The Gearlink Kawasaki British Supersport squad of Ben Wilson and Jesse Trayler visited Snetterton in Norfolk for round seven of the championship on Sunday and although they didn’t come away with the results they were aiming for Ben Wilson recorded a fifth place and Jesse Trayler finished in 20th position.

Free practice threw up a few problems for the team but these were rectified on Wilson’s #15 machine ahead of first qualifying. But the session was stopped after a few laps while Wilson was holding fourth place and a long delay followed while a problem with the track at Russell’s was dealt with. Subsequently a single qualifying session was used to determine the grid positions for Sunday’s 20 lap race. Wilson encountered some suspension problems during the session and was therefore unable to secure the grid position he required and was left on row three in 11th position while Jesse was to make a start from row seven.

As the race got underway Wilson got a flyer of a start, making up five places on the first lap and up into third place on lap four where he remained for the majority of the race. But in the final stages the tyre began to wear causing the Lincolnshire rider to slow and he was caught and passed by Dan Cooper and on the final lap by Glen Richards which left him to cross the finish line in fifth position.

Although not quite the result he had hoped for Wilson had the consolation of recording the fastest lap of the race with a time of 1m 07.598s – 103.95mph on lap three of 20.

Meanwhile Jesse Trayler also got away to a good start making up six places on the first lap to 21st position. But after moving forward to 20th position he was unable to improve further and had to be content with 20th place at the flag.

BEN WILSON

I am disappointed with that result as I was holding third for the majority of the time and holding strong with the leaders. I thought I could have a go at them towards the end but the tyre went off with about six laps to go and from there onwards I started on a bit of a downer but that’s the way it goes, fifth is better than nothing! It’s not a bad result from where we qualified so we have turned it around a little bit and hopefully we can carry this on and do a better job at Brands Hatch.

JESSE TRAYLER

I got off to another good start as usual, picked a few riders off and then got picked off by a few! I dropped off a bit towards the end as I had a scrap with a few riders which is always good fun and makes it a bit more interesting and eventually I brought the bike home in the top 20 so that’s not too bad. All in all we have made steady progress this weekend. We have some different forks in the bike this weekend which has made things better for me so it’s not been a bad weekend at all really.

MICHAEL de BIDAPH – team owner and manager

The weekend has had its ups and downs for us. We were struggling for power on Friday but we changed Ben’s engine for Saturday and we had the power back. The first qualifying was cancelled because of damage to the track so the second session was the one that counted. But for some reason the rear suspension on Ben’s bike had been changed – we don’t know how or why- so he just couldn’t get a decent time in on the bike. We had it all to do in the warm up today and although we got it right and the bike was really quick we hadn’t had a lot of practice time to test the tyres.

Although Ben was running third for most of the race the tyre went off and he dropped back to fifth. But we are happy with that, he had the fastest lap of the race and we know this bike is now strong and we can build on that from here. Ben was able to run with the leaders for the best part of the race and it is significant in that we are moving forward with the Kawasaki.

Jesse is still struggling; I am not sure why as I havent had a chance to talk to him as yet. He isn’t finishing his races in a high enough position so we just have to look at that now and see where we are going to go with it.

The notorious Knockhill weather played havoc on race day but Gearlink Kawasaki ace Ben Wilson shrugged off the blustery, wet conditions to clinch second place in round six of the British Supersport championship at the Scottish circuit on Sunday and move back up to fourth in the overall rider standings on 63 points.

Free practice and qualifying was full of drama with Jesse Trayler and Jamie Hamilton both suffering heavy crashes, giving the pit crew a lot of work to do to get the Gearlink Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R machines up and running in time for Sunday morning warm up. As it happened Jamie had another crash in final qualifying and highsided, landing heavily and withdrawing from the race after a visit to the medical centre confirmed he had concussion.

As race day dawned, with it came the rain, and the track was awash with streams of water running across the racing line. The rain continued throughout the morning but eventually the conditions improved sufficiently for the British Supersport race to take place and Ben Wilson lined up in ninth position to head the third row charge.

As usual he got away to a good start moving up into fifth on the opening lap but his progress was thwarted when the pace car came out for three laps. But as the car left the track the race was back on and Wilson picked off the riders ahead, one on each lap until he reached third place on lap 10 of 15.

He diced with Ian Hutchinson and Dan Cooper, eventually diving underneath the two of them at the hairpin on lap 12. The race came to an early end when a couple of riders crashed heavily and a result declared at 13 laps with Ben awarded a well-deserved second place.

Meanwhile Jesse Trayler began his race down on the eighth row after a poor qualifying left him in 29th place. But Jesse was unable to make up many places and finished in 24th position.

BEN WILSON

I am happy enough with second today. We didn’t get the result we wanted in qualifying but my times have been pretty consistent in the wet and the dry and to finish in second place today has put me back up to fourth so I am pleased about that. The wind didn’t really bother me as I was concentrating on my race. It was the same for everybody and we made it count. I would like to thank Gearlink Kawasaki and the team and everyone who has helped me and I am delighted to have been able to repay them with a podium finish.

MICHAEL de BIDAPH – team owner and manager

We desperately needed that result from Ben today. This weekend has been so eventful, we have had a terrible time with crashes, problems with bikes and riders so to get second place on the day is the best for us. However we still have to do better and get more wins but when the chips are down Ben comes through and he certainly came through for us today. We are so pleased for that, the team have been lifted back up again and we can just think about moving forward.

I am disappointed with the performance of Jesse and Jamie over the weekend. The crashes they had were really massive. They are not running near to the front and this is not acceptable for our team. We are only a small team and can’t afford that sort of crash damage so I am just not sure at the moment where we are to go with that. We just need to get back after the weekend and assess everything and see where we go from there.

Mallory Park turned out to be another tough round for the Gearlink Kawasaki Supersport squad with Ben Wilson finishing in seventh position, Jamie Hamilton 14th and Jesse Trayler suffering a non-finish in round five of the British Supersport championship at the short 1.4-mile Leicestershire circuit on Sunday.

Qualifying went well for Ben Wilson and he looked promising for a repeat performance from 2009 when he recorded a second place in the race. He began his campaign well, qualifying in fourth place for a front row start but although he led the field around the first two laps he was reeled in by eventual race winner Billy McConnell. It soon became obvious that Wilson had a problem with the Ninja ZX-6R and he dropped back to end the 25 laps in seventh place.

Meanwhile new recruit Jamie Hamilton was pleased to finish in 14th place on his first outing in the Supersport squad. He got his season underway with the Gearlink Kawasaki team by picking up two championship points, his first in the series.

Jesse Trayler was unlucky not to finish the race. After a poor qualifying which left him down in 24th place on the sixth row he got away to a good start, making it through to 17th on the first lap. He was not far away from a points scoring position but on the final lap he was taken out by another rider at the hairpin, his race over virtually in sight of the chequered flag.

Ben Wilson – 7th

I am really disappointed, I felt comfy in the lead and when McConnell came past me I felt I could run with him but then on lap three the bike developed an electrical problem which prevented the bike from revving and so I slowly dropped back from fourth to seventh. But at least we were on the pace again and where we needed to be until the bike played up and then it was all taken out of my hands.

Jamie Hamilton – 14th

I am glad to get my season underway as so far this year I have had bad luck in every race which prevented me from getting up into the top 15 and earning some points. That is what I came here for this weekend, to get some points under my belt and that’s what I got so I am happy enough. But I now need to move forward and aim my sights at the top 10 so that’s the plan from now on. The Gearlink Kawasaki boys have done a fantastic job in preparing my bike this weekend and I have to thank them for all their hard work. Also I have to say a huge thank you to Michael and Norma at Gearlink Kawasaki for giving me the opportunity to progress into the Supersport championship.

Jesse Trayler – dnf

I got away to a brilliant start, I was running in the points on the first lap and then the safety car came out which brought the field all back together for a while. I got off cleanly after the car went back in but I just didn’t have the pace to maintain my position and then I got taken out on the last lap and that was that.

Michael de Bidaph – team owner and manager

It was another disappointing weekend for us with the results although qualifying went pretty well for us with Ben on the front row and Jamie working well to qualify in 17th place, we are still working with Jesse and we will get there. But come race day it was so disappointing once again with Ben having a technical fault on the bike. I feel we certainly could have been in the top four and I just don’t know what the problem is but it just seems we are cursed with a bit of bad luck at this moment in time and we have to press on and try and move through it and get back to where we need to be.

Jamie had a good race and got himself in the points. We didn’t expect too much from him this weekend but obviously we do expect him to up his game going up to Knockhill to a circuit he is more familiar with and we are working with Jesse to try and get him to qualify better as he certainly has a good race pace.

It is with regret that Gearlink Kawasaki and Sam Coventry have decided to part company.

The 16-year-old rider has been contesting the Metzeler Superstock 600 championship for the team but to date has failed to qualify for the main race and has had some issues on getting to grips with the Gearlink Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R. Sam has thought long and hard before making his decision to leave the squad and will continue to contest the series on his own machinery.

Contact Michael de Bidaph directly via his mobile – 07900 570900 or submit a CV to Gearlink@aol.com

It is with regret that Gearlink Kawasaki has parted company with Lee Johnston. The Northern Ireland rider partnered Ben Wilson and Jesse Trayler in the British Supersport championship but after just four rounds of the series he has decided to withdraw from the team. 

He has taken longer than expected to familiarise himself with the Gearlink Kawasaki Supersport machine and, having scored only 11 points in the four races to date, 14th in the rider standings is not where he wants or expects to be.

Michael de Bidaph – team owner and manager

I am sorry that Lee has decided to leave the team but totally respect his decision. The split is an amicable one and I have very much enjoyed working with Lee and his family and wish him all the best for the future.

The team have yet to decide if they will replace Johnston but with four week’s before the next round of the series there is plenty of time to consider the options.

What looked to be a promising weekend for Gearlink Kawasaki ended in disappointment when Ben Wilson crashed out of the British Supersport race at Cadwell and Sam Coventry once again was unable to qualify in the Superstock 600 class and was forced out of the shoot-out with a braking problem at the half way stage of the race.

But it wasn’t all bad news for the team as Lee Johnston completed the British Supersport race in the points albeit down in 14^{th position and Jesse Trayler brought his Gearlink Kawasaki Supersport machine home in 21st position.}

Following his race win at Oulton Park in round three of the series, Ben Wilson was confident he could do well at his local circuit and throughout free practice and qualifying the Lincolnshire ace was in the thick of the action amongst the top three and challenging for pole position.

The times were close with just two tenths of a second separating the top three riders. Wilson posted a career best time of 1m 29.504s to claim a front row start to Sunday’s fourth round encounter and when the race got underway he shot off to establish the lead. But he was soon overhauled by Billy McConnell although he remained in his wheel tracks along Park straight as they headed for the Cadwell Mountain. But it all ended at Hall Bends when Wilson crashed out of contention. Unable to re-start he was forced to sit it out at the marshals’ post until the chequered flag.

BEN WILSON

LEE JOHNSTON

JESSE TRAYLER

MICHAEL de BIDAPH – team owner and manager

Race day began badly for Gearlink Kawasaki when Sam Coventry crashed out of the Superstock 600 shoot out, but ended in elation when Ben Wilson took his first win of the new season and Jesse Trayler finished eighth to claim his first points for Gearlink Kawasaki in round three of the Fuchs/Silkolene British Supersport championship at Oulton Park on Monday.

But the team’s joy was combined with disappointment as Lee Johnston was forced out of sixth place in the Supersport race with a puncture on lap five.

In the rain-affected race Ben Wilson got away to a lightening start to take up fourth place on the opening lap. One lap later he moved up to third and then to second on lap three. But things took a dramatic turn when race leader Ian Hutchinson fell at Hizzy’s gifting the lead to Wilson.

The top three riders pulled well clear of the pack with Wilson steering the Gearlink Kawasaki away to build up a substantial lead. But the safety car was deployed on lap five to allow the marshals to sweep the mud from the track after a crash, which allowed the rest of the field to catch up. Although they gained ground on Wilson he remained in control at the front and when the car left the track the race was back on.

Wilson continued to hold the lead and although fellow Lincolnshire rider Sam Lowes remained right in his wheel tracks he fended off the attack and took the chequered flag with an advantage of 0.3seconds over Lowes.

This fine result puts Wilson up to third place in the rider points just 11 points away from the series lead.

Meanwhile Jesse Trayler rode a fantastic race to move through from a starting position of 26^{th to complete the 12- lap race in a fine eighth place to claim his first championship points of the new campaign.}

Lee Johnston was also riding well and was looking good for a top five finish but was unfortunate to go out with a puncture.

In the Metzeler National Superstock 600 class Sam Coventry was again unable to make it through to the main race after a low qualifying position but was running well on the first lap of the Shoot out race. But it all ended in tears when the rider behind lost control and clipped Sam’s back wheel resulting in the pair taking a tumble into the gravel.

Ben Wilson

Jesse Trayler

Sam Coventry

Michael de Bidaph - Team Owner and Manager

The Gearlink Kawasaki British Supersport team added to their points' tally when Ben Wilson finished seventh and Lee Johnston ninth in round two of the British Supersport championship at Thruxton on Sunday. Jesse Trayler rode through from a low grid position to finish in a creditable 19th position while Sam Coventry again just missed out on a ride in the Superstock 600 main race and had to be content with a 13th place finish in the shoot out race.

Ben Wilson rode through some set up problems to clinch a second row start to his race in eighth place and got away to a good start, slotting into third place at the first corner before losing a place in the early stages. He lost the tow from the leading group and ended up circulating on his own in eighth position for the majority of the race eventually moving up a place to take the chequered flag in seventh and notch up his first set of championship points to get his championship challenge underway.

Lee Johnston came through from a third row start and made steady progress to finish in a well deserved ninth place while Jesse Trayler got a fantastic start from 30th making up 12 places on the first lap to take up 18th place and eventually complete the 18-lap encounter in 19th position.

In the Superstock 600 class Sam Coventry had to endure the two group qualifying group sessions where he once again just missed out on a place in Sunday’s main race. He was placed on row six of the grid for Saturday’s shoot-out race but was unfortunate to finish in 13th place, with only the top 10 going through to Sunday’s race Sam was once again disappointed not to join them.

BEN WILSON

We got some points on the board today but in all honesty that’s not what we are here to do. We need podium finishes and not just top 10s. I was up in the top three on the first lap but then made a mistake and let three or four bikes come past me and lost the tow. We have had a few suspension problems throughout the weekend but we are going the right way and on the way back to where we ought to be.

LEE JOHNSTON

I didn’t get off to the best of starts and rode pretty steady for the set up of the bike but we have another few points on the board and as the season goes on we will get more and more and get up the leaderboard a bit.

JESSE TRAYLER

I am quite happy with that result, as it’s been a difficult weekend for me. To make up so many places and get up into the top 20 was a bonus. I was a lot happier with the bike in the race and got off to a mega start although I did have a few issues with the chicane with people passing me and had a good old ding-dong with them. I would like to thank Gearlink Kawasaki for providing me with such a good bike, Linxcel, Gas Moto, Archer Building Consultancy, Nevis Marketing and Shark Helmets for their support this year.

SAM COVENTRY

I am disappointed with the weekend’s result once again, I would have liked to have qualified for a ride in the main race but it didn’t happen. But I do feel I had a strong shoot out race and the team are very supportive of me. I think that with us working strongly together we can go to Oulton Park and I am pretty sure I can pull it out the bag to qualify and contest the full Superstock 600 race.

MICHAEL de BIDAPH Team owner and Manager

It has been a pretty difficult weekend for Gearlink Kawasaki here at Thruxton. We have been trying different things with the riders etc. Jesse’s bike suffered some technical problems and we also had a few problems with the electrical system on Ben’s bike so its been a bit hard to get them working properly around this circuit. I am disappointed with today’s results but I think we have to take something from it. We had two riders in the top 10 and are up and running now with Ben scoring his first set of points. Lee is really getting his head around the bike and has moved further forward. Although Jesse didn’t qualify too well he more than made up for that with his quick start. So overall we have got to be a little bit pleased with how everything has gone. We realise we have still got a lot of work to do but we certainly want to try and move further forward at Oulton Park and give something back to all our sponsors that have supported us so well.

