Parkalgar Honda returns to the action

PARKALGAR HONDA’S Miguel Praia will return to the race action at Donington Park this weekend for round 10 of the World Supersport Championship following a four week break in the calendar.
The Portuguese rider gained valuable experience of the flowing 2.5-mile GP circuit when he and his Parkalgar Honda team took part in the fourth round of the British Supersport Championship earlier this year. Praia finished in a superb third place and his team left the circuit with some useful data ahead of this weekend’s Championship round.

Praia will be the sole Parkalgar Honda rider this weekend at what would have been his late team-mate Craig Jones’s second home round. A tribute will be paid to Craig on race day.

First qualifying takes place on Friday 5th September, with second qualifying on Saturday 6th September. The World Supersport race takes place on Sunday 7th September at 1320, and will be shown live on British Eurosport or it can be watched online at www.worldsbk.com.

Simon Buckmaster, Team Manager Parkalgar Honda: "It is not going to be easy this weekend but Miguel and the team will concentrate on doing the best job that they can and achieving the best result possible.

"The tribute to Craig we feel is fitting for a great, well loved and respected rider. It’s also an opportunity for the World Superbike paddock and the race fans to say ‘Goodbye’ to Craig. It is a big loss to the team but we will be putting 100 per cent effort behind Miguel this weekend and I know that our professionalism as a team will move us forward as Craig would have wanted."

Superb sixth for Toseland

Britain’s only MotoGP contender James Toseland has scored a superb sixth place finish at the 14th round of the 2008 series at Misano today. The Tech 3 Yamaha rider capitalised on his front row start at the sun-drenched San Marino circuit to secure a further ten points to add to his championship tally.

Toseland is enjoying a positive first year in the world’s premier motorcycle racing series so far. The double World Superbike Champion has been on a steep learning curve since the series began, having never visited the majority of the circuits on the calendar before. However, the Isle of Man resident is benefiting from the experience of the Tech 3 Yamaha team and team-mate and MotoGP veteran Colin Edwards.

Toseland has competed at the 4.064km Misano track prior to today’s race, and his familiarity with the circuit’s layout no doubt helped him to score his best result of the season so far.
After a good start from the line, he rode consistently aboard the Tech 3 Yamaha throughout the opening stages of the race to move up into fifth position, despite a thrilling battle with Chris Vermeulen and Loris Capirossi. Although Toseland was unable to maintain his position until the end of the race, he is pleased to be back in the top six riders after a frustrating few rounds.

"We got off to a great start, but the heat was relentless!" says Toseland. "My team has worked so hard and I’m pleased we’re back up at the front with the leading riders. There’s just five rounds left to go this year and I’m really enjoying the challenge. I’m pleased to be back in the top six and I’d like to thank all my fans for their support."

Toseland back on track

Britain’s James Toseland has signalled his intent to score a positive result at the 14th round of the 2008 MotoGP Championship with two promising free practice sessions at Misano. The 27-year-old has used today’s valuable track time to fine-tune the set-up of his Tech 3 Yamaha ahead of tomorrow’s two qualifying sessions.

Toseland is familiar with the 4.064km San Marino circuit’s layout, having competed at the track on numerous occasions during the World Superbike Championship. However, this is his first experience of the circuit on a MotoGP machine, so he has much to learn before race day on Sunday.

Despite this, Toseland quickly got to grips with the Misano track today, finishing ninth during the morning free practice session with a best time of 1'36.740. He also managed to improve his best lap to 1'36.105 during the afternoon, and finished within the top ten riders overall. His American team-mate Colin Edwards finished the morning session in second position and set the eighth fastest time in second free practice.

Toseland is upbeat about his performance today, and looks forward to further improving the bike’s set-up during tomorrow’s qualifying session. "I’m really pleased to be back in top ten," he says. "I’d also like to congratulate Michelin on the progress they’ve made with the tyres as the rubber we’ve got this weekend is definitely back in the ball park."

"I’m happy with how both free practice sessions played out. The weather also seems to be stable, which is going to allow us to progress even further tomorrow."

Local Model Hayley Becomes Honorary Bennetts Babe

Hayley McDermott, 24, from Essex has become an honorary Bennetts Babe after beating hundreds of entries in a national competition. Bennetts, the UK’s number one for bike insurance*, is creating the world’s first bucking motorbike which will be used for a fun and feisty film featuring the Bennetts Babes.

The Babes are part of the official squad for British and World Superbike Championship events and have been a hit with biking fans since 2004. Model Hayley from Thurrock joined the existing girls as a guest babe this week to record the film that tested their riding skills in a range of weather conditions.
Hayley beat hopefuls from across the country and travelled to London on Wednesday to star in what promises to be one of the most talked-about viral videos of the year. Whilst at the studio Hayley also took part in a photoshoot alongside the other Bennetts Babes who were selected earlier in the year after a nationwide search by model Kayleigh Pearson.

A delighted Hayley said: “I still can’t believe I won the Daily Star Sunday competition to become an honorary Bennetts Babe and am so excited about starring in the Bennetts Bucking Babes film. It was great to meet the girls and have had the experience to be a babe for the day.”

