the early laps, eventually snuck inside the top ten and brought his ZX-10R home as the leading Kawasaki and a hard fought ninth.

Race three (race two on Sunday) was a similar story for Gary who again had to do battle with slight machine issues. With an overheating engine keeping his feet just a little too warm he was happy to get the bike nursed home for a decent points finish inside the top ten and ninth overall. For Simon it was also a story of what might have been when his second row start, showing the strong race pace of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R superbike, helped him push through into fifth on the opening lap only for a missed gear to knock him right back down the order again. Simon was battling hard to make the places up but even the intervention of the safety car mid-race couldn’t repair the hard work his tires had been put through. Despite that his sixth place finish was a strong result and certainly helped the team look back on a tough weekend with some pride.

Simon Andrews was relieved to make it through the eventful weekend and take his MSS Colchester Kawasaki to three hard-fought but healthy points scoring finishes at Snetterton, “Where do I start?! After I launched the bike during qualifying, with so little time before the first race I gave the boys a hard job to get the bike back together and it was amazing that they did such a good job and I could go out and get a top ten finish in that race.
I’m really glad we found the issue with the engine before we went out on the grid for the first Sunday race, it could so easily have been a DNF. I did well to get up from last on the grid to finish 8th. I then had high hopes for race three but the bike missed a gear and I went from fifth to 14th. From there I had to fight through and by the time the pace car came out I’d used the tires.”

Gary Mason was counting his blessings after all three of his races were hampered by issues with his Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, “I’ve got to say I’m happy with that because I got three race results with good points when it could have been a lot worse. But it’s frustrating because in every race we had problems; race one the tire spun on the wheel, race two we had fuelling problems and I lost power and race three it was overheating and burning my feet. I’m just glad I got it home each race but it’s frustrating for everybody after working so hard and you can’t fault the effort all the boys have put in this weekend.”

Howie Mainwaring can call himself lucky to have escaped injury but unlucky to have fallen foul to such an easy mistake after clipping the back wheel of another rider in the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 race. Howie was making up places each lap from his tenth place grid spot when the slight error saw him clip the back wheel of James Hillier and his race was brought to a premature end for the second meeting in a row. “I’m really disappointed because the bike felt really good and I had high hopes for the race.” Said Howie after the race. “I’d done exactly the same move the lap before and pulled it off but the next lap round James just braked a little bit later and I clipped him. I’m gutted but we just have to forget about it and move onwards and upwards.”

As in previous meetings it was youngster Danny Buchan who grabbed the podium glory for the MSS Colchester Kawasaki team in the two National Superstock 600 races. A flying first place in the Saturday race was the result of a daring “lunge” on the penultimate lap which Danny held until the line for a well-deserved victory. The second outing for Danny and his Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R, in front of the large Sunday crowd, showed he had the right temperament to battle and bag third spot after a relative poor start.

“I’m really, really pleased with my results this weekend,” said Danny after the Sunday race. “The team have worked hard to get a little bit more from the bike since the last round and I’ve helped repay all their hard work here with two good results.”

Nick Morgan reflected on hard weekend for the MSS Colchester Kawasaki team, “The biggest thing to say about this weekend is how much of a team effort it has been. We were a couple of key members down but from the start there was a great feeling across the board. Then when it mattered, which at times it really did, everyone pulled in together and we showed what it means to bang out a result.
As for the race results there’s no doubt Danny set us up well again with his win and third place in the Superstock 600 races. He such a star for a 17 year old to get those race results and then be helping pack up the truck at the end of the meeting, it says a lot about the lad.
Howie’s weekend was tough for him because realistically we knew it was going to be hard for our bike at this track. He was just unlucky and has to pick himself up, dust himself off and come back strong at the next race.
The Superbike races were where the team showed its mettle though. What it showed is that this team can work hard under pressure to do a brilliant and precise professional job when it matters most and get a result when things are against them. I can’t say enough about them.
We know we can run better than that and with a bit of luck, we’ll be up where we should be.”

Gary Mason works in some off-road training

With a triple-header round and seve75 points up for grabs, the MSS Colchester Kawasaki Superbike riders Simon Andrews and Gary Mason have everything to play for this weekend at the team’s local Snetterton round of the British Superbike Championship. Meanwhile second placed Superstock rider Howie Mainwaring has the bit between his teeth after a DNF at Knockhill.

With atrocious weather curtailing the action at Knockhill, the second Superbike leg will now be held at Snetterton on Saturday before the usual double header on Sunday.

Simon appears back to full fitness after a long recuperation from his World Superbike-sustained injury, and Mason battled with series leader Tommy Hill throughout the Knockhill round. Mainwaring had an awful time with a gambled tire choice from his team before sliding out of the Knockhill action.