Next round Oulton Park – May 3

Brands Hatch didn’t go quite to plan for the Gearlink Kawasaki team with Ben Wilson crashing out of eighth place on lap 16 of the shortened 21 lap British Supersport race. However, Lee Johnston finished in 14th place and Jesse Trayler was 19th while Sam Coventry had to be content with a 12th place finish in the Superstock 600 shoot-out race.

Qualifying saw Ben Wilson claim a second row start to his British Supersport campaign and he got away to his usual lightening start to slot into fifth position. But he was pushed wide at Druids on the first lap and dropped back to ninth as the field squeezed around the hairpin.

Although it took him a couple of laps to recover, the 29 year old Lincolnshire rider soon made it back to eighth place to give chase to the leaders some way ahead. But just as he drew near to the group ahead he highsided at Clark Curve, his race over.

Lee Johnston qualified 17th to start from row five and was soon in the mix, circulating in 11th place. But he encountered a technical problem with the Gearlink Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R which caused him to drop off the pace. The race was brought to a premature end when the red flag was waved for a fallen rider and Johnston was awarded 14th place to pick up two championship points.

Jesse Trayler did well in his first British Supersport race and brought his Gearlink Kawasaki home in 19th position, making up eight places during the race from his starting position of 27th.

Sam Coventry was cruelly denied a place in the main section of the Superstock 600 because of his qualifying position. Only the top 15 qualifiers from the two groups were sent through to the final but although his time would have put him ninth in group B he was unfortunate to have run in Group A where he was 17th and so was excluded.

He went on to complete the close and exciting shoot-out race in 12th place and is determined to gain a place in the main race at Thruxton.

Ben Wilson

I have been having a few problems with grip at that part of the course throughout the weekend and it caught me out again in the race. I am very lucky to have come away from such a big crash without broken bones but I did suffer extensive bruising to my shoulder, legs and back.

Lee Johnston

It was unfortunate the bike developed a technical problem as I was going well and looking to break into the top 10. But two points are better than none and I am looking forward to Thruxton where I hope to add to my tally.

Jesse Trayler

I was happy with the way the race went as I made up positions and beat a few of the more experienced riders who have been there a long time. My times were consistent and the bike was great to ride. The Gearlink Kawasaki team personnel are great to work with and the atmosphere in the garage is really good. Its just a shame the red flag stopped the race as I was hoping to move a bit further up the field. I would like to say a big thank you to Linxcel, Gas Moto, Archer Building Consultancy, Nevis Marketing and Shark Helmets for their support this year.

Sam Coventry

I was really disappointed not to make it into the main race. In the Shoot-out I started from the second row but didn’t really get a good start and as the race went on the bike developed brake fade and I struggled to overtake anyone. But this weekend has made me even more determined to prove I can do well and I am looking forward to Thruxton which is a circuit I enjoy. The Gearlink Kawasaki team have been great all weekend and I hope to reward them with a good result next time out.

Michael de Bidaph – Team owner and manager

This has been a pretty disastrous weekend for Gearlink Kawasaki to be honest. We have encountered numerous problems throughout the weekend and Ben’s crash just about finished it off. Lee Johnston had a technical problem with his machine in practice which continued during the race and then Jesse crashed in morning warm-up which gave us a lot of work to get the bike up and running for the race. Sam was unable to get into the Superstock 600 race so all in all it’s a weekend to forget.

Next round – Thruxton – April 18

Jesse Trayler is to join the Gearlink Kawasaki squad and will partner Sam Coventry in the 2010 National Superstock 600cc class. Jesse's main sponsor will be Linxcel www.linxcel.co.uk who is also helping Ben Wilson this year.

The 18-year-old rider from Great Dunmow in Essex represented MSS Discovery Kawasaki in the National Superstock 600 class throughout 2009 and completed all but one of his races in the points with his best results being a second at Donington Park and third at Knockhill and Brands Hatch to complete the season in a very respectable sixth place.

Jesse joined his new teammates, Ben Wilson, Lee Johnston and Sam Coventry to travel to Calafat in Spain where they linked up with the Provec Kawasaki World Supersport team and riders Joan Lascorz and Katsuaki Fujiwara for a short test. Although the weather was cool but dry in the morning the rain set in during the afternoon which prematurely curtailed the team’s track action.

Despite the inclement weather conditions all four Gearlink Kawasaki riders put their respective machines through their paces and were extremely happy with the outcome and all four are eager to take part in further testing in the near future in order to be ready for the new campaign which begins at Brands Hatch over the Easter weekend of April 3, 4 and 5.

Jesse Trayler

I am delighted to be part of the Gearlink Kawasaki squad for 2010. It will be a great pleasure racing for such a professional team and I feel extremely confident this year in my chance of winning the title for Gearlink Kawasaki.

We did some testing this week at Calafat Circuit in Spain, and I am very pleased with how things went.

Michael de Bidaph – Team owner and manager

We helped Jesse with his set up at the end of 2008 and by the last round he was running in the top six, we then realised he had a lot of potential. We wanted to sign Jesse for the 2009 season but due to other circumstances this did not happen. Jesse put in an enormous effort in 2009 and was challenging for podium finishes throughout the season. I am sure he will be a great asset to our team and will produce some top results for us in 2010. Now that he is riding for Gearlink Kawasaki we expect him to show his true talent.

We have just returned from Spain where we tested at the Calafat Circuit, near Barcelona. Although we did not have a great deal of track time we achieved our goal and now intend to do some more testing in England before the start of the season. Our trip to Spain was also to put together a very strong package for Ben and Lee to challenge the Supersport Championship.

Ben Wilson, who has re-signed for Gearlink Kawasaki, will partner the newly signed rider Lee Johnston to compete in the 2010 British Supersport Championship.

The team is very happy to include Lee, the 20 year old Irish rider from Maguiresbridge in Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland who had some strong top ten finishes in his first year in the Supersport Championship last year. Lee won the Superstock 600 championship in 2008 which coincidentally was won last year by Gearlink Kawasaki rider Jamie Hamilton – also from Northern Ireland.

Also joining the Gearlink Kawasaki squad, in the National Superstock 600 Championship, is up and coming youngster Sam Coventry from Waterlooville, Hampshire. Sam, who is just 16 years of age, spent the 2009 season with Thundersport GB where he rode in the Junior Powerbike series, ending his campaign in second place.

The team is pleased to welcome on board team partner Linxcel who has made a commitment to Ben Wilson in the way of podium bonuses.

Ben Wilson

I am delighted to be racing with Gearlink Kawasaki again this year and I am sure my new team mate Lee Johnston will be an asset to the team. I have been training hard throughout the winter and am really seeing the benefits of training with Mark Coles at M10 Fitness in Newark. I am now half a stone lighter than last year and this should give me the edge in the new campaign. The series will once again be very competitive and it is my intention to be up there at the pointed end battling it out for race wins. I would also like to thank Mark Clark from Linxcel for his help during the forthcoming season.

 Lee Johnston

 I am very happy to be joining Gearlink Kawasaki. Ben Wilson did well last year and the bike is a proven winner. They are a very hard working team who are in the paddock for all the right reasons. I am really looking forward to getting down to some serious testing and my aim is to notch up some race wins and have a crack at winning the title for Gearlink Kawasaki.

Sam Coventry

This is a great opportunity for me and I am keen to get out there to see how I fare. Gearlink Kawasaki is one of the top teams in the BSB paddock and obviously knows what they are doing as they won the championship last year with Jamie Hamilton. Jamie will be a hard act to follow but I am up for the challenge and I will begin my preparations by testing with the team at the earliest opportunity. Because of my age I am not permitted to test at any of the MSV tracks but having said that, I rode in the Junior Powerbike series this year and visited most of the BSB circuits so that wont pose a huge problem to me. Gearlink Kawasaki do the majority of their testing at Mallory Park so I will be able to get to grips with the Kawasaki at the Leicestershire circuit prior to the first race at Brands Hatch. I love the Brands Hatch track so am looking forward to my first outing under race conditions in a new series and with a new team.

Michael de Bidaph – team owner and manager

I am delighted to retain Ben Wilson for a second season and am very pleased to announce the signing of Lee Johnston who will also contest the British Supersport championship for us. I am confident that Ben and Lee will work well together and will certainly push each other to the limit. With this line-up Gearlink Kawasaki are now in a strong position to make a serious challenge for the championship again this year and we look forward to arranging a series of tests in the near future so we can put both bike and riders through their paces in preparation for the new season that begins at Brands Hatch over the Easter weekend.

GEARLINK KAWASAKI – SEASON FINALE

Gearlink Kawasaki wrapped up their 2009 British Supersport campaign on Sunday with Ben Wilson and Hudson Kennaugh finishing third and fourth and Jamie Hamilton taking a fine 20^{th place on his debut ride in the final round of the series at Oulton Park on Sunday.}

Although Ben Wilson could only achieve fourth place in the final standings he was anxious to end his season with a top result and went into qualifying with the sole aim of securing a front row grid position.

There was a change to the race format for the final round with three free practice sessions ahead of just one qualifying period on Saturday and Wilson made the most of his qualifying to claim a front row start to Sunday’s 15-lap finale by recording a quick lap time of 1m 39.041s, well inside the existing lap record and just 0.3s away from pole setter Steve Plater.

As the race got underway Ben got away to a flying start and headed the field around the first two laps but was then mugged by Steve Plater and Billy McConnell as they continued their battle for the title. He fell back into the clutches of James Westmoreland who overhauled him on lap four. But the top four riders pulled well clear of the pursuing pack and the battle continued throughout the race.

As tyre wear came into play, Wilson dropped off the back of the three front runners but continued to circulate in a strong fourth place ahead of his Gearlink Kawasaki teammate Hudson Kennaugh.

McConnell made a mistake and ran on at Hizzy’s chicane which saw Wilson grab the opportunity with both hands to move back ahead into third position. But his teammate was catching fast and on the final lap they were nose to tail.

Wilson managed to get the right line out of Druids and on the dash to the flag he maintained his third place to claim a further 16 championship points which sealed fourth place in the overall results.

Meanwhile Hudson Kennaugh was in fine form and put his Ninja ZX-6 up onto the second row for the start of the race. He made steady progress through the field picking off the opposition lap by lap until he reached fourth place on the penultimate lap. He could see his teammate ahead and made swift inroads towards him but although he got alongside him on a couple of occasions he was unable to make the move stick and headed towards the finish line just a tenth of a second adrift to claim a solid fourth position.

Newly crowned Superstock 600 champion Jamie Hamilton made the most of the opportunity to acquaint himself with the Gearlink Kawasaki Supersport machine and put in some strong laps in free practice and qualifying, circulating over two seconds faster than ever before during qualifying.

Hamilton maintained his start position during the first few laps before moving forward to 17th place. But he made a mistake and ran on at the chicane losing ground to complete his debut race in 20th position.

Tim Hastings was also making his debut for the team in the Superstock 600 class, taking over the ride from Hamilton. But it was to be a huge learning curve for the young Falkirk rider who stepped up from the British 125cc class and had his hands full adjusting to the power of the 600cc machine. He went well in practice and qualifying but was just not quite quick enough to qualify for the main race and was placed in the five lap shoot out event which was to see the top 10 riders join their rivals on track for the main race on Sunday.

But after a good start that saw him pass four riders on the opening lap, Tim was unfortunate to slip from his machine at Cascades second time around, his race over.

BEN WILSON

I am very happy with the way the season has gone for me. The Gearlink Kawasaki team has worked hard all year to get me where I am so it’s a big thanks to them and also to Michael and Norma for putting their faith in me and all my personal sponsors for their support as without them I wouldn’t have been on the grid never mind finish the season in fourth place. I would have liked to have finished a bit nearer to the boys in front but it wasn’t to be today. We still got the result we were after so next year we will up our game a little bit more and aim to win the championship.

HUDSON KENNAUGH

It was always going to be tough here at Oulton but I felt good from the first day and gelled with the bike. I had to tough out the beginning of the race but by the end it was coming to me and I was so close to a podium. For me it’s all the boxes ticked and it just shows that I am back! Going into the last corner I was neck and neck with Ben but I thought it best not to have two green bikes lying in the brown gravel so I let it go! I appreciate everything that Gearlink Kawasaki has done for me and I hope I have repaid the faith they put in me. I have adjusted to the Kawasaki and am looking forward to next year.

JAMIE HAMILTON

It’s been a great experience for me to be out there with the Supersport class. I tried a zero tyre for the first time and its just taking a bit of time to get my head around the speed. Hopefully as time goes on I will get faster and faster and move up a bit. I would have liked to have done better in the race and really wanted to get in the points this weekend but I made a small mistake and ran straight on at the chicane. But now I know how much work I have to do to improve for next year so I will go away home and have a think about it so I can come back next year stronger. Gearlink Kawasaki has put out an awesome bike all year and I have to thank them for the opportunity to ride the Supersport bike this weekend and also thanks to everyone else that’s supported me.

MICHAEL DE BIDAPH team owner and manager

The weekend has been good overall, running three riders has been extremely hard but we have coped very well. Qualifying went well with Ben getting on the front row and Hudson the second and we were really pleased with Jamie who qualified in 19th. He did really well to do that. The race was good with Ben getting on the podium, a great way for him to finish the season. Hudson was fourth, he has finally come up there which we knew he would do. Jamie had a little problem in the race but still finished 20th. He kept the bike upright which is what we wanted to see so all in all it’s been a great end to a great season so we are very pleased with that.

This weekend we ran Tim Hastings in the Superstock 600 class. He needs more time on the bike and didn’t really get enough because one of the sessions was wet, which was unfortunate. In the shoot out race I think he really went into the corner a little bit hot and unfortunately he came off so he didn’t get to finish the race. It’s a big step up from 125 class so it’s a shame that nothing really came of it but we are still looking at Tim and we will have a think about it and see where we go with that.

I think most people know by now that we have re-signed Ben for next year which we are extremely happy about. Ben is happy and Kawasaki Motors UK are delighted with it. As for who else will be riding for us, at the moment we don’t know. We are going to try our best to do something with Jamie Hamilton but not quite sure how right now. We are talking to other riders, Hudson Kennaugh included so – watch this space as hopefully we will be able to make a statement in the next month or so.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our team partners and sponsors for their help and support throughout the 2009 season.

It was confirmed, this afternoon, that Hudson will be riding the Supersport bike, once again, at Oulton Park.

The final rounds of the British Supersport and Superstock 600 championships take place at Oulton Park in Cheshire on Sunday with Gearlink Kawasaki riders out in force and aiming to end their season on a high note.

Gearlink Kawasaki has announced that Jamie Hamilton will ride the Supersport bike at Oulton Park. Jamie will relinquish his Superstock 600 ride now that he has won the championship.

MICHAEL DE BIDAPH – Team owner and manager

2009 METZELER SUPERSTOCK 600 CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS

A dark day for the Gearlink Kawasaki team ended in joy when rising star Jamie Hamilton wrapped up the Metzeler Superstock 600 championship giving the team its first title and Kawasaki Motors UK their first British Championship win since 1992 when John Reynolds won the British Superbike championship.

The 18-year-old quietly spoken rider from Ballyclare has proved to be a revelation since joining Gearlink Kawasaki at Donington Park in round three of the series and has graced the podium in seven of his nine races for the team. Although he made an uncharacteristic mistake and ended up in the gravel trap at Silverstone, his main opponent failed to score points in the race thus leaving Hamilton with sufficient points to be declared champion with one race remaining.

JAMIE HAMILTON

MICHAEL JOHNSTONE –Sales and Marketing Manager Kawasaki Motors UK

MICHAEL DE BIDAPH Team Owner and Manager

The rest of the weekend didn’t go quite so well for the team although both Ben Wilson and Hudson Kennaugh rode well in qualifying to line up alongside each other on row two for the start of the Fuchs/Silkolene British Supersport race.

As the 18 lap affair got underway Wilson soon moved through to take up third position in the early stages before dropping to fourth, but on lap seven, as Paul Young attempted a passing manoeuvre, he lost control of his Triumph and collided with the luckless Lincolnshire rider who was taken out at Abbey, his race over.

Hudson Kennaugh meanwhile was experiencing a return to form and posted a fast lap in qualifying to claim a second row start alongside his Gearlink Kawasaki teammate.