The film is due to be released in the first week in September and those wanting to see the film and exclusive images of Hayley can log on to www.bennetts.co.uk from Friday (5th).

* Based on brand tracking research in April 2008.

TWO PODIUMS FOR AIRWAVES DUCATI

The Airwaves Ducati team achieved another two podium finishes at Cadwell Park today. Shane Byrne finished 3rd and Leon Camier 4th in both British Superbike races.

From the front and second rows of the grid, Shane and Leon dropped to 5th and 7th at the start of race one. As the leading pair pulled away, both Airwaves Ducati riders quickly became involved in a four way battle for 3rd. After successfully making his way up to 4th, Shane worked hard to overtake the Honda of Cal Crutchlow on lap 11 with Leon doing the same just 2 laps later to eventually finish 3rd and 4th respectively.

In a reduced distance second race Shane and Leon each lost a place off the start but this was quickly made up again after a rider fell in front of them. At the start of lap 6 Leon pulled out from the slipstream of Michael Rutter to take 4th and quickly caught his Airwaves Ducati teammate. On lap 10 Leon passed Shane for 3rd only to be pushed back down to 4th one corner later. Although able to catch the two frontrunners, neither Shane nor Leon could improve on another 3rd and 4th place finish.

Leon was pleased with his results saying, "To be back in amongst the front runners feels great and I am really happy. I was hoping to get onto the podium, especially in the second race, but the fact that I’m riding better and the Airwaves Ducati 1098R set-up has improved, is a result in itself. I managed to knock four tenths of a second off my time and actually posted the fastest time in the final sector which includes the mountain! So I’m feeling confident now heading to Croft."

Following race two Shane commented, "I really like Cadwell Park and I thought it would be a good circuit for us on the Airwaves Ducati but it’s actually been a tough weekend. We’ve had to work so much harder and make a lot of changes from session to session but all credit to the Airwaves Ducati team for helping me get two podiums today. I really want to get back on that top step and I think that had the second race been the original 18 laps I could have won. Nevertheless I’m looking forward to Croft and hopefully taking the momentum and the pace from race two with us."

Race One Results:
1. Leon Haslam – HM Plant Honda
2. Tom Sykes – Rizla Suzuki
3. Shane Byrne – Airwaves Ducati
4. Leon Camier – Airwaves Ducati

Race Two Results:
1. Leon Haslam – HM Plant Honda
2. Tom Sykes – Rizla Suzuki
3. Shane Byrne – Airwaves Ducati
4. Leon Camier – Airwaves Ducati

Haslam enjoys daily double to go third in title stakes

BENNETTS BRITISH SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
Round nine – Holiday Monday 25 August – Cadwell Park

Leon Haslam maintained his record of winning a race every year at Cadwell Park with a dominant performance in the ninth round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship as he won both races to move into third place in the title chase.

The HM Plant Honda rider had to work hard for his success, with pole starting Rizla Suzuki rider Tom Sykes making the early running in each of the races before being taken by the hard charging Haslam at Park corner after half a dozen laps.

"The weekend didn't start great here for me," reflected Haslam. "I had a heavy crash in practice then we had a wet session and qualifying didn't go according to plan and I was fourth and a second row start."

The Derbyshire rider overcame that with a rapid get-away to pile on the pressure, and, on his Louth based team’s local circuit, Haslam had everything going his way when it mattered most in the races.
"My bike worked like a dream and to get the first double win of the year for the team is great and I think it might be the first time that they have taken the double here at their local circuit.

"We had a bit of bad luck at the start of this year and I did lack a bit of confidence but the team have worked hard and the bike has increased ten-fold now and we are back to winning ways," enthused a confident Haslam.

Sykes took some consolation for finishing second in each of the races as he moved into second place in the rankings at the expense of Cal Crutchlow who slipped into fourth overall, behind Haslam after a difficult day at the races.

In the opener, the Coventry rider complained of a front wheel vibration, which slowed him into fifth place but after a determined start to the delayed second race, he tumbled at Hall Bend, but managed to wrestle his Honda back on track and in a damage limitation rider salvage three points with a distant thirteenth place.

Shane Byrne maintained his 110 points advantage, as he heads towards taking the title for a second time, with a pair of third placings. "We have struggled a bit here but if struggling is two third places then that's not bad at all. We are still leading the championship and that's all that matters," said the Airwaves Ducati rider.

His team-mate Leon Camier was fourth in each of the races, while Michael Rutter, sixth adrift of Crutchlow in the opener, was fifth next time out on the North West 200 Ducati.
John Laverty defied the pain of broken ribs and ligament damage in his knee and neck to race his Buildbase NW200 Ducati into second and first placings to enhance his lead in the Daily Star Cup. Gary Mason had won the opener on the Quay Garage Honda but crashed spectacularly out of the second.