The fast Snetterton circuit is the closest round to the MSS Colchester Kawasaki base, and the team feels that a break in luck is long overdue. All the three riders have spent time motocrossing on their Kawasaki KX250F and 450F machines in the recent good weather, building up stamina and staying bike fit and focused.

Simon Andrews
“I’ve finally started motocrossing after a year off which has really excited me. I’ve also been to the Formula 1, spent some time cycling and completing my physio. I like Snetterton, I went well there last year and hopefully the weather will be kinder to us than Knockhill. The bike is going well and I’ll be fitter, really looking forward to it. I’m really enjoying being back with the team and on the Kawasaki.”

Gary Mason
“I’m really looking forward to Snetterton. It’s a fast track which I think will really suit the bike.  Hopefully we can start turning our season around and I feel I know which way to go with the setup.  Since Knockhill I have been getting out on my Kawasaki KX450F motocross bike which has been mega fun and is also really good training.  I’m really fired up for this weekend and happy we have three races due to the weather at Knockhill.  It’s the team’s local round so let’s hope we can walk away with some good results.”

Howie Mainwaring
“I’m feeling good for the weekend and have got a lot to prove after Knockhill. I need to catch up on points, Kirkham is slowly creeping away. Over the small break I’ve done more motocross and I’m feeling good this year. I feel so much better in myself and am so much more committed. The team have been fantastic and its time to repay them again with another good result.”

MSS Colchester Kawasaki team boss Nick Morgan
“We have a large amount of sponsors and supporters at Snetterton and we are desperate to put on a good show in terms of teamwork and results. Knockhill was by no means a disaster but we were lucky the race was stopped when it was, as Simon was lying on the floor at the time. It’s great he’s back and fit while Gary was battling throughout so I feel we’re good to go at Snetterton. We need to help Howie get the best set-up we can and I’m confident the Kawasaki has good top end in Superstock trim. All three lads have been pounding the MX track in the heat so there should be no fitness worries.”


The British Superbike Championship heads north for the Scottish Knockhill round. MSS Colchester Kawasaki riders Simon Andrews and Gary Mason look for a good points haul, while Superstock star Howie Mainwaring has the series lead in his sights.

Knockhill marks the midway point of the season, but with the new series format, riders know that to have a chance of being in the top six Title Fighters group, they need big points before the final Showdown phase kicks in at round nine at Croft.

The picturesque, forest-lined circuit has been good to the official Kawasaki squad over the years, with the team picking up good results in past events. At the corresponding round last year, Simon scored 4th and 6th placings so he knows that he and the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R work well together at this mountainside circuit. Simon has returned to the team with strong results at Mallory after a lengthy period of injury while Gary looks for a better set-up this time around.

Howie Mainwaring looks to move closer to the Superstock lead this weekend

Howie Mainwaring returns refreshed after the Superstock teams took a sabbatical at Mallory following a double-header race the week before at the Silverstone MotoGP. The 23-year-old lies second in a talent-packed championship field and is determined to reel in series leader Jon Kirkham.

MSS Junior Superstock rider Danny Buchan will ride a series double header at Knockhill but has never seen the track before. He must emulate his more-senior teammate who was one of only a few riders not to have ridden the new Silverstone circuit.

Simon Andrews
“I’m looking forward to Knockhill, I went well there last year and I’m happy with how Mallory panned out especially as it’s the first time I have been on a Superbike since the Valencia crash. It’s great to be back with Nick, Gary and everyone; it’s really enjoyable. There is a small hope I can get into the Showdown if other people take some of my bad luck, but we will have to see.”

Gary Mason
“I feel like I’ve got to turn it around at Knockhill, Mallory was really disappointing to be honest. It’s a relatively simple track so you’ve just got to get stuck in and that’s what I intend to do.”

Howie Mainwaring
“I feel really strong and up for the challenge at Knockhill after a mixed weekend at Silverstone for the GP. The plan this weekend is to keep maintaining good points as we’re right there in the Championship chase, saying that I do feel right up for a win now.”

Nick Morgan, MSS Colchester Kawasaki Team Boss
“As a team we like Knockhill circuit and it’s been good to us in the past. Simon has really bounced back with a vengeance and is looking for more. I think Gary will be motivated by that also and we need to help him get the right set-up to have the confidence to push. Howie knows he needs to beat Kirkham to reel in the points as he has big cushion behind him to the injured Steve Plater. It will be interesting to see how Danny gets on at his first trip to Knockhill, the last Junior Superstock race at Cadwell was pretty outrageous.”