He experienced some technical problems at the start and was subsequently left down in 16^{th place at the end of the first lap. But he got his head down and began to chip away at the opposition moving through to 14th place on lap six before passing a group of four riders just ahead to claim 10th place.}

BEN WILSON

HUDSON KENNAUGH

MICHAEL DE BIDAPH Team owner and Manager

The Gearlink Kawasaki team enjoyed two podium finishes at Croft circuit when Ben Wilson rode to a fine third place in round 10 of the Fuchs/Silkolene British Supersport championship and Jamie Hamilton finished second in the Metzeler National Superstock 600 race.

Lincolnshire rider Ben Wilson realised the need to secure a top result and he rode a fantastic race on board the Gearlink Kawasaki ZX-6R to claim third place and edge nearer to the top three position he relinquished last time out at Cadwell Park.

As the race got underway, Wilson got the hole shot but was beaten back to second by Billy McConnell and then to third when James Westmoreland went past. The action was frantic at the front and as riders all jostled for position and Wilson was forced off line and dropped to fourth at the end of the lap.

But Wilson is known for his persistence and he was soon back up into third place, putting Dan Linfoot well and truly behind him as he chased the leading duo who were beginning to pull away.

The safety car slowed things down when it was deployed for a crash further down the field and this allowed the riders to bunch up. But when the car left the track on lap nine Ben was right on the tail of Westmoreland and McConnell and challenging for the lead.

By lap 11 he had moved past McConnell and into second place but series leader, Steve Plater had also joined in the action and as Wilson was lining up the race leader, Plater also made a move relegating Wilson to third place. When Plater hit the front, Wilson was left to cross swords with Westy and McConnell, who by then were both just ahead of him.

On the penultimate lap Wilson found a way past Westy and held station to the chequered flag to claim third place, just a fraction of a second behind Plater and McConnell.

Meanwhile Hudson Kennaugh had a tough time struggling with rear tyre grip and eventually pulled into the pits to retire the Gearlink Kawasaki ZX-6R with just one lap remaining.

Jamie Hamilton rode a sensible race proving he is mature beyond his 18 years. He began the Croft campaign as series leader with a 40 point advantage at the top of the rider standings and with just three rounds left to race knew he just needed to score some strong points to retain his advantage.

Having got the hole shot Hamilton was soon overhauled by Luke Mossey who was intent on securing the win and the young rider from Ballyclare in Northern Ireland was content to follow Mossey throughout the race. With a comfortable two and a half second buffer ahead of Luke Stapleford who was circulating in third place Hamilton was in no rush to take chances and maintained his position to the chequered flag.

This fine result sees Hamilton extend his series lead to 47 points over Mossey who moves from third to second in the standings. But with just two races remaining in the series, Hamilton only needs another sensible ride to second or third place at Silverstone to retain his lead and take the title for Gearlink Kawasaki.

BEN WILSON

HUDSON KENNAUGH

JAMIE HAMILTON

MICHAEL de BIDAPH

^{Gearlink Kawasaki suffered mixed fortunes at Cadwell Park over the Bank Holiday weekend when British Supersport Championship contender Ben Wilson had the chain jump off the bike on lap two causing him to retire, leaving new recruit Hudson Kennaugh to represent the team in the ninth round of the Fuchs/Silkolene British Supersport series where he put in a sterling performance to seal 17th position at the end of the 16-lap affair. Meanwhile Jamie Hamilton rode a blinder in the Superstock 600 race to bring the Ninja ZX-6R home in a fine second place to extend his series lead to 40 points.}

^{Wilson started the weekend well and qualified his Gearlink Kawasaki machine in third place for a front row start. But things didn’t go quite to plan for the 27-year-old rider from Kirton, near Boston.}

^{As the race got underway Wilson jostled for position with pole setter Billy McConnell but missed a gear at Charlie’s and lost ground. He was quick to recover and regroup to end the first lap in fourth position. But as he approached the notorious Cadwell Mountain on lap two he suffered a massive tank slapper and did well to hold onto the bike. But his race was over as the bike jolted the chain off, leaving a bitterly disappointed Ben Wilson to sit out the rest of the race and watch his third place in the championship taken away from him.}

^{Kennaugh meanwhile took his time to adjust to his new steed; it’s been a tough learning curve for the South African rider who only rode the bike for the first time in a short test at Mallory Park last week. But he shaved over two seconds from his lap times over the weekend and started his race from an eighth row grid position in 23rd place.}

^{As the race began he made a good start moving up a place to 22nd on the opening lap. He made progress through to 18th one lap later and eventually overhauled Gary Dickinson on lap 13 of 16 to claim a creditable 17th place on his first outing for the team.}

^{Jamie Hamilton stepped onto the podium for the sixth time this year when he finished second in the National Superstock 600 race at Cadwell.}

^{Starting from a second row grid position Jamie Hamilton maintained his fourth place throughout the opening lap, taking his time to get some heat in his tyres before making a move forward. The young Irish rider was promoted up to second pace when Luke Mossey took a tumble at Barn Corner on lap three but new boy John Simpson was in a hurry to take his first win and streaked past on lap five.}

^{Content to remain in third pace, Hamilton followed the two leaders mid-race before upping his pace to dive underneath Daniel Frear with a good clean pass at Park on lap 12. Although he narrowed the gap between himself and the race leader he was unable to catch him and completed the 14 laps in second place, just 1.6seconds behind Simpson.}

^{BEN WILSON}

^{I missed a gear on that first lap and I had to push hard to make my way back up the field. I needed to get back in contention as quickly as possible because I realised that Billy McConnell would break away at the front and it would be near impossible to catch him. But as I went over the Mountain I got it all crossed up and the chain jumped off. I managed to pop it back on and continue but I soon realised that it had split the water pipe and I had to pull off at Park to retire. I am gutted, not only for myself but for the team who have worked so hard again this weekend. But there are still three rounds and 75 points to race for and I am still in with an outside chance of winning the title so I will still be trying hard for it.}

^{HUDSON KENNAUGH}

^{I improved with every lap basically, I think I needed more laps and then I could run at the front. I am starting to enjoy the bike now and when it does all come together then I think it will be very good.} 

^{JAMIE HAMILTON}

^{That was a good result for me although Frear held me up for a couple of laps there. Cadwell is a hard track to make a pass but if I could have got past earlier I could maybe have been able to pull Simpson in, but he was riding hard and all credit to him for his victory. Gearlink Kawasaki put me out on an unbelievable bike again this weekend so it’s many thanks to them and to Harry for their support. I have extended my championship lead to 40 points now so hopefully we can go on to Croft and get another strong result to maintain that.}

^{MICHAEL de BIDAPH – team owner and manager}

^{The weekend was going very well for us actually; Ben had been running at the front all weekend and was so strong over the Mountain. Hudson has taken a little bit longer to get to where we want him to be but we are not too worried about that as it’s a different bike and he has got to build his confidence back.}

^{Unfortunately in the race Ben maybe went a little bit too heavy over the Mountain and his chain came off and that put paid to his race. He is obviously very disappointed but we support him as he was trying really hard. After going into a false neutral early on in the race you can’t blame him for trying to get back on terms with the leaders. That’s what makes race winners so we support him and although we are all disappointed for him we are looking forward to Croft where we know we can be back on top.}

^{Jamie Hamilton once again has done very well. He didn’t qualify on the front row where we would have liked him to have been but that didn’t stop him from putting a strong race together and getting up into second place and extend his series lead.}

After being transferred to Kings College hospital, on Monday 17th August, Chris discharged himself yesterday (Friday 21st August) because he had still not been fitted with the "halo" brace.

We have been informed by an unofficial source that two different NHS authorities were in dispute with each other regarding payment of the treatment!

A week has now been wasted plus an operation on Chris's ankle, which was scheduled for Thursday 20th August at York hospital, had to be cancelled.

Chris is now at home awaiting further news from his local hospital and hopefully the operation to repair his left ankle will be carried out early next week.

I will keep you informed of any further developments.

Norma

Following a successful test at Mallory Park on Wednesday, Gearlink Kawasaki will run Hudson Kennaugh as a replacement rider for the injured Chris Martin at Cadwell Park next weekend (August 31).

Ben Wilson and Jamie Hamilton were also in attendance and took the opportunity to fine tune their respective machines ahead of next week’s ninth round of the British Supersport and National Superstock championships at the Lincolnshire circuit.

Free practice takes place on Saturday ahead of qualifying on Sunday. The Metzeler Superstock 600 race is to be run on Monday, August 31 at 2.10pm over 14 laps of the Lincolnshire course with the 16-lap British Supersport race following at 3.45pm.

Chris Martin remains in hospital following his Brands Hatch crash and is expected to be moved to York in the near future for treatment to his broken ankle before returning home. It is understood he will not be in a position to return to racing before the end of the season.

Michael and I  have just got back from visiting Chris who is now at Kings College Hospital in South East London.

Chris has 2 suspected broken vertebrae, 2 broken ribs, a broken ankle and his right arm is in a cast because of a torn tendon.

Chris is currently waiting for a "halo" type head/neck brace to be fitted but unfortunately there is not one available at this moment in time! Once this has been fitted Chris can then be moved to a hospital nearer his home in North Yorkshire. He will then have an operation to fix his broken left ankle.

Chris is in good spirits but is very frustrated at having to wait so long to be moved nearer home. He is also getting rather worried that his ankle has not been operated on yet.

Chris has his mobile telephone at the hospital and should you wish to call him then please send us an e-mail. We will let you have his number when he has given us his permission for it to be released to you!

If anyone who knows Chris lives in the vicinity of the hospital he would be glad of a visit to relieve the boredom! Visiting hours are between 14:00hrs and 20:00 hrs. Telephone the hospital first to make sure that he hasn't been moved!

We actually went to London on a train (three trains to be precise, or six trains if you include the return journey hehehe). The journey took almost three hours there and almost three hours back. Not too bad, with no stress and no traffic jams.

Norma

I have just spoken to Chris and he informs me that they suspect that he has seven broken vertebrae in his back. He is battered and bruised somewhat, which is to be expected after such a dreadful crash!!

Chris has broken the pin that was inserted  in his ankle earlier in the year and has also broken the same ankle on the opposite side to the original break!

Chris is laid flat on his back in Maple Ward at Darenth Valley Hospital and is now waiting to be transferrred to Kings College Hospital in London when a bed is available. Should anyone wish to visit Chris visiting hours are between 15:00hrs and 20:00hrs. PLEASE TELEPHONE THE HOSPITAL FIRST!

All of the above now means that, unfortunately, Chris will be out of action for the rest of the season

Thanks to everyone who has contacted us wishing Chris a speedy recovery.

Norma

MCRCB/MSVR Judicial Bulletin - Superstock 600 Knockhill

Following the second Metzeler National Superstock 600 race at Knockhill, routine eligibility checking procedures were carried out on a selection of machines.

These procedures showed that the machine of #53 Joe Burns had heat reflecting tape fixed to the underside of the fuel tank. A meeting of the Judicial Panel was convened on 6 August 2009 to discuss the matter with the team of Joe Burns and after due consideration it determined that the modification described is not allowed by the MCRCB Superstock Technical Regulations - Article 5.2.7.10.9 (Fuel Tank) and is contrary to the general regulation that "everything that is not authorised and prescribed in these regulations is strictly forbidden".

Accordingly the following penalty has been imposed in accordance with the MCRCB Judicial Procedures - Article B.4.5.1.2.:

Exclusion of #53 Joe Burns from the results of both Metzeler National Superstock 600 races at Knockhill

There are no rights of appeal against the statement of a Judge of Fact and the minimum penalty has been applied. The decision is therefore confirmed.

Because of the above ruling Jamie Hamilton was promoted  from 3rd place to 2nd place thereby increasing his lead in the Championship from 10 points to 30 points after the Knockhill round.

The Gearlink Kawasaki team was competing at Brands Hatch on Sunday in round eight of the Fuchs Silkolene British Supersport championship where Ben Wilson rode to a fine fourth place in a tense and eventful race that also saw his Gearlink Kawasaki teammate Chris Martin suffer a huge crash at Hawthorne that saw both him and the bike flung over the barrier. Jamie Hamilton returned to action after a five week break and he too finished fourth in the Metzeler National Superstock 600 race to increase his series lead.

Qualifying saw Wilson begin his race from a front row grid position and, after his usual flying start, immediately take up the race lead. But the pursuing pack were queuing up behind to take his lead and Wilson eventually succumbed to the attention of Dan Linfoot who snatched the position on lap two of 18.

Apart from a brief passing manoeuvre by his Gearlink Kawasaki teammate Chris Martin he remained in second place until lap six of 18 when eventual race winner James Westmoreland powered the Triumph past on his way to the front.

Wilson got the better of Linfoot at Clearways to return to second place but fellow Lincolnshire rider Steve Plater shot past both Linfoot and Wilson to chase the leader.

The safety car was deployed following Chris Martin’s crash and that allowed the field to close up. When the car left the track there was a gaggle of seven riders following in close formation all trying to take Wilson’s third place and with three laps remaining Billy McConnell managed to get his Yamaha ahead demoting Wilson to fourth position where he remained to the chequered flag.

Meanwhile Chris Martin began his race from the second row and he too got away to a quick start, slotting in to second place behind his teammate on the first lap. But he became embroiled in a tense battle for position with six riders all disputing third place and chasing Wilson for his position.

But it all came to an end when Martin crashed on lap nine at Hawthorne. Both he and the bike flew over the barrier causing the safety car to be deployed to allow the medics to treat the stricken rider. He was transported to the medical centre where he was treated for a suspected broken ankle and severe bruising before being transferred to hospital for precautionary observation.

Jamie Hamilton extended his series lead in the Metzeler Superstock 600 championship to a favourable 32 points when he rode to a creditable fourth place on Sunday.

The young Ballyclare rider was at a disadvantage having not ridden the Brands Hatch GP circuit this year but he got stuck in and claimed a third row start to Sunday’s 14 lap race.

The race was red flagged after just two laps and re-started over 12 laps. Hamilton made a steady start, remaining in ninth place through the first five laps before making his way forward. By lap 10 of 12 he was up to fourth and chasing Jesse Trayler who was circulating just a few yards ahead. He narrowed the gap and the pair battled through the final laps frequently switching positions as they approached the final corner. But it was Trayler who took the chequered flag for third place, just a tyre tread ahead of Hamilton at the end of an exciting and rewarding race for the 18-year-old rider who saw his championship lead extend to 32 points.

BEN WILSON

I am a little bit disappointed as I thought we were on for a second place there. But it wasn’t to be, we have proved we can be up there battling at the front and fourth is a good result, both for myself and the Gearlink Kawasaki team who have worked so hard again this weekend to provide me with a great package.

I picked up another good set of championship points and am still in third place overall which is pretty good. We can move on to the next round at Cadwell and see how we go there.

JAMIE HAMILTON

I have struggled a little bit this weekend, its taken me a while to get the bike set up and of course its five weeks since I last raced but I knew I could come strong in the race as I have been training a lot. That did happen but I didn’t have the speed at the start. As the race progressed so did I and I had a good battle with Jesse towards the end but just couldn’t make it up onto the podium. But I have extended my series lead so that’s a positive end to the weekend. Gearlink Kawasaki have put out an awesome bike once again and the team have really helped me get the right set up so its all credit to them.

MICHAEL de BIDAPH – Team owner and manager

It’s been a bit of an up and down weekend for us at Brands Hatch. We have struggled a little bit with Ben on set up but we did get a pretty good set up by second qualifying and thankfully with about five minutes to go Ben went out and put it on P3 so we were really happy with that.

Race wise, we are really sorry to see what happened to Chris with that massive off but thankfully as far as we understand he should be ok. With Ben, he rode a solid, strong race and ended up in fourth place, that’s good and we are happy with that as he is still third in the championship. We move on to Cadwell next when we will try and get back on the podium where we belong.

Jamie struggled a bit because he hasn’t ridden for five weeks, and he hasn’t actually ridden at Brands, either the Indy or the GP circuit for a year so it was a bit of a set back for him. Qualifying in ninth place is not where Jamie wants to be and he wasn’t happy with it but come the race he was very strong and actually got up to third at one point. He finished fourth and moves further ahead in the championship which is what we want him to do.