Results – round nine, Bennetts British Superbike Championship

Race one – 18 laps
1. Leon Haslam (HM Plant Honda) 26m 42.195secs
2. Tom Sykes (Rizla Suzuki) +0.551s
3. Shane Byrne (Airwaves Ducati) +8.819s
4. Leon Camier (Airwaves Ducati) +11.981s
5. Cal Crutchlow (HM Plant Honda) +18.970s
6. Michael Rutter (North West 200 Ducati) +19.482s
7. Simon Andrews (Lloyds British Yamaha) +22.094s
8. Michael Laverty (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +26.571s
9. Atsushi Watanabe (Rizla Suzuki) +33.816s
10. Gary Mason (Quay Garage Honda) +34.606s

Race two – 15 laps
1. Leon Haslam (HM Plant Honda) 22m 11.771secs
2. Tom Sykes (Rizla Suzuki) +0.541s
3. Shane Byrne (Airwaves Ducati) +0.910s
4. Leon Camier (Airwaves Ducati) +1.269s
5. Michael Rutter (North West 200 Ducati) +16.556s
6. Simon Andrews (Lloyds British Yamaha) +23.458s
7. Atsushi Watanabe (Rizla Suzuki) +27.178s
8. Scott Smart (Hawk Kawasaki) +27.375s
9. Michael Laverty (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +28.549S
10. Karl Harris (Rob Mac Racing Yamaha) +37.426s

Latest championship standings:
1. Shane Byrne (Airwaves Ducati) 364
2. Tom Sykes (Rizla Suzuki) 254
3. Leon Haslam (HM Plant Honda) 249
4. Cal Crutchlow (HM Plant Honda) 236
5. Leon Camier (Airwaves Ducati) 205

Next round – Croft – 12/13/14 September

BYRNE AND CAMIER LOOK FORWARD TO CADWELL PARK

Airwaves Ducati head to Cadwell Park this Bank Holiday weekend for round 9 of the Bennetts British Superbike championship. Although holding mixed memories for riders Shane Byrne and Leon Camier, both are eager to get back into action at the 2.173 mile Lincolnshire circuit.

Being one of his favourite tracks on the British Superbike calendar and the scene of his 2003 championship win, series leader Shane is excited about the weekend ahead at Cadwell Park.

"At this moment in time I would say that I have recovered 95% from my fall at Knockhill, but I will be back to full fitness in time for first practice on Saturday. I really love the Cadwell Park circuit and, as always, my sole intention for going as quickly as I possibly can around there will be to get back to The Mountain - I can’t go over it enough! I know that I gave the Airwaves Ducati team a lot of work to do after Knockhill so I want to repay them here this weekend with some results to really celebrate about."

Leon’s first season in the British Superbike championship came to a premature end following a crash at Cadwell Park last year, however this weekend he is keen to put those memories behind him.
"I know it might seem strange after my accident last year, but I’m looking forward to going back to Cadwell Park. It will be good to get on with racing and put last year’s crash behind me once and for all. It’s a circuit that I like and that I believe the Airwaves Ducati 1098R can be competitive around, but it will definitely help if the weather remains consistent. At every track we visit I have to spend some time getting used to riding the Airwaves Ducati, but getting a good set-up on the bike is made that much more difficult when the conditions keep on changing. I think that if the weather can stay either wet or dry for the majority of the weekend we should be in good shape."

Sykes and Haslam Gunning for Glory

Bennetts British Superbike Championship
ROUND NINE – 23/24/25 AUGUST – CADWELL PARK

Fresh from their Scottish victories, Tom Sykes and Leon Haslam are eager for more of the same as the chase for the Bennetts British Superbike crown moves into the final third of the campaign at Cadwell Park over the Bank Holiday weekend.

The man they have to beat is former champion Shane Byrne who has amassed a 110 points lead in the title stakes – the Airwaves Ducati rider has recovered from the bruising he took in a heavy tumble at Knockhill and is promising to show what might have been in that race.

Byrne has won eight races so far, not finishing off the podium until that crash last time out, but he is taking nothing for granted as the young-guns of the series make determined challenges.

Sykes, riding Rizla Suzuki, has won three of the last four races and is full of confidence as he prepares for the races at the Lincolnshire circuit: "I’m looking forward to getting going there and I want similar results to those I took at Oulton Park when I did the double.
"I have high expectations for these races and need to keep producing the results to close this championship down. Cadwell is a rider’s circuit, tight, twisting and narrow but it is one that I enjoy riding."

The Huddersfield rider is currently third in the rankings, with his immediate target to move ahead of Cal Crutchlow who is currently eight points better off, but on the home circuit of his HM Plant Honda team expecting to taste the winner’s champagne for the first time since Brands Hatch back in May when he took his second victory of the season.

His team-mate, Haslam, however could have a big say in that. He is fourth in the standings and demanding better of himself, and, having taken his first win of the current term last time out is ready for more of the same.

"Winning that one was something of a relief, now I can concentrate on more," said Haslam. "This is one of my favourite circuits quite simply because I have won every time that I have raced there. It is unique in the sporting world with the Mountain section and it is very hard to master."
Immediately below the top four, there are three riders parted by only five points. Leon Camier aboard the second Airwaves Ducati; James Ellison who, riding the Hydrex Bike Animal Honda, is the only rider to have scored points in every round; and Michael Rutter, the Mallory Park winner for North West 200 Ducati.

They should be at the sharp-end of the action with Michael Laverty on the Relentless Suzuki together with Karl Harris aboard the Rob Mac Racing Yamaha, Simon Andrews riding Lloyds British Jentin Yamaha; Tristan Palmer on the Tena for Men Honda and MSS Discovery Kawasaki rider Billy McConnell keen for a slice of the action.

John Laverty resumes his chase for the Daily Star Cup having recovered from his Knockhill spill but he will be under pressure from Gary Mason, Martin Jessopp and Chris Burns in this race within a race for independent teams and riders.

The two Superbike races are on Monday afternoon, but the new look Swan Combi 50 Roll for Pole grid deciding session, being used for the first time on Sunday afternoon, with its F1 style shoot-out for positions is set to provide fast and frantic action.

All riders will run in the opening 25 minutes, with riders occupying positions 21 and above eliminated to form rows six and beyond. The remaining 20 riders will then have a 15 minute session at the end of which the slowest ten will be eliminate. The remaining ten riders will then have a ten minute session to decide who takes pole.

The promise of this new scheme is electrifying action to decide the all important starting slots on the grid ahead of the race action which could see Byrne under increasing pressure in the front-running pack.

Toseland Czechs in at Brno

The race is already on for Britain’s James Toseland at round 13 of the MotoGP Championship this weekend in Brno. The Bennetts-sponsored 27-year-old has spent today’s two free practice sessions trying to identify the correct tyre combination to optimise the set-up of his Tech 3 Yamaha for qualifying and race day.

In addition to maintaining his fitness levels, Isle of Man resident Toseland has put the summer break to use spending time with the Tech 3 team in France and analysing his debut MotoGP season to date. His focus for the remainder of the season is to speed up the process of optimising the set-up of his Yamaha for each track to enable him to focus on learning the circuit and gathering pace.

Toseland broke into the top ten of the lap charts on more than one occasion today, but eventually ended the afternoon session in 13th place. However, he remains positive about the opportunity for further improvements tomorrow following team-mate Colin Edwards’ performance during the last few minutes of the second free practice session. The American rider set the third fastest time on track before finishing in seventh place overall in the Czech Republic.

"As always, I’ve been working very hard with the team today to ensure that we can quickly find the best set-up and focus on race simulations and mastering the circuit," says James. "The phrase practice makes perfect has never been more true than in MotoGP. If we are able to make sure everything gels during free practice, we are half way to enjoying a successful race day.

"I’m feeling refreshed from the summer break even though I was training hard the whole time. I went through a training regime with the Marines and, more importantly, beat my older brother at running for the first time in my life ever, so I’m certain that I’m now ready for everything MotoGP has in store!"

Keep up to date with Toseland’s progress at Brno at www.jamestoseland.com

Practice results
1. C. Stoner 1’57.231; 2. V. Rossi +0.179; 3. L. Capirossi 0.769; 4. S. Nakano +0.997; 5. A. De Angelis +1.033; 6. C. Vermeulen +1.231; 7. C. Edwards +1.441; 8. J. Hopkins +1.599; 9. T. Elias +1.650; 10. S. Guintoli +1.692; 13. J. Toseland +2.097

Battling Brits, led by Tom Sykes, bid for ‘wild-card’ World glory

DONINGTON PARK – Sunday 7 September
Hannspree World Superbike Championship Bennetts Round

Troy Bayliss is intent on a winning finale as he races Superbikes for the last time in this country at Donington Park on Sunday 7 September prior to hanging up his leathers at the end of the season, but five ‘wild-card’ British riders, among them Tom Sykes, are determined to spoil the party for the Aussie ace.

Sykes, riding Rizla Suzuki, made a big impression on his debut onto the world stage in the previous round at Brands Hatch, and now the 22 year old Yorkshireman is promising bigger and better things as the ‘home-pack’ aim for glory at the expense of Bayliss who is hoping to secure the crown for a third time in this his final season in the sport.

"I’m very excited about this opportunity and looking forward to mixing it with the regulars in the World championship again," said Sykes whose entry into the races at the Leicestershire circuit has to be rubber-stamped by the sport’s governing body the FIM.

"I will be carrying on from where I left off at Brands Hatch and hopefully taking it to the next level. I want to be racing closer to the sharp-end of pack with more of the big names of the world championship behind me again."

Sykes is the form man of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship having won three of the four races recently at Oulton Park and Knockhill and he reckons he can maintain that rich vein of form, although his rivals from the domestic series will have a big say in that.

Leon Haslam, the winner of the second race at Knockhill, returns to the world stage with the HM Plant Honda team – the 25 year old lives nearby to the circuit at Smalley and has enjoyed a successful pedigree at Donington Park, something that he will be working hard to continue in his efforts to secure a full time ride in the World Championship next term.

That is also the driving force for his team-mate Cal Crutchlow, another race winner in the British series, and currently placed second in the overall rankings – the Coventry rider will be riding on the world stage for the first time.