Ben Wilson was honoured to be asked to ride the KR500 Kawasaki for a few laps of the Brands Hatch circuit in the Classic bikes/riders track session. He rode alongside great past masters including the legendary Giacomo Agostini, John Cooper and Tommy Robb.

The bike is part of a collection owned by Chris Wilson. The KR500 Kawasaki is important because it is the  last GP bike that Kawasaki produced. It is a four cylinder two-stroke GP bike with a monocoche chassis which the ZX12 is based on. Very few of the KR500 were made and former world champion Kork Ballington is the most famous person associated with riding it. Because it is so rare it is hardly ridden at all now so Ben was really lucky and privileged to be asked to ride it.

It was a one two at Mallory Park for the Gearlink Kawasaki British Supersport team when Chris Martin took a decisive win and his teammate, Ben Wilson recorded second place on Sunday in round seven of the Fuchs/Silkolene British Supersport championship.

Both Martin and Wilson had been on the pace all weekend during free practice and qualifying and both started the 25-lap race from a front row grid position.

Prior to the race start the heavens opened at the Leicestershire track making tyre choice a gamble. But the two Gearlink Kawasaki riders opted for intermediate tyres and as the race got underway it was clear they had made the correct choice.

As the race began it was Wilson that got the hole shot and led the field around the first couple of laps before Martin shot past to establish the lead.

The two Gearlink Kawasaki riders soon began to pull away from the rest of the field and were never troubled again. The pair crossed the finish line, Martin first and Wilson second with a 10 second advantage over Ian Hutchinson who finished in third place.

This fine set of results sees Ben Wilson move up into third place in the rider standings on 92 points, just six points away from Billy McConnell who holds second while Chris Martin jumps up the leaderboard to 12th place on 33 points.

BEN WILSON

I am so pleased, both for the team and myself that we have been able to give Gearlink Kawasaki their first one two in a race. The tyres we picked paid off and we were able to remain in control of the race. Once again I have to thank the Gearlink Kawasaki team for all their hard work and also my own sponsors who are keeping me out there.
 

CHRIS MARTIN

It’s been a good weekend for the team with a one two in the race. We have been there all weekend and once I got in front on the third lap I put my head down and pulled away. The track started to dry a lot quicker than I expected but I had a good enough gap and just backed off a bit on the last few laps but was able to keep my six second lead so I was happy enough.

I was lucky to be here this weekend due to lack of sponsors and financial difficulties. Luckily me and dad managed to scrape some money together to get here and its certainly paid dividends.

I would like to say a big thank you to the team and all my sponsors that have helped me and also mum and dad and my girlfriend who have supported me and also the physio who has been working on my ankle all weekend again.

MICHAEL de BIDAPH – Team owner and manager

After recording our first win in the Supersport class at Knockhill I really didn’t think things could get much better but obviously I was wrong!

The boys have done brilliantly; they have been up at the front all weekend and dominated the race today which just shows our opponents that it wasn’t a fluke at Knockhill and that we are here to stay and a one/two on the back of a win last time out – well I just don’t know where we are going to go from here! Ben now has his eyes set firmly on the championship and is only 17 points away from the series leader. I can’t see any reason why he can’t be a strong contender so that’s what we are aiming for now.

The Gearlink Kawasaki British Supersport team celebrated its first ever win in the series when Lincolnshire rider Ben Wilson stormed to victory in round six of the Fuchs/Silkolene British Supersport championship at Knockhill on Sunday. His teammate Chris Martin finished eighth in the race and the celebrations continued when Jamie Hamilton continued his run of podium success with a third in his first race followed by another victory in race two of the Metzeler National Superstock 600 championship.

Starting from a second row grid position, Wilson didn’t get his usual lightening start but hung back and followed the leaders around the first lap making sure his tyres were fully functional before beginning his move upfield. He fought his way up to third place after passing Tom Grant on lap five and when fellow Lincolnshire rider Steve Plater slid off at the hairpin, Wilson inherited the second spot on lap nine. He continued to make inroads towards the race leader James Westmoreland and seized the opportunity to take the lead at the hairpin on lap nine, although Westy fought back on the drag up the hill. The pair battled throughout the next few laps before Wilson finally made his move stick and held his position through the final lap thus giving himself and the Gearlink Kawasaki team their first win in the series.

To top it all Wilson was declared British Eurosport Man of the Meeting for putting in such a fantastic performance.

Chris Martin was involved in a battle for eighth place throughout the 23 laps and although he struggled with a brake problem he eventually brought the bike safely home in that position.

Meanwhile 18-year-old Jamie Hamilton had two races to contend with at Knockhill, the first being an incident packed affair that saw the safety car deployed on three occasions and Jamie battled hard at the front of the pack to complete the 20 laps in third place.

The second race saw the young Irishman again embroiled in a battle for the lead with Joe Burns and Luke Mossey. This time Hamilton shot off the start line to establish the race lead at the hairpin on the first lap heading the field throughout the 20 laps. He was briefly overtaken by Mossey who dived past at the entrance to the hairpin only to slide off into the gravel on the exit leaving Hamilton to battle with Burns who was right behind him all the way. Hamilton crossed the finish line just half a second ahead of Burns to take his second victory in the class and the second win of the day for Gearlink Kawasaki.

This fine win sees Hamilton extend his lead at the top of the rider standings to 10 points and also continue his run of podium finishes. Since joining Gearlink Kawasaki Hamilton has completed all his championship races on the podium.

BEN WILSON

I just want to thank all boys and girls in the Gearlink Kawasaki team, especially Michael and Norma for taking me on board this year. The whole team have worked really hard to make sure my bike is capable of doing the job and I can’t thank them and Kawasaki Motors UK enough for their sterling efforts.

I would also like to thank all my sponsors, as without them I wouldn’t even be on the track. I am just so happy to have given Gearlink Kawasaki their first race win in the British Supersport series and now we have won one race there is no reason why we can’t produce more of the same

CHRIS MARTIN

I got away to a really good start and was up near the front during the first two laps but then I encountered a braking problem with the bike and was lucky to actually finish the race. But eighth is a good start for me to get my championship challenge underway and I have finally got onto the leaderboard after picking up eight championship points.

JAMIE HAMILTON

I am really happy with that set of results; I came here with the intention of winning both races and was a little bit annoyed with myself as I started from pole position but was unable to win the first race. But in the second one I was feeling really good, all pumped up for it and on a mission. I want to once again thank Gearlink Kawasaki and Kawasaki Motors UK, as the bike was absolutely unbelievable this weekend as it always is and the team worked really hard as well.

MICHAEL de BIDAPH

At the moment I can’t believe we have won two races here at Knockhill. Ben rode absolutely amazingly, the race was just superb. Ben is so strong and I always had the belief in him. He told me he would win a race for me and he would be the first one to do it and I always believed that. We came to Knockhill and on the grid I gave him a hug and he said “I am going to do it for you today” and he did exactly that. What more can you say about Ben Wilson, he has proved he is a top rider and on the back of this I am sure we can just keep moving forward and gain more podiums. As you can imagine, the team are all absolutely elated and we are so grateful to all the sponsors that have helped us and hope they are happy with this result.

Chris had a good result, he wanted to finish a race and finished reasonably well in the points so I am happy with that as well.

I was a little bit disappointed with Jamie in race one as he didn’t quite ride strongly enough and I think he did rather throw that one away. We felt he could perhaps have done better and managed to get him fired up for the second race. He went out there and won it so he redeemed himself and rode a really strong race. He is back on top where he should be and he has given us the win on top of Ben’s to complete an amazing weekend. I think its too much to take in all in one day but I think we are going to enjoy this success for a little while longer so well done Jamie.

A mixed bag of results awaited the Gearlink Kawasaki team at Snetterton on Sunday when Jamie Hamilton continued his run of podium finishes to move to the top of the championship points table, Ben Wilson claimed an eighth place finish and Chris Martin was unfortunate to crash out of third place.

Qualifying for the fifth round of the Fuchs/Silkolene British Supersport championship saw Chris Martin claim a second row start in eighth place while Ben Wilson began the campaign right behind his Gearlink Kawasaki teammate in 12th position.

 As the race got underway, Martin got a fantastic start to round turn one in second place. He was third as they crossed the line to start lap two but as he negotiated the chicane at Russell he lost the front end and crashed unhurt out of the race.

Meanwhile, Ben Wilson was anxious to continue his run of top 10 finishes and made steady progress, running in eighth position mid-race. But just as he was lining up to make a move on TT winner Ian Hutchinson the red flag brought the race to an abrupt end on lap 13 and, with two thirds distance completed a result was declared with Wilson being awarded eighth place and a further eight championship points.

The points are tight at the top of the standings and Wilson relinquishes his fourth place and drops to sixth. But a good result from the next round can see the Lincolnshire rider re-establish his position in the top five.

Jamie Hamilton has been inspired since joining Gearlink Kawasaki and again this weekend provided the team with yet another podium finish, this time taking second place in round five of the Metzeler National Superstock 600 championship.

Starting from a front row grid position in second place the young rider from Ballyclare was at the sharp end of the action throughout the 14 laps dicing for the lead with Luke Mossey and Luke Jones. When Mossey went out with a machine problem, the final three laps were spent battling with Jones for the win. At the final chicane Hamilton was ahead but both riders went in too hot and Hamilton was forced wide. Although he crossed the finish line just ahead of Jones he was penalised by race officials for gaining an unfair advantage at the chicane and relegated to second place. But that was enough for the young Irishman to take the series lead for Gearlink Kawasaki just one point ahead of Luke Jones who was awarded the race win.

Ben Wilson

I am really disappointed that the race was cut short as I was catching the two riders just ahead and preparing to make a move up into sixth place. But on saying that, at least I got another top 10 finish at a track where I realised it would be hard this weekend. Now we have Snetterton out of the way we can move on to Knockhill and resume the business there.

Chris Martin

The front end washed out on me at the chicane which resulted in the handlebars breaking so there was no way I could have continued. But it was encouraging as I was running in third place and up to second at one time. I am sure I would have been there or thereabouts at the end if I had not slid off.

Jamie Hamilton

Obviously it’s disappointing to have the win taken away from me, but on the positive side, I was second and now have the championship lead and that is a bonus at this early stage of the game.

 I would like to thank Gearlink Kawasaki for putting me out there on an awesome bike. The Kawasaki is the bike to be on this year and I am proving that. I would also like to thank Harry Corbett, Kawasaki Motors UK, Performance Parts, and everyone that’s helped me out.

Michael de Bidaph

I knew that Snetterton would be a tough circuit for us as our engines are not producing the power needed for the fast straights of this track.

Chris and Ben did well over the weekend in both practice and qualifying but unfortunately the race did not go our way.

I am disappointed that Chris did not manage to finish again as he was looking so strong at the start of the race but Ben managed to finish in the top ten once again so I have to be happy with that and am now looking forward to Knockhill.

 Jamie once again had a great weekend and his podium finish means that he is now leading the championship which is excellent for the team and also Kawasaki Motors UK.

Thruxton brought more success to the Gearlink Kawasaki team on Sunday when Jamie Hamilton scored a fine second place in round four of the National Superstock 600 class and Ben Wilson battled through to sixth in the Fuchs/Silkolene British Supersport championship. But Chris Martin’s run of bad luck continued when he was forced to retire after a first lap excursion across the grass left him too far behind the rest of the field to play any part in the final results.

Ben Wilson has never enjoyed riding at the fast and bumpy Hampshire circuit but from the first free practice session through to final qualifying he grew in confidence and powered the Gearlink Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R through to a fourth row grid position in 14th place, bettering his lap times by over two seconds in the process.

The race was red flagged after a first corner incident but at the re-start Wilson set off to claim ninth position on the opening lap. He continued to make good progress, through to fifth mid-race but made a mistake at the chicane and lost the tow from fellow Lincolnshire rider Steve Plater who was circulating just a few yards ahead.

Wilson was eventually caught and passed by James Webb and then Paul Young on the Triumph. But as they entered into the final stages of the race Wilson fought off his challenge and re-took sixth place to cross the finish line a tenth of a second ahead of Young. With the 10 points won at Thruxton Ben moves up a place to fourth in the overall standings.

Chris Martin lined up in 15th place for the re-start but as he approached Church first time around he ran off onto the grass travelling some distance before rejoining the race well behind the rest of the field. He continued for a while and caught and passed some stragglers before pulling into the pits to retire.

Jamie Hamilton continued his good form when he rode to a fine second place in the Superstock 600 class. The 18-year-old Ballyclare rider dominated free practice and claimed second place in qualifying for a front row start to Sunday’s 14-lap affair.

As the race got underway a multiple crash on the straight brought out the safety car. Hamilton was leading and continued to maintain his position until the car left the circuit two laps later. He dropped back to second before another incident saw the safety car deployed for a further two laps. But once back underway Hamilton regained his race lead until he was caught by Luke Mossey who was intent on scoring his first win. A fierce battle saw the top three riders all jostling for position and it was Mossey who took the win from Hamilton with Luke Jones in third place, eight tenths of a second covering all three riders.

Jamie is now nicely placed at joint third in the rider standings.

BEN WILSON

Considering my qualifying position I am happy with where I finished the race. I tried to stick just behind Plater as he was on the move forward. I knew I had the pace to run with him but I ran into the chicane too fast mid race and ran wide which let him get away from me. He ended up in second place and if I had been able to stick with him I could have been looking at another podium.

The Gearlink Kawasaki boys have been awesome again this weekend. They have worked so hard to keep me on the track and I can’t thank them enough for their support throughout the weekend.

 
CHRIS MARTIN

I was battling hard for position going into the corner but was run wide and had to take to the grass. At the speed I was travelling going into Church there was no way I could force my way back so I had no alternative but to run across the grass. By the time I rejoined I was so far behind I couldn’t catch up. I carried on for a few laps but then pulled in as it was pointless to continue.

 
JAMIE HAMILTON

That was a good race. Luke Mossey ran a very good pace and I knew it was going to be tight. The bike ran real good and that’s thanks to Gearlink Kawasaki who made an excellent job preparing it for me.

MICHAEL de BIDAPH – team owner and manager

Once again I am really happy with Ben's performance. He struggled during practice and qualifying but is very strong minded and refused to let this circuit get the better of him. He ran a strong race and deserved to get the sixth place finish moving him up to fourth place in the championship which is also good for the team.

I don’t really know what happened to Chris as I haven’t had a chance to speak to him yet. I am not sure if he was pushed off the track or not but I am sorry he didn’t finish the race.  It just seems to be a run of bad luck.

My new rising star Jamie Hamilton, what can I say – he has run at the front again this weekend. He ended up in second place which I think he is a little disappointed with. I am not at all disappointed. It was a strong finish and he was up on the podium again which is what we want from him. I am really happy as this is only our second meeting with him and his second podium which is great.

GEARLINK KAWASAKI RECORD FIRST VICTORY

The Gearlink Kawasaki team recorded their first ever victory on Monday when new signing Jamie Hamilton secured the win in the third round of the Metzeler National Supersport championship at Donington Park. Things got even better when Ben Wilson put in a gutsy ride to take fourth in the Fuchs/Silkolene British Supersport race and move to fifth place in the rider standings. Chris Martin was unable to complete full distance and retired after nine laps with rear tyre problem.

BRITISH SUPERSPORT – ROUIND THREE

Ben Wilson began his race from row three of the grid in 10^th place and as the lights went out he got away to an amazing start, moving swiftly through from 10^th to third before they reached Redgate for the first time.

But he was relegated a place down to fourth when Dan Linfoot went past although he held his position for a further four laps. A mistake saw the Lincolnshire ace drop down the order as far as seventh but instead of settling for a safe seventh place he got his head down and fought his way back up the order to complete his race in fourth position.

Chris Martin qualified in 15^th place and he too got away to a good start, moving up into 10^th on the first lap. But the bike developed a rear tyre chatter which hampered his progress and as the race wore on he began to lose ground, eventually causing him to pull into the pits to retire at half race distance.