James Ellison, a former winner of the British Superbike Cup who has ridden MotoGP and seen American action, will be one to watch aboard the Hydrex Bike Animal Honda, while Lincoln’s Gary Johnson, riding the Robinsons Concrete Honda will be hoping to reproduce the form of this year’s Isle of Man TT Festival, in which he took four top six finishes.

Rob Frost, riding the Team Buff Triumph, and Chris Martin, aboard the Gearlink Kawasaki, have ‘wild-card’ promoters option tickets to ride in the World Supersport race while Peter Hickman and Derby’s Jon Kirkham have entries into the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup. Leon Hunt and Joe Burns have the opportunity to race in the European Superstock 600 Championship race.
Practice and qualifying for all classes are through Friday/Saturday 5/6 September.

Tickets are available now.

Biblical rain soaked Haggis - Raceways Yamaha

Fuchs Silkolene 2008 Super Sport

Once again the team ventured north to the Scottish Knockhill track to be greeted with heavy rain showers causing a fair few incidents throughout the weekend. This always seems to cause the team extra work prepping the bikes to compete in various conditions which on the back of an extremely hectic month for everyone involved with the Raceways.

Practice went reasonably well considering many riders slipped off during the weekend, both Hudson and Ronan stayed on board to qualify ninth and Ronan thirtieth through extremely tough conditions.
Both riders were comfortable with their positions and ensured better results to come on race day, the team have been working ever so hard with KTech the suspension specialists with the front forks and rear shock and it looks like the strenuous graft is about to pay off.

Sunday race day promised mixed weather conditions that were going to play a major part in proceeding, having been declared a dry race all teams sat on the grid with slick tyres fitted.
Hudson got a good start from the fourth row and battled with Lowry, Richards, Westmorland and Kennedy for the opening laps. Ronan also got the start he was after and seemingly enjoying every minute around Knockhill carving through the field from his thirtieth position. Hudson managed to fight back to move up to fifth position neck and neck with pole sitter Kennedy when the red flags came out on lap twenty two due to heavy rain finalising the result Hudson fifth. Ronan had an immensely rewarding result to finish eightieth from thirtieth on the grid; I managed to catch up with Ronan afterwards where he was delighted to have taken eightieth and thanked the team for the long hours recently, but couldn’t help feeling had the race run through he could have moved further up the rankings as he was fastest through many sectors.

National Superstock 1000 - Knockhill
Jon’s weekend looked set to be another repeat performance having scorched around Knockhill at record setting pace, to claim another pole position on Saturday during dry conditions with of course Steve Brogan sat behind him on the timing sheets.

From the start Steve Brogan set off at a blistering pace to secure the lead and managed to open a small gap from Martin Buckles and third place sitter Jon in the early laps. A small mistake from Buckles saw him crash his Kawasaki exiting Butcher on lap five moving Jon into second position.

It did seem the impossible for Jon to make ground up on Steve but Jon got his head down and strung some fantastic laps together to start to close the gap. Steve’s Pit board had obviously indicated Jon was in pursuit and closing rapid, because Brogan responded again to stretch the gap again.

Jon crossed the line in second position and seemed happy enough with the result as many riders fell due to the tough conditions. With Cadwell a few weeks away the team are already prepping the bikes for the amazing Lincolnshire circuit, look forward in seeing you there.

PODIUM DEBUT FOR HARRIS

Karl ‘Bomber' Harris took full advantage of the fast changing weather conditions to claim his first podium of the season at Round 8 of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship in Knockhill, Scotland today (10 August).

Having qualified the Rob Mac Racing Yamaha in 9th position, Karl ‘Bomber' Harris was reliant on a very strong start in both races for any hope of a podium finish. A dry Race One saw Karl make progress to push the Rob Mac Racing Yamaha into 7th position, bagging himself a further 9 points for his late Championship charge.

It was all change for Race Two that began in very wet conditions following a torrential downpour just prior to the grid forming. Karl got a good start to enter turn one in 7th position, by the end of the first lap melee Karl maintained his 8th position, but as he started to make progress on the field ahead the race was stopped after a three rider crash further down the order stopped the race for essential repairs to the air fence.

Drama ensued with the weather conditions rapidly improving, a fast drying track saw a number of riders make a very late change to their tyre choice for full slicks after the grid formation. This left a clear gap ahead for Karl on the second row of the grid, providing Karl the opportunity he needed to make a strong start.

As the lights went out Karl lived up to his nickname ‘bombing' his way into forth place just behind Michael Rutter in. By lap 2 Karl had taken Rutter for third with Leon Haslam ahead of him.

Championship leader Shane Byrne was on a mission at the front of the field but by lap 9 Haslam was posting the fastest laps. Karl was under pressure from Rutter who had found some late pace, passing the ‘Bomber' in the next few laps, pushing him back to 4th. A battling Harris continued to chase Rutter to regain his podium position but it was a crash from race leader Shane Byrne that stopped the race, putting himself out of the points and Harris back on the podium.

The third place finish has been a long time coming for the Yorkshireman, after a well publicised string of bad luck, it was only a matter of time before the truly talented Karl Harris's luck turned. Elevating himself up the Championship standings into 12th place, Karl will look to continue his podium finishes to salvage what he can from the second half of the season.