BEN WILSON

That was another strong result for me. I made a mistake into the Esses and out braked myself, dropping down the field. But I got my head down and worked my way back up to fourth. It’s thanks to Michael and the team at Gearlink Kawasaki that I am in a position to mix it with the front runners. They have provided me with a fantastic bike and everyone has worked very hard to keep me running all weekend. The Kawasaki ZX-6R is a superb machine to ride and I am thoroughly enjoying myself out there.

CHRIS MARTIN

I got away to a good start and was running around the same times as the leaders but then the rear tyre began to give me problems which gradually got worse as the race wore on and I had some difficulties holding the bike.

I am still recovering from my ankle injury picked up at Oulton and although it is near enough healed I didn’t want to risk a further crash as it could have caused me further problems so I reluctantly pulled in to retire.

MICHAEL DE BIDAPH team owner and manager

I am really pleased with Ben; he is such a strong, solid rider who never gives up. He lost a couple of places but fought back. He had a couple of moments during the race but he still kept pushing hard and he got some good points in the bag again. I think as the season progresses he will just keep getting better on the Kawasaki.

Unfortunately for Chris, his injury has hampered him slightly this weekend. He has been struggling and I think that he was in more pain than he let on. But I admire him for coming here to try and get some points. The race didn’t work out for him as he had chatter from the rear wheel and unfortunately he had to retire but Thruxton is just a few days away and I think he will be up for it there and back to full fitness as well.

NATIONAL SUPERSTOCK 600 – ROUND THREE

Gearlink Kawasaki celebrated the team’s maiden victory after Jamie Hamilton took a decisive win in his first race for the team. Jamie was contesting the third round of the Metzeler National Superstock 600 championship and started the race from pole position.

He rode a sensible race, settling into second place for the duration of lap one before hitting the front on the second lap. From there he controlled the race and over the course of the race pulled away to a substantial lead putting up the fastest lap of the race of 1.37.254s – 92.54mph – on lap five of 14.

Hamilton crossed the finish line to the cheers of his team, taking the win with a 1.9 second advantage over MSS Colchester Kawasaki rider Jesse Trayler.

JAMIE HAMILTON

I would like thank Michael and Norma at Gearlink Kawasaki and all the team as I reckon they have put me out there on the best bike in the paddock this weekend; they have made my job easy as all I had to do was to ride it around. I would also like to say a big thank you to Harry and Karl Corbett and my mum for supporting me all the way.

I had a bad start to the season and never made it to Brands Hatch so to come here and win straight away on my first ride with the bike is great and I hope I can do it again.

MICHAEL DE BIDAPH – team owner and manager

I am extremely pleased with Jamie’s result. He came here and basically just led the field through practice, qualifying and then the race. He was virtually unbeatable, his times were just blistering and he suits the bike and is happy to be with the team. He has always wanted to race for me, ever since the first day we met and now he is with us I think we will see a different Jamie Hamilton and he will bring some good results back to the team in the Superstock 600 class. He is well suited to the Kawasaki and that’s what we want to see, Kawasaki running at the front. With Jesse Trayler finishing second for MSS, that’s two Kawasaki machines in the top three – brilliant for Kawasaki!

Gearlink Kawasaki celebrated the first podium finish of the new campaign when Boston rider Ben Wilson rode to a fantastic third place in the rain affected second round of the Fuchs/Silkolene British Supersport championship at Oulton Park on Monday.

 Unfortunately Chris Martin was unable to join his teammate as he was sidelined with a broken ankle sustained in the dying seconds of qualifying the previous day.

 Chris had topped the leaderboard throughout the weekend and earned himself a front row start to Monday’s race but after being knocked back from pole to fourth place he went out to give it one last shot before the session came to a close. Unfortunately things didn’t go quite to plan and Chris parted company with the bike resulting in a broken ankle.

The British Supersport race was started in the dry and Wilson got a flying start from the second row to move straight into fourth place at Turn One. But the leader crashed on lap two bringing out the safety car and eventually the red flag one lap later.

 By the time the all clear was given for the re-start, the rain clouds were threatening, making tyre choice a lottery. While some brave souls opted to stick with their original choice, Wilson made a last minute decision to run with a full wet on the front and an intermediate on the rear. 

As the race finally got underway Wilson shot into the lead but soon discovered the track was drier than anticipated and he fell back to 20th place.

But as the rain began to fall the front runners suddenly found they had little or no grip and began to slow but Wilson’s tyres worked well in the wet conditions and he was able to plough through the field at a fast rate of knots to take up third place on lap nine and bring the Ninja ZX-6R home to give Gearlink Kawasaki their first podium finish of the new campaign.

Marcus Woodbine found it difficult to be competitive in the Superstock 600 class and struggled throughout the weekend. Once again he failed to make it into the main race and had to be content with an outing in the shoot out race. But although he managed to make it up into the top 11 at the start, he slid off uninjured at Druids on the first lap, his weekend over.

Ben Wilson
I took a massive gamble on tyre choice and it paid off handsomely. At the start of the race the track was bone dry and although I was first into Turn One I realised I was not on the right tyres to stay there and dropped like a stone down the field to 20TH. But I got my head down and stuck with it and before long the much-needed rain began to fall and I was able to move forward. It turned out to be the right decision on tyre choice but it was a huge risk. At the end of the day, you have to take a risk now and then and it paid off for me this time. I have to say a big thank you to the Gearlink Kawasaki team who have all worked so hard this weekend to keep me out there in the difficult conditions.

Michael de Bidaph – Team Owner and Manager
 

What a brilliant end to the weekend for Gearlink Kawasaki. We have had so many positives during the weekend. Chris was awesome, holding pole for so long and of course after his off and the resulting broken bone in his ankle we were really down. But we have two riders and did expect Ben to do well. With the call for the wet race we thought we had totally got it wrong with our tyre choice but Ben pulled it back, excellent stuff, what can I say. All credit to Ben and also to the team who have worked so hard this weekend to keep the bikes out there. We have been rewarded with a podium finish and once Chris is back up and running we will have two top riders out there who will be striving to bring more podiums our way.

Marcus appears to be struggling in such a strong class and we will have to look at ways of helping him to advance. He is a little out of his depth and needs to find a way forward; we will discuss the possibilities with him during the course of the next few days.

NEXT ROUND – DONINGTON PARK – WHIT MONDAY, MAY 25

What looked like a promising start to the new campaign turned sour for the Gearlink Kawasaki British Supersport team when both Chris Martin and Ben Wilson were forced to retire from the action in the opening round of the Fuchs/Silkolene British Supersport championship at Brands Hatch on Easter Monday.

The differing weather conditions played havoc with set up as rain and fog affected the short Indy circuit throughout the four days. But the team worked hard to provide the riders with a competitive set up in time for final qualifying when at last the weather also managed to brighten up. Both Ben and Chris posted some quick times, which secured them each a place on the second row of the grid for the start of Monday’s 25-lap affair.

As the lights went out to herald the start of the season opener both Gearlink Kawasaki machines were battling for the lead at Paddock Hill first time around. It was Ben Wilson who made it to the front and he headed the pack around the first lap before being beaten back to second by the eventual race winner Billy McConnell.

Wilson held second place but one lap later began to encounter problems with the Gearlink Kawasaki and dropped off the pace to take up fifth place.  By lap six Wilson realised the problem was not going away and reluctantly pulled into the pits to retire.

Meanwhile Chris Martin was also away to a good start following his teammate around the first lap. But his potential top result failed to materialise when he slid off at Druids and was forced to retire from further action.

Chris Martin

We had a good qualifying and built on that with a really good start to the race. But I think we had a bit of a dodgy tyre and I went down at Druids. It just chattered from the word go, I just went in on the brakes and down I went. But that’s racing for you.

Ben Wilson

I got away to a good start and was up into the lead straight away. I felt comfy on the bike and knew I had the right tyre to go the distance but it wasn’t to be. Although it was disappointing not to complete my first race for the team we have to look at the bigger picture, take the positives from Brands and move on to Oulton Park in the knowledge that we have the pace to run at the front and the Gearlink Kawasaki machine has the potential to win races. We just need to iron out a few teething troubles and we will be there.

Michael de Bidaph – Team Owner and Manager

The team worked extremely hard over the weekend and with help from Chris Taylor, at K-Tech suspension, we managed to have a competitive bike ready for the second qualifying session. Chris and Ben achieved excellent times putting them both on the second row of the grid.

In the race Ben made a brilliant start and led for the first lap. He was still running in the top six by lap four but an engine failure forced him to retire. Chris also had a good start but on the second lap he lost the front at Druids and also had to retire.

We are all deeply disappointed for ourselves and especially our sponsors but we feel that we have shown what we are capable of and are looking forward to Oulton Park.

In the Metzeler National Superstock 600 class, Gearlink Kawasaki were represented by 17-year-old Marcus Woodbine who soon discovered that he needed to find some extra speed to keep up with the more experienced riders in qualifying. This resulted in Marcus missing out automatic qualification and having to take part in the shoot-out race for the lower placed riders.

He rode well and finished the race in 14^th place. But with only the top 10 riders awarded a place on the grid for the main race Marcus unfortunately missed out.

Michael de Bidaph -

Our Superstock 600 rider, Marcus Woodbine, failed to qualify but the experience of Brands Hatch will help him to achieve this at Oulton Park.

Gearlink Kawasaki take the knowledge gained from Brands Hatch forward to the next round at Oulton Park in three weeks time (May 4) when it is hoped the gremlins have dispersed and a good set of results can be gained by each of the three riders.

The Gearlink Kawasaki British Supersport team completed a shakedown test at Mallory Park on Wednesday as preparation for their forthcoming official Kawasaki test at Valencia in Spain.

Chris Martin was aboard the fully prepared 2009 Ninja ZX-6R Kawasaki Supersport machine and spent considerable time on track putting it through its paces while Ben Wilson rode the new, yet to be prepared standard machine, spending his afternoon concentrating on set up and getting the feel for the new machinery.

Seventeen year old Marcus Woodbine was also at the test to get accustomed to his 600cc Superstock Kawasaki and to familiarise himself with the Mallory Park layout. It’s been four years since the young rider competed at the Leicestershire circuit and the track time gave him some valuable experience.

Chris Martin

We had a fantastic test here at Mallory. The new bike is brilliant and the team have been working really well. We have a few more adjustments to make and then we will be fully prepared for Spain. I have enjoyed my time on track today and getting the new suspension set, plus getting the cobwebs blown away after the winter break.

Ben Wilson

Although my bike is still standard I have spent a lot of time today getting the set up to my liking. The time on track was invaluable and once the bike is prepared we will be raring to go in Spain. I am certainly impressed by the way the Kawasaki handles and can’t wait to get my season underway at Brands Hatch over Easter.

Marcus Woodbine

The Kawasaki is fast and we had the opportunity to make some improvements today. The bike felt good and the team have made an excellent job with the preparation. I have been using standard forks today and now feel ready to move forward.

Michael de Bidaph – Team Owner/Manager

We made a lot of progress with the bikes today at Mallory. Chris has the full spec Supersport bike and by the third session he was setting some quick times.

Ben’s bike has yet to be fully prepared.  Unfortunately due to a problem with the new rear shock absorber Ben only managed to make the most of the final session, he never had the ideal set-up but still managed to set an impressive time. We fully expect Ben’s bike to be up to full Supersport specification by the time we go to Spain. Both riders are itching to get their season underway.

Marcus is showing potential and spent a lot of time on track at Mallory familiarising himself with the bike. In the final session Marcus was setting some reasonably good times for the Superstock class. He won’t be taking part in the Kawasaki test at Valencia but we are happy with his progress and the whole team is looking forward to seeing him at Brands Hatch in the first round of the championship over the Easter weekend.

The Gearlink Kawasaki Supersport team is to extend its squad to three riders and will run 17-year-old Marcus Woodbine in the 2009 Junior Superstock championship as well as Chris Martin and Ben Wilson in the British Supersport series.

Marcus is no stranger to the 600cc class as he contested the GSX-R Cup in 2008. He suffered a set back when he fell and broke his arm at Anglesey but showed his potential by taking a fine fourth place at Brands Hatch on his return to action.

He started his career at the tender age of seven on quads going on to race in the Minimoto series with Phoenix Racing. He then turned his attention to the Jawa 80cc class finishing second in the championship and at 12 years of age rode in the Aprilia RS125cc series with New Era taking the win in every race and qualifying for his novice license in just five months. The following year he took the Honda RS125 to third place in the New Era club championship and fifth in the Superclub series.

The young rider who hails from Chapeltown in Sheffield is looking forward to his new venture and will join Chris and Ben in a series of pre-season tests where he will ride the Gearlink Kawasaki 600cc machine for the first time in preparation for the opening round of the series at Brands Hatch over the Easter weekend of April 10 – 13.

Michael de Bidaph – team owner/manager

I am pleased to welcome Marcus into our team and look forward to seeing him develop as the season progresses. We run a very professional team here at Gearlink Kawasaki and Marcus will have the advantage of being able to draw on the wealth of our experience and that of our two Supersport riders, Ben Wilson and Chris Martin.

The back up team is now busy preparing the 2009 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R machines and anticipates a mid February shakedown test in the UK with the possibility of further testing in Spain during March.

Gearlink Kawasaki launched its 2009 rider line-up for the forthcoming 2009 British Supersport championship at the Motorcycle show in Birmingham on Thursday.

The Kawasaki Motors UK supported team will once again run with Chris Martin who will be joined on the grid by former British Superbike rider Ben Wilson. The pair will make a formidable partnership and both riders anticipate a strong and fulfilling season with Gearlink Kawasaki.

A former winner of the British Superbike Cup, Chris Martin found further success with Gearlink Kawasaki in 2008. The 27-year-old Yorkshire rider began the season in style with a podium finish at Thruxton and went on to score numerous top 10 finishes throughout the season to end his year in an overall position of sixth.

Ben Wilson aged 26, completed two successful seasons in the British Superbike championship with Vivaldi Racing before returning to the Superstock series where he ended his 2008 season in fifth place. He also contested the Henderson Yamaha R1 Cup in 2008 being a close runner-up in both the main championship and the Autumn Cup.

CHRIS MARTIN

I am really looking forward to my second year with Gearlink Kawasaki. I am pleased to be staying with Michael and Norma who supported me all the way through last season. Last year we were there or there about and knocking on the door but with the new bikes and the backing of Kawasaki Motors UK I can see us consistently up there in the top three.

BEN WILSON

I am delighted to have my ride sorted out so early and really pleased to be returning to Kawasaki and joining forces with Michael and Norma at Gearlink Kawasaki. I am sure that both Chris and myself will be battling for podium finishes and my aim is to be up there each race and do a good job for Kawasaki Motors UK and the team.

The British Supersport championship is extremely competitive with some top riders contesting the series again in 2009 but I am confident that with the backing of Kawasaki Motors UK and the highly professional Gearlink Kawasaki team we have the package to run at the front of the pack.

MICHAEL DE BIDAPH – Team Principal

Having retained Chris Martin and signed Ben Wilson I feel we have a formidable team for 2009, especially with the 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R. I am really looking forward to seeing them in action and must say I am really happy we were able to keep Chris on board for a second term as we know what he can achieve and that he can give us the results we need. On saying that Ben Wilson will be a great asset to the team and I am confident that he will also be achieving top results.

The new bike has had some fantastic reports; it has a better chassis and more torque on the engine, which has to be a bonus.  I think all round it’s a great package and we just can’t wait to get it on the track. I would like to think we can get some winter testing in late January in the UK just to give the bikes a shake down with a view to going down to Spain in late February for some serious testing so that we are fully prepared for the first round of the championship.

Both Gearlink Kawasaki riders completed the final British Supersport race of the season in the points, Chris Martin in a fighting ninth position and Steven Neate in a creditable 14^th in the season finale at Brands Hatch on Sunday.

Despite a few hitches during qualifying, Chris was able to post some respectable times to secure a third row start in 10^th place and as the race finally got underway he made a terrific start to slot straight into fifth position.

Battling in a group of six riders he maintained fifth until lap nine when Daniel Cooper got the better of him. One lap later James Westmoreland demoted him to seventh and as the pace quicken even more he was forced to relinquish his position and complete the 25 laps in ninth place. Chris ended the season on 99 points and sixth place in the rider standings.