The team now move on to their ‘home round' for Round 9 at Cadwell Park, Lincolnshire on a high. Based a stone's throw from the team base, Karl is famous for his spectacular ‘jumps' over the infamous mountain. All the action takes place on Bank Holiday weekend in two weeks time (23 - 25 August).

Karl Harris: "At last! I'm really pleased to be up here again, it's something that we have worked for all season, we all know the story so far this year with me so I'm well happy. Just before the race Rob's girlfriend Susan got me to kiss her baby bump for luck, it worked, so I'll thank her for that! The choice to run slicks for the restart was a gamble that paid off for us. It's mega to repay Rob and the whole team at last, they've believed in me and worked so hard for me this year."

Rob McElnea, Team Principal: "We'll take that! We'd had a real tough weekend up until now as Knockhill's not the easiest place to come to especially with the conditions that we've all faced. However, the luck was on our side for once. We'd had a lack of dry time and Karl struggled as a result in race one. We made a number of changes for the second and he responded well. We had a chat during the stoppage and put Karl back out on slicks. Karl's confidence grew throughout the second part of the race. He knew he had to get past Rutter at the start and push pretty hard It was good to see him back to how we know he can ride the bike. The Airwaves guys had a taste of the bad luck we've suffered all year, but it's great for Karl and the team to be on the podium and full of confidence ahead of our home round at Cadwell Park."

Rob Mac Pro Ride
Rob Mac Pro Ride fielded young Dubliner, Jack Kennedy for the first time in the Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship. The Kennedy family decided to give Jack the chance to use the Rob Mac Pro-Ride package and the 20 year old Irishman certainly showcased both his talent and the bikes capabilities amongst a vastly experienced field of riders.

Lining up in pole position, Jack successfully competed with a host of more experienced riders to take the chequered flag in sixth position. It is now hoped that Jack will continue to ride the Pro Ride R6 for the remainder of the season, though a decision will be made after Cadwell Park (23-25 August).
Rob McElnea, Team Principal: "Jack Kennedy was superb. He's shown just what a young and enthusiastic rider can do with the Rob Mac Pro Ride package. He only saw the bike for the first time on thursday, rode a few dry laps on friday then stuck it on pole on Saturday! His family have given him great support and to finish sixth in such a classy field is a great achievement. Jack will be out again at Cadwell and should be able to produce another good result."

Jack Kennedy: "I was delighted to get pole in the wet the first time out on the bike. I got a great start and was second at the first corner before a few riders came past me. I tagged on to the back of them for a while and found my pace was pretty strong. When Hudson came past tried to keep up with him but struggled a little. I got the sign from my pit board that I had a six second cushion so knocked it off a bit. I really enjoyed the race but just wish we'd had a little more dry track time in practice. I've got to say a massive thanks to Rob Mac and the team, especially Spider, they've been great this weekend. I'll be on the bike again at Cadwell so really looking forward to that."

BSB Race 1 Result
1. Sykes (Suzuki), 2. Byrne (Ducati), 3. J.Ellison (Honda), 4. Rutter (Ducati), 5. Camier (Ducati), 7) Karl Harris (Rob Mac Racing Yamaha)

BSB Race 2 Result
1. Haslam (Honda), 2. Rutter (Ducati), 3. Karl Harris (Rob Mac Racing Yamaha), 4 Sykes (Suzuki),5. J.Ellison (Honda)

BSB Championship Standings
Byrne - 332, 2. Crutchlow - 222, 3. Sykes - 214, 4. Haslam - 199, 5. Camier - 179,12. Karl Harris - 69

Supersport Race Result
1. Lowry (Suzuki), 2. Westmoreland (Honda), 3. Richards (Triumph), 4. Webb (Honda), 5. Kennaugh (Yamaha), 6. Kennedy (Rob Mac Pro Ride Yamaha)

Pirelli Tyres - BSB Knockhill

ROUND 8 - KNOCKHILLBENNETTS BRITISH SUPERBIKE
Race 1Tom Sykes secured his third win in succession with a dominating performance over the opening 30 lap Superbike race at Knockhill (10 August).
The Rizla Suzuki rider was high on confidence after a double at Oulton Park and two strong rides as a wild card rider in last weekend’s World Superbike meeting at Brands Hatch. Michael Rutter took the early lead, muscling his NW 200 Ducati in purposeful manner as he claimed the drying line just ahead of Sykes.
The Rizla Suzuki rider finally made his move stick at the second time of asking at Seat on lap 9, setting his sights on the chequered flag. Behind Sykes, the action hotted up with Byrne moving through the field to eventually maintain his record of podium finishes. Rutter, leading for the first third, was the man to lose out as James Ellison claimed the final podium spot.
Tom Sykes, Race 1 Winner: "Absolutely fantastic! I said I was happy with the dry setting and with the wet setting and a little bit iffy with the damp setting in qualifying but this morning Rizla Suzuki worked absolutely fantastic and fortunately it was slicks all round. The first couple of laps were sketchy with a couple of moments, then when Rutter put me onto the kerb and the dirty stuff it was really quite a near do but it's one of them things. Third one on the bounce and totally happy with theway things are going and just all credit to the Rizla Suzuki team and it's working perfect and hopefully you know if it stays like this we will have a another go at making it another race win. It's obvious what I'm going to say and I'd just like to dedicate this one to my man Jonesy, good man!"
Race 2The weather was back to haunt the second Superbike race, with heavy rain falling as the riders left on the first of two sighting laps. Race start was delayed as riders returned to pit, changing slicks for Pirelli rain tyres. As the race finally got underway, HM Plant’s Leon Haslam made the early running from pole, eking out a 1.5s gap to the chasing pack.