Steven began the final encounter from 20^th place on the grid but he too made a fantastic start and moved up into 15^th place on the opening lap. He had a race long battle with Sam Owens but a determined ride by the young rider saw him pass Owens on the start and finish straight on lap 21 and make the move stick. He pulled away from Owens and Jack Kennedy to power the Gearlink Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R across the finish line in 14^th place to pick up two championship points bringing his total to 27 and 17^th place in the final rider standings.

Michael de Bidaph – team owner/manager

The weekend went pretty well for us although we never really got a proper set up on Chris’ bike. Just before Chris left the garage to take his place on the grid the gearshift rod broke so we had to change it on the grid, which was really stressful and we were wondering if we were actually going to get him out there. He did suffer in the race from rear end chatter, which was visible as we watched him. It was just so frustrating for us as it wasn’t too bad during qualifying so I think he would have been a lot more competitive had that not happened.

Steven did really well, he got a good start and got up into 14^th place to pick up a couple of points so that is a really good end to the season for him. I have to be happy that both our riders came away with some points from the weekend and overall we have had a successful season.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors and also the riders’ sponsors for their support throughout the season.

We would also like to thank both Chris and Steven for their determination and effort this year, which has helped raise the profile of the team in the British Supersport series and the dedication of the pit crew who have kept the bikes in pristine condition throughout the year.

Chris Martin

It was a good race and a good end to the season although we did have a few problems. But we managed to overcome this and ended up with a ninth place so I am happy enough. I would have liked to have been a bit further up but I had a few problems with the rear tyre all the way through so was just glad I was able to finish really. I would like to convey my thanks to Michael and Norma and all at Gearlink Kawasaki for all the hard work they have done this season, we have all had a great year.

Steven Neate

I managed to improve my start procedure in the race and this reflected in the result as I picked up a couple of points. I had a good battle with Sam Owens and eventually beat him so it was a good end to the season for me.  I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to Michael and Norma and all at Gearlink Kawasaki plus all my personal sponsors who have kept me on the track all year.

Both Gearlink Kawasaki riders completed the penultimate round of the Fuchs/Silkolene British Supersport championship in the points at Silverstone on Sunday, Chris Martin in a creditable seventh and Steven Neate in 15^th place.

Qualifying threw up some problems with the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R but the team worked their way through and resolved the situation in time for final qualifying.

Steve qualified in 13^th position for a fourth row start while Chris was unlucky to be denied his flying lap when the flag curtailed his efforts. He had to be content with 20^th place and a fifth row start and faced an uphill task to get within sight of a points finish.

But Chris has a fighting spirit and was not to be denied his points. He put in a sterling performance and ploughed through the field to complete the first lap in 14^th position and continued to move forward picking off the opposition two at a time until he reached seventh place.

He had Westmoreland and Lowry in his sights some distance ahead and made tracks towards them but just as he got within half a second of Lowry the chequered flag halted his progress and he had to be content with seventh place which gave him sufficient points to move into fifth place in the rider standings.

Meanwhile Steven didn’t get the best of starts and was circulating down in 18^th place during the first few laps before making his way forward. His persistence finally paid off when he passed James Hillier with two laps remaining to finish in 15^th place.

Michael de Bidaph – team owner/manager

It’s been a bit of a frustrating weekend for us, especially the problems with Chris’ bike. We never got a proper set up on his bike until warm-up on Sunday morning so it’s been hard for us. Steven qualified well but I think he made a bad start again and just seemed to struggle through the race but I am happy he has got up into the points. Chris rode a blinding race and I am really pleased with his performance. He has been good to work with this weekend that was proved in the race. Where he pulled that performance from I don’t know but we were so pleased with it.

Chris Martin

We had a bit of a disappointing start to the weekend and had a bit of trouble with the number one bike but then when we got to the race I just got my head down and got a good start. I was up to 14^th on the first lap and then the pace car came out which slowed me up a bit. But once we got going again I made my way through to seventh and if we just had another two laps I would have had the two riders just in front of me. But we have come from a long way back and got the points we needed to get back up to fifth in the championship so all we need to do now is keep our head down and go to Brands and have another good one.

Steven Neate

I ran at a really good pace throughout qualifying but in the race I got beaten up on the first lap due to me not riding aggressively enough. Once I got going I seemed to struggle to go any faster but on the plus side I did at least finish in the points.

I am looking forward to Brands Hatch and the short Indy circuit where I am sure we can secure a good result in the final race of the season for Gearlink Kawasaki

Team Gearlink Kawasaki fielded three riders at Croft this weekend. Joining regular riders Chris Martin and Steven Neate on the grid was 18-year-old Alex Lowes who was celebrating his 18^th birthday on race day.

It was a big ask to keep three Supersport bikes up and running over the weekend but the pit crew did a tremendous job and although the results were not as good as perhaps expected all three riders did safely complete the red-flagged race. Chris Martin in ninth, Steven Neate 16^th and Alex Lowes 17^th.

Chris started the race from a second row grid position in fifth place and was involved in a nose to tail battle for position throughout the first few laps. But the red flag brought proceedings to a halt and the race re-run over a shortened distance of 10 laps.

Chris powered the Gearlink Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R through to sixth place at the restart and was looking to move further forward but he was caught from behind at the complex by another rider and sent off the track onto the grass. Although he managed to save the crash, Chris lost precious time and places and was only able to complete the race in ninth position instead of the possible top five he was aiming for.

Meanwhile Steven Neate overcame a couple of qualifying crashes to start from 13^th on the grid. After a poor start he had made it back up to 15^th when the red flag came out and at the re-start ran in 16^th place throughout the 10-lap dash. He encountered some technical problems that hindered his progress and was disappointed not to have finished that little bit further up the order to claim championship points.

New recruit Alex Lowes adapted well to the Gearlink Kawasaki machine and sailed through qualifying to claim a third row start in 11^th place.

As the race got underway Alex began to mount a challenge on the riders ahead and moved up to 10^th place on the opening lap. But a mistake at the hairpin on lap five resulted in a visit to pit lane as his foot peg had been broken in the crash.

But after the red flag, Alex was given a second bite of the cherry and permitted to re-start at the back of the grid in 32^nd position.

It was a tall order for the young rider to make any impression on the race from way back on the grid but he put in a determined effort, making up places to 25^th after just three laps. He went on to pick off riders with each passing lap to finish in 17^th place just outside the points.

Michael de Bidaph – team owner/manager

It’s been a hard weekend but also an exciting one. It has been difficult running three riders and we had problems rebuilding Chris’ engine for him plus Steven had a couple of offs so the team have had their work cut out. I can’t praise them enough really, they have been really busy and have come though it extremely well.

The race results were a little disappointing, poor Chris got pushed out and lost a couple of places and Steven had a bit of a problem with the engine overheating and then Alex slipped off. But the boys worked hard to get the bike fixed in time for the restart and I was really impressed with his spirit. He fell off while fighting for position but at the restart got straight back out there and got up to 17^th from 32^nd.

All in all we had an enjoyable but tiring weekend!

Chris Martin

I am still struggling with speed. I got a half decent start in the race but was losing out on straight-line speed. Then Marty Nutt lost control and shunted me on the grass, which lost me a couple of places; but for that I was looking at a decent result and the extra points would have put me up a place in the standings to fifth. So I am disappointed to say the least.

Steven Neate

It has been another frustrating weekend really. The red flag went against me as I was beginning to make progress. Then at the restart my engine was overheating and throwing water over the back wheel. Towards the end I was just riding around in the hope that some one ahead would pull out so I could move up into the points!

Alex Lowes

The crash was my own mistake, I lost the front pushing a bit too hard, as I didn’t want to lose touch with the group ahead. I am sure if I hadn't crashed and the race had not been stopped I would have been challenging for a top six position.

I thought my race was over but I was thrown a lifeline when it was red flagged and was able to make the re-start. It is just a pity there were not a few more laps or I would have made it up into the points.

Thanks to everyone in the team for all their hard work, especially team owners Norma and Michael de Bidaph for giving me the opportunity to ride the bike at Croft.

Chris retains his sixth place in the rider standings on 83 points but is only two points away from a top five position while Steven remains in 16^th place. Both riders will be up for the challenge at Silverstone when the series enters its final stages with the penultimate round being staged at the Northampton circuit on September 28 ahead of the season finale at Brands Hatch in mid October.

Despite some promising qualifying times, Team Gearlink Kawasaki was somewhat disappointed the anticipated top results never materialised. The team had to be content with a ninth place finish for Chris Martin and 16^th for Steven Neate in round nine of the Fuchs/Silkolene British Supersport championship at Cadwell Park in Lincolnshire on Bank Holiday Monday.

Free practice and qualifying had seen both Gearlink Kawasaki riders post some quick times and at one stage both riders were circulating within the top three but a dry final qualifying saw the pace quicken and Chris ended the session in seventh place with Steven 13^th.

With the grids made up of only three riders instead of the usual four to a row at Cadwell, Chris was placed on row three and Steven on row five. As the race got underway Chris got a fine start and moved forward to take up second place. But the race was red flagged on the first lap because of a serious accident with a lengthy delay before the race was rescheduled to run over 14 laps instead of the planned 16.

This time Chris held his position for the first lap but was soon overhauled by James Westmoreland. By lap nine he was down to eighth and then to 10^th but managed to power past Steve Brogan mid race to claim ninth position and seven championship points at the end of the 14 laps.

Meanwhile Steven Neate maintained his grid position until the final lap when he made a mistake and fell back behind Jack Kennedy to complete his race in 16^th place.

Michael de Bidaph – Team owner/manager

Overall the weekend went reasonably well, practice was good and qualifying wasn’t too bad but the final qualifying wasn’t so good for us. But on saying that I must admit to being very disappointed with where both riders ended up in the race. I feel that at this stage of the game we should be doing better but at Cadwell Park we went backwards.

Chris Martin

My first start was good but by the time we got going again the other riders had sussed out my start plan and it just didn’t happen. I got blocked in at the start then baulked at the first corner and just kept getting held up all the way around.

Steven Neate

I am disappointed as I thought I was in with a chance of a good top 10 at Cadwell. I was losing too much time in the last sector and. I had run in 15^th all the way until the last lap and then made a mistake, which cost me a points scoring finish

The next round is at Croft Circuit in North Yorkshire on September 14.

Despite the changeable weather conditions, both Gearlink Kawasaki British Supersport riders were able to pick up more valuable championship points on their visit north of the border to Knockhill on Sunday, Chris Martin finishing the shortened race in eighth position and Steven Neate coming home in tenth place.

The two qualifying sessions were run in differing weather conditions, with the faster times being set on a wet but drying track in the second period giving Steven his best qualification of the season in fifth place for a second row start and Chris placed on row four in 13^th position.

As the race got underway Steven was unable to capitalise on his starting position and was pushed back to eighth until his teammate relegated him down a place mid race. He dropped down again to 10^th and remained in that position until the red flag brought the race to an early end because of rain.

Meanwhile Chris got away to a good start and soon moved through to take up seventh position. He headed the second group of riders a short distance behind the leaders until Rob Frost on lap 14 out manoeuvred him at the Hairpin. Although he stayed in close formation with the Lincolnshire rider he was unable to make a pass on him before the race was red flagged and subsequently finished his race in eighth position.

Michael de Bidaph – Team owner/manager

I think the weekend has gone pretty well really. In practice and qualifying we just struggled a little bit with set up and we only really managed to sort it out after second practice so didn’t get the chance to try it out.

Chris was really happy with the bike, it was handling well so we have that sorted now and if he could have qualified a little further up the grid he would have finished higher.

Steven had a good qualifying, his best of the season, but was a little disappointed with his race finish of 10^th although it was still a good result.

But on saying that, we got both Kawasaki in the top 10 so we have to be pleased with that – especially at Knockhill.

Chris Martin

I had a good start but going into the first corner there was the usual argy bargy going on. I was right behind Steven and we nearly clipped each other. I backed off but a couple of riders went past me so I had to get my head down and start to pick my way back through. I had a bit of a battle with Frosty but unluckily the red flag came out so I didn’t get the chance to get back past him and finish how I wanted to.

Steven Neate

I am a little bit disappointed that I dropped a few places in the race from my qualifying position but on the whole I am a lot happier. I was quick in the warm-up and the damp conditions in the qualifying seemed to suit me. But the race was dry and I didn’t quite have the pace I had in the wet. I finished a lot higher in the results and feel very positive.

Championship standings after eight of 12 rounds:

1 - Glen Richards 157; 2 – Hudson Kennaugh 127; 3 – Ian Lowry 120; 4 - James Westmoreland 81; 5 – Steve Brogan 75; 6 – Chris Martin 69; 16 – Steven Neate 24.

Next round Cadwell Park – August 25

Gearlink Kawasaki made their debut on the world stage at Brands Hatch on Sunday, but things didn’t quite go their way and Chris Martin was forced to retire the Ninja ZX-6R after 11 laps of the World Supersport race.

Qualifying went well in the early stages but as the pace hotted up in the final session the World Supersport regulars came into their own and Chris was dropped down the order to complete his qualifying in 21^st position. But on saying that he did have the honour of being the fastest Kawasaki on the grid and qualified ahead of the two regular series contenders which is a result in itself.

The race began well for Chris who moved through to take up 16^th place on the first lap. But as the race progressed he began to lose ground. When rain forced officials to red flag the race he was down in 19^th position and at the restart he went out on the spare bike after complaining of a lack of power.

He set off from 17^th position and although moved up a place on the second lap he gradually fell back and eventually pulled in to retire.

CHRIS MARTIN

It has been a disastrous race all round really. We had a couple of problems with both bikes so that was it really, we pulled out and didn’t finish.

I got a good start and pulled through up into the top 15 but then the bike just got slower and slower. Then I went out on the spare bike at the restart and that did exactly the same, it just didn’t have the go in it so I pulled in.

MICHAEL de BIDAPH – TEAM OWNER/MANAGER

It’s a sad end to the weekend and it has gone a little bit downhill over the last qualifying session and especially the race today.

In the first part of the race Chris appeared to have a problem with the bike so for the restart we put him out on the spare and he had a problem with that one. We don’t know why; we need to dyno both bikes and look into the problem in more depth so I can’t at this stage really comment on what went wrong.

The ironic thing is that if only Chris had been able to complete the race he would have been the top Kawasaki finisher as the other two riders crashed.

I am not in the best of spirits after seeing poor Craig Jones crash in that way. All the team at Gearlink Kawasaki extend their deepest sympathy to the Jones family, friends and team.

MORE POINTS FOR GEARLINK KAWASAKI AT OULTON PARK

The return visit to Oulton Park saw the Gearlink Kawasaki Supersport team pick up another fine set of results with Chris Martin scoring a solid fourth place and Steven Neate picking up a further two championship points for 14^th place in round seven of the Fuchs/Silkolene British Supersport championship on Sunday.

Qualifying took place in mixed weather conditions with the first session being wet and the final period in the dry. Chris Martin was determined to secure a front row start to Sunday’s 16-lap encounter and he powered the Gearlink Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R through to second place, just a tenth of a second away from pole. Steven Neate had been very strong throughout the wet session but once the track dried out the pace hotted up and he fell back to 15^th place to start from row four.

Chris Martin got away to a good start and settled into fourth place during the opening laps before making a pass on Ian Lowry to move up into third. The top four riders pulled away from the pursuing pack and rode in close formation until, with three laps remaining, Chris Martin began to lose ground on the leaders to fall into the clutches of Lowry who re-took third place at Hizzy’s chicane leaving Martin to complete his race in fourth, the same result as his previous visit in May.

Meanwhile Steven Neate didn’t get the best of starts, falling back to 19^th in the opening laps. But he soon settled into the race and moved through to claim 14^th place at the chequered flag to pick up two championship points.

CHRIS MARTIN

I got a half decent start and got away well passing Lowry and catching the leaders. But three or four laps from the end the rear wheel started chattering away on me going round the corners. It was a good result all the same; we have come here today, got a front row start and were up with the leaders. We are knocking on the door so hopefully next time we should be back on top.

STEVEN NEATE

I am a little disappointed because once again I got a bad start. Its something I have really struggled with all year and it’s cost me dearly this weekend, as I had to spend valuable time catching the group ahead who were disputing 10^th place. I caught them up quick enough as I was two seconds faster but by the time I got on terms I had used up all my tyre and also had really bad arm pump. Those last few laps I was just trying to hang in there really. It’s a bit disappointing as I messed up in qualifying and then the bad start. But we got a couple of points, which is better than nothing I guess.

MICHAEL de BIDAPH – Team owner/manager

All in all it’s been a good end to the weekend although it’s a shame for Steven who had a bad start. But Chris did really well and was running third for a long time. We are a bit disappointed for Chris that he ended up in fourth place but shouldn’t really be as at least we had a good race this weekend after Mallory and we are back in the points and looking strong.

We had to strip Chris’s engine down to the bare crankshaft after the race, which is usually due to a complaint by one of the top running teams who probably can’t understand why Chris is so fast! We will take this as a compliment!

Championship points after seven of 12 rounds

1st – Glen Richards 141; 2nd – Hudson Kennaugh 116; 3rd – Ian Lowry 95; 4th – Steve Brogan 75; =5^th – James Westmoreland 61; =5th Chris Martin 61; 16^th Steven Neate 18.

After a good qualifying session whereby Chris Martin secured a front row and Steven Neate a second row start, the weather ensured that Mallory Park turned out to be a weekend to forget for Gearlink Kawasaki.

The team arrived at the Leicestershire circuit full of enthusiasm and anticipation and both Chris Martin and Steven Neate were confident they could pull off a good set of results for Gearlink Kawasaki.

Qualifying saw Chris circulating within the top four throughout the weekend and he recorded the fourth fastest time in the final session to secure a front row start to Sunday’s sixth round race in the Fuchs/Silkolene British Supersport championship.

Not to be outdone, Steven Neate put in a concerted effort to claim eighth place and a second row start right behind his teammate for the start of Sunday’s 28-lap encounter.

In the build up to the race there was an air of anticipation within the team as their thoughts turned to what the outcome might be. But just as the riders took their positions on the grid a heavy shower of rain halted the start procedure.

After a lengthy delay the teams were given just 10 minutes to change tyres and with little time to spare there was no choice but to run both riders on the intermediate tyres that were down at the start line in the race that was by now reduced to 24 laps.

After the warm-up lap Steven Neate opted to return to the pit garage for a swift change to full wets and set off from pit lane to try and play catch-up.

He chipped away at the riders some distance ahead and eventually caught and passed them until he reached 14^th place on the final lap. But as he went to negotiate Edwina’s chicane the blue flag was waved at him warning of approaching riders about to pass him.

Realising he would affect the outcome of the race he opted to run down the escape road and let the front runners safely through on their way to the chequered flag.

Unfortunately this allowed the rider behind to overtake and demote Steven to 15^th position where he remained until the finish line.

Meanwhile Chris Martin was on intermediate tyres and dropped like a stone through the field as he struggled to control the bike as it slid around in the wet conditions. After dropping back to 24^th place he opted to retire into the pits on lap 12 of 24.

Steven Neate

That was my best qualifying position of the season and a shame it ended up in nothing because of the situation with the tyres. My lap times showed that I was as quick as the rider who finished in sixth place so who knows where I would have ended up if this had not happened. It was unfortunate that I hit Edwina’s at the same time as the leaders and lost a place but that’s racing.

Michael de Bidaph - Team owner/manager

The weekend went well with qualifying and both riders did really well but today in the race, when it started to rain, we did not have soft wets on the grid and by the time we managed to get them there the officials would not give us the time to change them. Steven came in and started from pit lane on a wet rear and obviously did well while Chris stayed on an intermediate. That was our fault, not his and we all feel very gutted about it but there is nothing we can say about that except that we feel total disappointment.

Gearlink Kawasaki riders Chris Martin and Steven Neate suffered mixed results at Snetterton on Sunday in round five of the Fuchs/Silkolene British Supersport championship when both were forced wide to avoid a first lap tangle. But Chris Martin managed to get back on track and complete his race in a creditable eighth position while Steven Neate came back from 27^th place on the first lap to finish a fighting 17^th, just missing out on the points.

Qualifying didn’t go as well as the team hoped and both Steven and Chris began their campaign from a fifth row grid position.

As the race got underway both Gearlink Kawasaki riders were pushed wide. Chris Martin dropped to 15^th place but soon recovered his composure and began to work his way back through the midfielders to join in a five-way battle for fifth place.

The race came to an early end because of a fallen rider at Russells Chicane and Martin awarded eighth place to pick up a further eight championship points.

Meanwhile, Steven Neate was also pushed wide in the early stages. He got back on track but was down in 22^nd position and faced an uphill struggle to get back into contention for a points finish.

But Steven managed to make his way back through to 17^th place before the red flag put paid to any further progress.

Michael de Bidaph - Team Owner/Manager 

It’s been a bit of a mixed bag for us at Snetterton. We struggled a bit over the weekend, particularly on speed. We didn’t qualify that well with either rider and missed out on second qualifying because of the rain or we could have maybe made the time up. But we had a strong race and Chris would possibly have finished a little higher up if we hadn’t had the red flag situation but I am pleased with his eighth place finish.

Steven had a bit of bad luck and was pushed out losing a lot of ground. But on saying that he has been very strong all weekend so his position doesn’t reflect how well he has been riding.

Given the circumstances, both riders have done well here and we are all looking forward to Mallory, a circuit that will suit the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6Rs.

Chris Martin

It’s been a reasonable result in the end as we got an eighth place. We have struggled all weekend with speed at Snetterton but we have enjoyed it although it’s been hard work. We are looking forward to Mallory now and getting back to a nice tight and twisty circuit. Its just one of those things, we all have to go to circuits that suit some bikes better than others and Mallory should be much better for us. We have come away with eighth and some more points and I am still fifth so we will look to capitalise on that at Mallory.

Steven Neate

I was pushed off at the first corner so had to make my way back through the field. I was on the back of the group challenging for 12^th place when the red flag came out which is a shame. But for that I was maybe looking at a top 10 finish so I am a bit disappointed with 17^th.

I had been pretty strong all weekend and was sixth fastest in morning warm up, recording laps times faster than in qualifying so was happy with my performance – just not the end result.

Gearlink Kawasaki reconvenes at Mallory Park in Leicestershire for round six of the series on June 29.

Both Gearlink Kawasaki riders completed the Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport round at Donington Park on Bank Holiday Monday with Chris Martin securing a strong fifth place and Steven Neate 22^nd at the end of the 18-lap affair.

Qualifying had not gone strictly to plan with the team encountering problems throughout the weekend but both riders shrugged off the setback and rode through to complete the race.

This week the Supersport series played host to three World Supersport riders who were using the track time to find a set up for the World Supersport round that takes place at Donington later in the year and of course the two Ten Kate Honda boys were making all the running which reflected in the race positions for the majority of the regular competitors.

Martin who was still suffering pain from the injuries sustained at Brands Hatch in the previous round started his campaign from a second row grid position in sixth place.

After winning a race-long battle with Craig Fitzpatrick and James Webb, Chris Martin actually crossed the finish line in seventh pace but the two Ten Kate Honda riders were then excluded from the results which elevated Martin to fifth position.

Meanwhile Steven Neate had been having all sorts of niggling problems with his machine and eventually opted to go out in the race on his spare bike.

Starting from 22^nd place on the grid it was always going to be a difficult task for Steven to make it through to a points-scoring finish but after dropping down as far as 28^th at one stage he mounted a determined comeback to complete the race in 24^th place, later amended to 22^nd.

MICHAEL DE BIDAPH – TEAM OWNER/ MANAGER

Chris finished the race in a strong position and is back in the points. He is still not fully fit and also had a problem with the brakes during the race; otherwise I feel that he could possibly have taken another place. Overall I am happy with Chris’s result.

Steven has been struggling all weekend and we just don’t know why. We know what Steven is capable of and where he should be and we have to spend time with him to find out what went wrong this weekend. We are all disappointed but I am not apportioning any blame, as we don’t know what went wrong. So we go away from here and work on it and come back stronger at Snetterton.

CHRIS MARTIN

I feel very sore; I am still a bit battered and bruised from Brands. I got a half decent start in the race, it was very windy out there and I got blown about a bit. But I lost my brakes five laps into it and ended up having to compensate. But I managed to get my head back down and ended up in fifth place so I was happy enough and I can now get ready for Snetterton.

STEVEN NEATE

It’s been a really tough weekend for us. Since we got here we seem to have encountered a few problems and I have been forced onto my second bike for most of the weekend. In the race it just didn’t quite come together and we have yet to discover what has caused the problem so we have to sit down and have a hard think about it and prepare for the next race.

Championship points after four rounds

1 Glen Richards 85; 2 Steve Brogan 65; 3 Hudson Kennaugh 58; 4 Ian Lowry 52; 5 Chris Martin 40; 13 Steven Neate 15.

The rescheduled round of the Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport championship at Brands Hatch on Sunday brought differing results to the Gearlink Kawasaki team with Steven Neate completing the race in 13^th place to secure three championship points while Chris Martin crashed out of fourth place in the incident packed event.

With qualifying set from the postponed event back in early April Chris began his race from row two while Steven was placed on row five.

As the race got underway Chris Martin rounded Paddock Hill in fifth place but his progress was halted when the pace car was deployed after a first corner crash involving three mid field riders.

Once the car left the circuit the race was back in full flow and Martin continued his battling for position with BJ Toal and Midge Smart and after taking fourth place he began to reel in Steve Brogan. 

But his race came to a premature end at Surtees when the bike highsided and flung him off into the gravel.

Chris has some torn ligaments in his hip plus a broken toe and some heavy bruising to contend with but with a breathing space of two weeks before the next round hopes to be fit enough to ride a competitive race.

Despite a non-finish Chris maintains his fourth place in the rider points’ table and he will be eager to get his championship challenge back on course with a good result at Donington.

Meanwhile Steve Neate was continuing to make his way up the field. He was unable to progress while the safety car was on the circuit but once given the all clear he powered the Gearlink Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R through to complete his race in 13^th place and after three rounds is placed at 11^th overall.

MICHAEL DE BIDAPH – TEAM OWNER/ MANAGER

All in all it’s not been a great weekend for us. We have struggled throughout with overheating problems and set up but we could have had a strong race today. Chris was running up there and had just gained 4th position. He was closing in on Brogan and it was just unfortunate that he crashed. I am happy with Steve who pulled back up to 13^th; he had a good race and recorded the fifth fastest lap so we are really pleased with his performance. We must now pick ourselves up, move on to Donington and look for a good set of results from there.

CHRIS MARTIN

I am a bit disappointed as I was just getting on terms with Steve Brogan who was running in third place. I would have caught him and was looking at a podium finish. I have no idea as to the cause of the crash; I had exited the corner ok when it suddenly let go. I have some torn ligaments in my hip and a broken toe plus some bruises but other than that I am fine. 

STEVEN NEATE

That was a pretty interesting race with the safety car out twice on the track, which made the race a little disjointed. We have been quick all weekend and during the race I got the fifth fastest lap but of course coming from that far back on the grid in 18^th it was always going to be a struggle. But we came away with 13^th place and three more championship points so am quite pleased really.

Following an amazing qualifying period in which Chris Martin claimed a pole position start for round two of the Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport championship at Oulton Park on Monday and Steve Neate a third row start just a fraction behind in ninth place, the two Gearlink Kawasaki riders went on to secure a brace of top 10 finishes to bring more championship points back for the team.

Chris Martin was eager to taste the victory champagne and led the field around the first three laps before the red flag halted his progress.

At the restart he was unable to repeat his lightening start and slotted into third place behind Hudson Kennaugh and Glen Richards. But Ian Lowry was moving in fast and eventually got the better of Martin at Lodge on the fifth of 12 laps.

Martin was seen to gradually slow with a bike problem but was able to maintain his fourth position to the chequered flag and claim a further 13 championship points which take him to fourth place in the rider points after just two rounds.

Meanwhile Steven Neate mounted his challenge from the head of row three and got away to a good start moving steadily forward to complete his race in the same position as his last outing at Thruxton – 10^th. With another top 10 finish to his name he moves into seventh place in the rider points and is growing in confidence every time he takes to the track.

Michael de Bidaph - Team Owner/Manager 

I am happy enough with the results here at Oulton Park and we did pick up more points, which is good. We would have liked another podium but maybe we are expecting a little too much too soon. On saying that both riders had a really good race although the red flag incident probably scuppered our chances. With unpredictable weather conditions we decided to put Steven Neate out on a dry rear while Chris opted for intermediates. That way we thought we had everything covered. But although Steven could have come good towards the end Chris may have faded, you can’t win sometimes! On the whole we have gone very well all weekend and it’s been another good set of results for the team. So we move on to Brands Hatch and look to do even better.

Chris Martin

I am a bit disappointed really because in the first part of the race I got a really good start and was leading when we got the red flag situation. At the restart they hung around a little bit too long and the bike boiled over so we lost a lot of engine speed in the second half of the race. It got hotter and hotter and at one time I thought we might not even make it to the finish. But I managed to plod on and finished in fourth place, although I was a bit disappointed with that as if we had not had the problem I could have ended up winning today.

Steven Neate

Another top 10 position and another good result for the team today. We have more points in the bag and its been a good start to the season The weekend has gone really well, practice and qualifying in both wet and dry has given us some good settings for our next visit here so there are a lot of positives to take forward so I am pretty chuffed.

The Gearlink Kawasaki British Supersport team head to Oulton Park in Cheshire to contest the second round of the Fuchs-Silkolene backed series on Bank Holiday Monday (May 5).

The team could not have asked for a better start to the season with Chris Martin scoring a podium finish in third place and Steven Neate a fighting 10^th position in the opening round at Thruxton last week.

Both riders are anticipating strong results from Oulton Park and both have scored well around the undulating 2.692-mile International circuit in the past.

Chris Martin

Oulton has been good for me in the past; it was the venue for my first podium in the 125cc class. I am looking forward to racing there again as it is one of my favourite circuits. It’s a bit tight and twisty with not too many long straights so hopefully we should be on the podium again.

Steve Neate

I like Oulton Park, the place has quite a lot of character to it and I have secured some good results there in the past so am looking forward to racing there again. Tenth was great first time out but I now need to build on that and move further up the order.

Michael De Bidaph – Team owner/manager

I was delighted with our results from Thruxton but we must now turn our attention to Oulton Park and focus on putting all our efforts into helping Chris Martin secure another podium position. Steven Neate is gaining in confidence with each outing and he too will be looking for a further strong result this weekend.

The Kawasaki Motors UK-supported Ninja ZX-6R machine is proving a force to be reckoned with and our aim is to be the team to beat as the season continues.

Free practice and qualifying take place over Saturday and Sunday with the 16-lap race due on track for a 2.40pm start on Monday.

Both Chris Martin and Steven Neate overcame the problematic weather conditions which affected qualifying to claim a fantastic set of results for Gearlink Kawasaki in their debut race at Thruxton where Chris secured a podium position of third and Steven 10^th in the opening round of the Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport championship on Sunday.

Starting from a fourth row grid position Martin was quick to move forward and soon made inroads towards the leading group. By lap six he was up to third place behind Glen Richards but his progress was thwarted with the arrival on circuit of the course car, brought out to slow the race and allow for the removal of debris following a crash.

Once the car left the circuit Martin continued his challenge and quickly broke away from the pursuing pack to chase the two leaders. He was soon on terms with both Richards and Brogan but although he showed them his front wheel he was unable to make a passing manoeuvre and crossed the finish line in third place, less than half a second behind Richards.

Meanwhile, further down the field Steven Neate was having a huge battle with Lincolnshire rider Rob Frost in which Neate ran out the eventual winner. He started from 17^th on the grid and made steady progress through the midfielders to settle into 13^th place mid-race. By this time he had got on terms with Rob Frost and the pair continued to exchange positions throughout the remainder of the race with neither rider prepared to give an inch, until Frost finally ran wide at the chicane giving Neate a slight advantage into the final corner. They were neck and neck as they approached the chequered flag but Neate held firm and crossed the finish line a tenth of a second ahead to claim 10^th place for Gearlink Kawasaki.

Michael de Bidaph - Team Owner/Manager 

What more could I have asked for today. This is more than I had hoped for, especially after yesterday’s difficult qualifying. But as I said to both riders, we still have a race to run and you don’t win a race in qualifying so just put it behind you.