Haslam looked to be unstoppable, and it would only be a red flag incident on lap 9 that would momentarily halt his charge for his first win of the season. The track was starting to dry, and once again it was all hands on deck as teams scrabbled to select the correct tyre choice. For the so far luckless Karl Harris, the option of slicks would later prove right. The 20 lap restart saw ShaneByrne finally take the lead for the first time this weekend, fending off the challenge from Haslam and Harris. Michael Rutter was starting to close on the Rob Mac Racing Yamaha, and passed him on lap 13.
Cal Crutchlow, starting from the back of the grid, elevated himself up to 8th, but would be denied any more opportunity to gain on Simon Andrews just ahead as Shane Byrne’s Airwaves Ducati let go spectacularly at Seat, throwing the championship leader from the track. The race was instantly red-flagged and result declared as of lap 14, minus Byrne.
For two riders it may not be the way they wanted to claim podiums, but Haslam will be grateful for his debut win of the season, and for Karl Harris the bad luck that has blighted the team all season looks to have gone.

Round 9 takes place at Cadwell Park over the August Bank Holiday weekend (23-25 August).Tom Sykes, Winner Race 2: “We've come this weekend full of confidence and from the last few rounds and the team has made some big progress. We have had troubles, I've had troubles getting to grips with the Honda.
The last few rounds I've been feeling really confident with the bike and the team have been really behind me and I was so disappointed after that electrical problem in the first race and it could have been another win there but to do it in the second race on my spare bike I'm just over the moon. It was mega difficult to pass and back markers started to come into play and I managed to reel him back in but he (Shane Byrne) did go down pretty hard and I'm just glad really he's ok and we can have another battle next time with each other.”

BEN WILSON TAKES HIS DEBUT WIN

Ben Wilson took his debut Yamaha R1 Cup win in the mixed weather conditions at Knockhill, Scotland today (10 August).

Fully maximising his second row qualifying position, Wilson took the hole-shot to control the race from the very first turn.

Championship leader, Jon Kirkham made an uncharacteristic steady start crossing the line in 5th place on the first time of passing.

Road racing rookie, Sam Warren looked to get the best start off the line but was quickly shuffled back into third position from the determination of Wilson and Gary Mason to occupy the track ahead of him. Kirkham quickly passed Adrian Coates on lap 2 to make his charge on Warren ahead, catching and passing him on lap 3.

Meanwhile Mason had his sights set on leading the race, continually pressuring Wilson but Kirkham had the same idea and crossed the line in third place with less than 0.5 sec splitting the podium places on the next lap. Mason succumbed to the pace of Kirkham in the entry to the hairpin, momentarily shuffling Mason back to third, the pair continued to exchange places over the next half a lap. With Wilson pulling a slight lead ahead of the battle behind him it was imperative for Kirkham to continue his progress.

Wilson continued to ride a faultless race, responding to the pressure of second placed Kirkham as he showed him his front wheel into the hairpin on Lap 9. Showing his pace through the fist sector, Kirkham struggled to hang on to Wilson's shirt tails. The Championship leader came into his own on the second half of the lap, closing the gap with enough momentum to challenge Wilson in a risky move on the outside of the Hairpin. The wide line would prove a gamble too far, Kirkham lost the front crashing out but managed to rejoin in 12th position.

The remaining four laps saw Ben Wilson remain level headed to bring his Henderson Yamaha home for his spectacular first win of the year, closing the point gap to 18 points for the Championship. Gary Mason and Sam Warren joined him on the podium for second and third respectively.

Ben Wilson: "I knew that I had to be aggressive at the start, some of the lads were not as aggressive as me so it paid off. this win is long overdue and I'm made up. I've closed the gap for the Championship and it's truly in reach for me now."

Gary Mason: "I have always lost out on good results as I'm not aggressive enough at the start of a race, today I changed that! My tyre was moving around a bit at the end of the race but I had a really good race. V tune and Airmax allow me to be here so this ones for them."

Sam Warren: "It was a bit dodgy to start off with, they delayed the start a little as it started to rain again. Luckily the weather held as we had slicks on. The others were a little more committed at the beginning of the race but I managed to maintain the gap behind me and Jon falling off gifted me a podium. It was good to see him get up and rejoin, but I'll take the podium and the points."

Rob McElnea, Team Principal: "A fantastic result for Ben Wilson. We've been trying to help him adapt his riding style a little and it appears to have paid dividends. He's really focussed on the Autumn Cup and responded well with his first win. It just shows how your luck can change, Kirkham has been riding on the crest then suffered with the crash today, but that's racing and we could see a lot of things change over the next four races."