To come here in the first race of the season and get Chris on the podium and Steven in the top 10 is absolutely awesome for us and also for Kawasaki Motors UK.

People have doubted us in the past but we aim to prove them wrong. The guys have all worked so hard all over the weekend. They have been up until past midnight the last few nights and this result is for them as well.

We have come a very long way in a short space of time but we must not become complacent as we have to try to do it all again at Oulton Park. We would like to dedicate our first podium to Guy Sanders, I am sure he would be so pleased for us.

Chris Martin

It’s been a good race for me, especially after qualifying. I didn’t get such a good start and went backwards for a while but then settled down and picked my way through to third. I did hold second place briefly towards the end but just didn’t have sufficient speed down the back straight to maintain it. All the team have done a good job and I would like to thank them for all their hard work.

Steven Neate

I am pretty satisfied with a top 10 finish first time out. We should perhaps have been quicker in qualifying and that maybe affected my result. But I was up there with the front-runners and was competitive. It was fantastic that Chris was able to get onto the box so it’s been a good weekend all round for us. It got a bit hairy at times but I enjoyed battling with Rob Frost and ended up beating him.

Alex Brawn Racing Co-ordinator Kawasaki Motors UK

Having witnessed all the hard work that Michael de Bidaph, the riders and the team have put towards this season's championship, I think it is only fitting that they mounted the podium in the first race of the year. Coming from 16th on the grid to a podium position, Gearlink Kawasaki have firmly stamped their authority on the championship and will be a force to be reckoned with in the season ahead

The next round is at Oulton Park on May 5 when everyone at Gearlink Kawasaki will be doing their best to produce a similar result.

Helen Pask

Press Officer

The Gearlink Kawasaki British Supersport team came away from Brands Hatch without turning a wheel on Sunday. The opening round of the Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport championship was due to be held on Sunday afternoon but although the riders completed their qualifying on Saturday, the weather took a turn for the worse and the paddock was greeted with five inches of lying snow on Sunday morning.

As the morning went on the conditions got worse leaving the organisers little choice but to abandon the racing. The meeting has been rescheduled for the weekend of May 10/11 at the same venue with grid position gained in qualifying from April 5 to stand. Spectators are advised to hang onto their admission tickets, as they will be valid for the full weekend in May.

Despite the problems, qualifying was able to go ahead on Saturday and both Gearlink Kawasaki riders, Chris Martin and Steven Neate posted respectable times with Martin securing a second row start in fifth place and Neate improving his early times to move into the top 20 in 19^th position.

CHRIS MARTIN

We had a few niggling problems but overall I think fifth is a good position for me. I had managed to get up to fourth and thought I could go a bit faster but then the bike developed a minor water leak, which prevented further action. Then with just a few minutes of the session remaining John McGuinness popped in a quick lap and knocked me back a place to fifth. But it’s the race that counts and I am sure I would have been there or thereabouts if we had been able to continue.

STEVEN NEATE

19^th is not really what I was looking for this weekend but its a lot better than the 25^th place I found myself in at the end of the first qualifying session. I managed to pull back up into the top 20 and, with less than a second covering eighth to 20^th position, the times were very close. Although I would have had a lot to do in the race I was feeling positive and anticipated a strong conclusion to the weekend. But it was not to be and we take that qualifying time through to the re-arranged race in May.

Michael de Bidaph - Team Owner/Manager 

It is disappointing that we were unable to go racing on Sunday but unfortunately we can’t control the weather and all teams in every class found themselves in the same situation.

However, on a positive note, we were able to get out on track and spend some quality time on the bikes. That will benefit the two riders when we return to Brands Hatch for the race in May.

 Chris Martin put in a good performance to finish in fifth place and I am sure we will see him challenging for race wins once we get on the track under race conditions.

Steven Neate still needs a bit of time to get to grips with the Kawasaki but the last two laps of practice saw him post his fastest times so I am sure he will improve further as the season progresses.

Gearlink Kawasaki will now begin their season at Thruxton, a circuit that is not too far away from the team’s Wiltshire base.

GEARLINK KAWASAKI TEST IN SPAIN

The Gearlink Kawasaki British Supersport team has just completed three days of rigorous testing at Almeria in Spain to prepare both the bikes and riders for the forthcoming challenge of the new season and after completing a successful first test has now moved on to Gaudix where the team will hope to continue in the same vein.

The newly formed crew, with riders Steven Neate and Chris Martin, soon got to grips with the new machinery and put the new bikes through their paces recording some very respectable lap times and the test went extremely smoothly.

Steven Neate 

“I am really pleased with the three days' testing in Almeria and am feeling very positive. I feel I have gelled well with both bike and team and I am really impressed with the bike. It's good to have other teams as a benchmark and I can safely say that the bike is competitive as I was chipping away at my times and put in some strong laps throughout the three days. Hopefully the weather will stay clear for the final days testing at the Guadix Circuit”

Chris Martin

“I am feeling really good with the way things are going. The first testing on the bike at Almeria went as well as we expected. My lap times were up to scratch and I was one of the fastest riders out there. I am feeling very comfortable with the bike and although it seems slow compared to the Superbike, I am really enjoying riding it.

The new team set up is working well and I am enjoying working with the mechanics. These final days at Guadix should go well. I am hoping that the weather holds up after the bout of hail that we had earlier today”

 Michael de Bidaph - Team owner/manager 

“I am very happy with the way things are going. Both riders are doing well. Chris was one of the fastest Supersport riders at Almeria, setting almost same lap times as the other teams out here. We are looking forward to these last couple of days at Guadix Circuit.”

Alex Brawn – Racing Coordinator Kawasaki Motors UK

“After all the hard work by Michael de Bidaph and the rest of the crew putting the team together over winter to become the official Supersport team for Kawasaki I am delighted they have had a very positive test.  The team work hard and have set themselves very high targets for 2008 and the test has demonstrated they are heading in the right direction, I for one will be looking forward to the first race for sure!”

On their return to the UK the team will prepare for the official British Superbike test that takes place at the Norfolk circuit of Snetterton over the Easter weekend prior to the opening round of the British Supersport championship that is scheduled for Brands Hatch on April 6.

The riders are testing at Brands Hatch today, Saturday 12th January.

I will let you know how they get on!

GEARLINK RACING - 2008 ANNOUNCEMENT

Gearlink Racing are pleased to announce they have joined forces with a major manufacturer and become the official Kawasaki Motors UK British Supersport team for the 2008 season.

The team, who will run under the banner of Gearlink Kawasaki, have secured the services of Chris Martin and Steven Neate to contest the 2008 British Supersport championship.

Chris Martin was the Superbike Cup champion in 2006. He went on to ride in the main British Superbike championship for 2007, scoring a string of points finishes.

The 26-year-old rider from North Newbald in Yorkshire proved to be more than a match for the factory riders and is looking forward to his new venture with Gearlink Kawasaki.

“It’s great to be riding for such a professional and friendly team. I am sure that we can be competitive and be challenging for race wins,” said Chris.

After being sidelined through injury mid season, Barton-Le-Clay rider Steven Neate completed 2007 with AIM Yamaha. Despite his youth, the 20-year-old rider proved he was more than comfortable running with the cream of the British Supersport riders and rounded off his season by scoring 12^th place in the final two rounds at Donington Park and Brands Hatch.

“I am delighted to have secured the deal and am really looking forward to riding with the Kawasaki Motors UK officially supported team. I would like to say a big thank you to Norma and Michael and am looking forward to a successful 2008.”

Team owner and manager, Michael de Bidaph said: “We are really looking forward to the 2008 British Supersport Championship.

“We have two highly professional and experienced riders in Chris Martin and Steven Neate, and with the backing of Kawasaki Motors UK will be striving for some top results next season.”

For their part, Kawasaki Motors UK are seeing this as the next phase of their racing strategy as Racing Coordinator, Alex Brawn explains.

“We took an interest in Gearlink quite some time ago and have been working alongside the team putting the pieces of the jigsaw together in order for them to become our official entry in such a competitive championship. We’re sure Michael and his close knit race crew will make a big impression at the sharp end of Supersport racing in the UK."

Gearlink Kawasaki will shortly be embarking on a series of pre-season testing in preparation for the opening round of the British Supersport championship, which is set for Brands Hatch on April 6.

The weekend got off to a bad start with both riders having virtually no first free practice time due to bike problems.

The team was rather disappointed with the qualifying sessions with Kieran in 21st and James 23rd on the grid but, in saying that, both riders put in good lap times.

Both James and Kieran made a good start in the race but they were nearly taken out on the first lap due to Paul Young falling at Graham Hill Bend. Both riders did well to avoid hitting Paul.

James rode well to finish in 16th position; his best lap time being 47.915. Kieran also did well to finish in 23rd after being in last position at one stage, due to the first lap incident. 

After a tragic year Michael de Bidaph is concentrating on plans for 2008 and is currently looking for riders to finish on the podium next year.

Kieran Murphy was once again riding for us this weekend, together with James.

The weather held up for us during all sessions. Some parts of the track were damp so both James and Kieran had to take it a bit easy in places.

James qualified 20th and Kieran 21st and the times were very close between all riders in the top 20.

Unfortunately Kieran suffered problems with the bike most of the weekend.

The race started well for James, getting up to 11th at one point, but the race was red flagged with 7 laps left to go. At the restart James was in 12th position but Kieran had gearbox problems and had to retire after the warm up lap. A new race was on and it was a mad dash for 8 laps!

James finished the race in 11th position but after two riders were disqualified he ended up in 9th!

Many thanks to all of our sponsors, supporters and helpers.

See you at Brands Hatch for the final round.

Once again we were blessed with beautiful weather throughout the weekend.

James had a reasonably good practice session but qualifying was not that brilliant -   finishing up with a provisional 24th on the grid. A few riders had incidents and the final grid position for James was 21st.

We had Kieran Murphy riding for us throughout the weekend   and   this was his first time out on the #36,   2007 bike. Kieran progressed very well throughout the sessions and   the team was   very pleased with 15th on the grid, after the two qualifying sessions.

Unfortunately Kieran had an off on the first warm up lap on Monday which may have been due to the front tyre not being up to the correct temperature. Kieran suffered mild concussion and an injured wrist and was therefore not passed fit to ride, such a shame after all the hard work that he put in.

James had a good start in the race and made his way up to 13th but   dropped back to finish 15th. The team was pleased to get a point.

Our luck must surely take a turn for the better and we hope to do well at Donington!

We were blessed with some good weather for a change.

James qualified 26th

Peter Ward Qualified 21st.

James is still struggling after the tragic recent loss of his two good friends and is trying to get his head back into racing.

Peter settled into the team with ease and went faster each session out but was still finding a few problems with bike set up.

James was told to go out and just enjoy himself, no pressure for results and he did just that! The race went well with both riders getting a good start.  James made steady progress and eventually passed Peter who was still having problems with rear end grip.

James finished 13th gaining valuable points.

Peter finished 16th, just outside the points, a very good result seeing as it was his first race on the Kawasaki ZX6R.

It was great to see both riders in the top 16 and the team was very proud of how they coped with the situation.

See you at Cadwell Park!

James raced at Knockhill, Oulton Park and Mallory Park and has done his best under the circumstances.

We will be running Peter Ward as a "wild card" at Croft this coming weekend.

We look forward to seeing all of our supporters and friends and let's hope for good weather for a change!

See you there!

This has to be the hardest thing ever to write about.

As most of you are probably aware our talented rising star, Guy Sanders, lost his fight for life on Sunday evening after a tragic accident at Mondello Park, Ireland.

We were privileged to have this exceedingly amicable young man ride for our team. He was a great asset and gave a lot of input from which we all learnt. He was totally dedicated and focused and was beginning to prove himself as an outstanding rider. He had a sense of humour second to none, always teasing and making wise cracks.

The team is finding it very difficult to come to terms with Guy's untimely tragic death at the age of 22.

All of us at Gearlink Racing offer our sincere condolences to Guy's parents, Derek and Carole, and to his brother Adam and all his family and friends.

We are all going to miss Guy's presence as a rider and as a friend.

As one posting in the guest book says "Some stars don't shine for long but they shine the brightest".

Rest in peace - dearest Guy - and keep on shining for us.

The weekend started well with James and Guy setting some good times in both practice sessions.

Guy qualified 12th on the grid and James qualified 17th.

The team felt that Snetterton would always be a struggle for the Kawasakis so was quite pleased with the riders positions on the grid.

At the start of the race Guy soon gained places and was battling for 6th position with Paul Young. Unfortunately he could not match the speed of Paul Young's Triumph and had to settle for 7th.

James made a good start in the race but suffered with front end grip finishing the race in 16th.

Overall the team was pleased with the results and feel that the riders will do a lot better at Mondello Park.

The weekend started well with Guy getting in some good times in the   free practice sessions. James's new bike was delivered to the track on Friday evening   so was not as quick as Guy as he was using the 2007 bike for the first time.  

Guy set a good time in qualifying and ended up 5th on the grid (excellent stuff!).

James unfortunately finished qualifying in 20th position as he was still trying to get to grips with the new bike.

Both riders made a good start, Guy holding position and James running in 9th at one point. Guy was pushed onto the grass by Billy McConnell but managed to stay up there with the factory boys.

Both riders went well in the race and set impressive lap times. James lost a couple of places and finished in 12th. Guy finished in an amazing 4th! Well done both of you!

The riders and team are very happy with the 2007 Kawasaki and feel that we can compete with the top runners. Work has to be done with the bikes to make them more competitive BUT WE NEED MORE SPONSORSHIP to enable us to do this!

Once again the team worked exceedingly hard and we thank you for your total commitment and enthusiasm.

Many thanks to all our supporters and sponsors for your loyalty and support.

Also a BIG "thank you" to those who took the time to e-mail us with words of encouragement and congratulations.

:-)

We arrived at the track at gone 14:00 hours on Thursday   after an horrendous journey. The M3 was closed due to an accident and it took us over five hours to do a journey that would normally take two!

We suffered reliability problems with James's bike as he was still using the 2006 model. Guy had an off during qualifying and James suffered from a misfire on his bike.

Neither rider qualified very well because of the problems encountered. In the race both made a good start and Guy finished 14th, James 15th giving the team their first finish with both riders and also gaining points!

Our most grateful thanks to all the team for their hard work and commitment.

We had two days to get the bikes prepared for the trip to our local circuit at Thruxton. Things did not go too well during free practice and qualifying. We struggled with set up on Guy's '07 bike and James had a couple of problems with his set up too.

At one point during the weekend we only had one bike operational out of the 5 bikes that we took with us! Gearbox and engine problems galore! These things are sent to try us!

James qualified in 24th on the grid and Guy 25th.

James made a blinding start and was up in 14th position after the first lap. Things looked like they were going well when engine problems caused James to retire after completing only four laps.

Guy managed to stay up there and rode a fine race, battling it out to try and gain places. Guy finished in 11th and earned the first points of the season. Well done!

We are now trying to get things ready for Silverstone which is 27/28/29 April.

Please come along and see us.

The two new race prepared bikes were delivered to us on Good Friday evening at approximately 18.15hrs. The promised race exhaust systems did not arrive in time so we had a mad dash to recover the standard exhaust systems and get them put back on the bikes.

The race was a hard fought one and James managed to get up to 9th position and was about to take Stuart Easton when he came off the bike for no apparent reason! The race was red flagged and we were hoping that James would be able to restart the race. Unfortunately he was half a lap off completing the 75% race required for a restart. That's racing for you!

Guy did well to finish the race in 20th position. He had not tested the new race bike, apart from the standard road bike, which was two days testing at Snetterton.

Things were rather hectic the whole weekend but we coped! We would like to thank all the team members for their hard work and also all the supporters and sponsors for their help and encouragement.

Testing went well at Snetterton. The weather was not ideal but both riders got some wet weather practice. James was on the 2006 bike and Guy was on the 2007 bike which has not yet been race prepared. The only things that we changed was the suspension and the exhaust system, other than that it was a standard road bike and his times were quite satisfactory.

We are looking forward to the first race at Brands Hatch on Easter Monday.

Please come and see us, we are quite a friendly bunch if we are not too busy getting the bikes ready ;-)