Race Result
1. Wilson, 2. Mason, 3. Warren, 4. Coates, 5. J Kennedy, 6. Storrar, 7. S Wilson, 8. Shoesmith, 9. Neeves, 10. Kirkham

Championship Standings
1. Kirkham - 150, 2. B.Wilson - 132, 3. Warren - 108, 4. Mason - 105, 5. J.Kennedy - 86

UP AND DOWN WEEKEND FOR AIRWAVES DUCATI

Despite failing to finish the second race of the day, Airwaves Ducati rider Shane Byrne extended his lead in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship today to 110 points after achieving a 2nd place finish in race one. Leon Camier finished 5th and 8th to secure valuable championship points.

Race one was declared wet although rain stopped falling as the riders took off for their sighting lap. Both Airwaves Ducati riders initially got away well from the line, but Shane was to lose a couple of places by the first corner, slotting into 5th with Leon behind him in 6th. Shane pushed hard to get himself up to 2nd however, any further progress was to be hampered by a number of back markers. Leon managed to successfully withstand pressure from Michael Laverty on the Suzuki to cross the line in 5th.

A wet second race saw Shane quickly take to the front of the field and start to build a gap. Lying in 6th, Leon was catching the rider in front of him when the race was red flagged and stopped. At the restart Shane once again took the lead. Leon, struggling for grip on a fast drying track, dropped back a couple of places to 8th. A combination of fast laps and quick, successive passes on back markers saw Shane pull away slightly from those behind him until lap 14 when he crashed heavily at turn one. Shane’s crash brought the race to an end and as two thirds race distance had been completed the race result was declared.

Following his fall, Shane was taken to the circuit medical centre for a full check.

On race two, Shane said, "I got a really good start and knew that I needed to get away as early as possible. I was feeling really comfortable on the Airwaves Ducati but saw from my pit board that the gap to the guys behind was up and down all the time. I came into turn one and as soon as I touched the brake I was down. It was a really strange crash because everything felt normal right up until that point. I’m feeling sore but I’ll be back training in a couple of days preparing for Cadwell Park."

After a difficult day, Leon commented, "At the start of race one the conditions were tricky so I started off pretty steady to avoid making any mistakes. Once I felt more comfortable on the Airwaves Ducati, the lap times started coming down and I was actually quicker than the leaders over the final ten laps of the race. Unfortunately after losing so much time at the start I couldn’t finish higher than 5th. I was feeling really confident going into the second race as I knew I had the pace to be fighting up the front but we made the wrong tyre choice for the re-started race and I just didn’t have enough grip. It’s been a tough weekend. A 5th and an 8th isn’t what I had hoped for but at the end of the day we’ve secured some decent championship points and made up some ground on those ahead of me."

Sykes and Haslam win, Byrne takes a tumble

BENNETTS BRITISH SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
Round Eight – 10 August – Knockhill

Tom Sykes and Leon Haslam took the victories in a dramatic, incident packed eighth round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Knockhill in which series leader Shane Byrne, despite a heavy tumble in the second race, still increased his lead in the title stakes.

Sykes had continued in the rich vein of form that had taken him to double victories in the previous round at Oulton Park as he reeled in the early first race leader Michael Rutter to move his Rizla Suzuki ahead on the ninth lap.

Rutter was taken by Byrne but the Airwaves Ducati rider was not able to make any impression on the confident Sykes who took the victory by some three seconds: "I’m a bit shell shocked to be honest – three on the bounce is something special," said the 22 year old Huddersfield rider."I’m absolutely over the moon – I was confident after the morning warm-up and knew that we had found the perfect set-up for this circuit.

"I had a good dice with Michael Rutter early on, getting ahead, but he came back aggressively, then I took him again. I got my head down and thought to myself, let’s see what you can do now. It went smoothly although there were a couple of nervous moments going through back-markers when I dropped a bit of time," added Sykes.

Byrne, having seen his nearest rival Cal Crutchlow tip off, was happy enough to take a strong second place, and solid points in his efforts to regain the title he won five years earlier. James Ellison took third place for Hydrex Bike Animal Honda with Rutter bringing his North West 200 Ducati home in fourth place ahead of Leon Camier and Michael Rutter.

A rain shower just as the riders were leaving on their sighting lap for the second race brought a delayed start, and Haslam, who had experienced double troubles in the opening race, first an electrical problem, and then a tumble, made the running from his first pole start of the season.

Haslam was ahead of Byrne when the race was red-flagged as they went into their tenth lap after three riders had tumbled and the safety barrier at Seat Curves had been damaged.

Byrne was away rapidly on the re-start but soon coming under increasing pressure from Haslam and then with five laps remaining, the leader’s Airwaves Ducati swerved off line going through the first turn and Byrne was heavily down.
The race was halted immediately, though fortunately Byrne had escaped serious injury. Haslam was credited with the victory, ending a 17 race run since his previous success: "It’s good to take the win at last – I’ve been confi