Post by charleselan on Oct 16, 2018 15:28:42 GMT
Last weekend saw the season finale to the 2018 British Superbike series, which took place on the Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit, and featured three races, one on Saturday, and two on the Sunday. The weather could not have been more of a contrast, with the Saturday’s proceedings being run in glorious October sunshine, which was very reminiscent to the wonderful F1 European Grand Prix events at the same venue in the early/mid 1980’s.
Sunday however was dismal with rain and very grey conditions, which challenged each and every rider in all, racing classes.
I viewed both days thanks to an excellent free stream of the UK Eurosport coverage which yet again did not disappoint, in fact I would say that the coverage was one of the best this season with James Whitham in particular being outstanding in the commentary box, and his “grid walk” should be a lesson to all. The humour that comes from James and Jack Burnacle in the comm’s box was hilarious at times, especially when James corrected Jack for calling the Ducati Penigale’s as flat twins.
After 25years of waiting Leon Haslam finally achieved his goal of winning the BSB championship and very well deserved it was with an astonishing win rate and finishing every race of the season in the points. The latter is an immense credit to the JG Speedfit Kawasaki team. Believe me bikes are not bullet proof unlike the things used in F1 these days. Leon is off to partner Johnny Rae in WSBK next year, and I really hope that he can do more to upset him than Tom Sykes has over the past few years.
Personally I feel that the BSB series and its brilliant regulations makes WSBK look very poor, the latter is more down to terrible management by DORNA and the overbearing pressure of the manufacturers who demand too many gadgets’ and electronics. BSB has long since banned traction control and run a single control unit, so everything comes down to the rider and his right wrist more often than not.
The two wet Superbike races on Sunday were gripping, much more so than the track surface, and we were treated to some superb riding.
Highlights for me were Tommy Bridewell on the MotoRapido Ducati, who has really shone since joining the team mid season. Tommy has changed teams far too often during his career for reasons unknown to me, but really has gelled with this small outfit . He hinted that next year he will have a very quick partner in the team, and speculation is hinting at Shane “Shakey” Byrne.
If true it would add fire to the smoke that has been circulating with regard to Paul Bird’s rather abrupt comments in the press about Shane leaving the team.
It smacks to me of a full circle for Bird’s team, where after the great Steve Hislop won the BSB title for Bird he was not retained on the grounds of Steve not being young enough for his then title sponsor “Monster Mob”. He signed a young Shane Byrne and the rest is history. So could it be that Bird has done the same with Shakey.
Paul Bird may well be a patron of my cousin but I do not take to the guy one little bit, never have and never will. Anyone who makes his millions out of the suffering of other creatures that populate this planet, doesn’t fit into my book. His treatment of riders who have ridden for him is none too impressive either. So if you are carrying on racing Shane Byrne I look forward to you being a thorn in Bird’s side.
I was also disappointed to hear that little Richard Cooper who won the last race of the season so convincingly in terrible conditions may not have a ride next year. Goodness knows what Stuart Hicken is thinking as “Coops” has well and truly beaten his much vaunted team mate Bradley Ray over the past few races. I thought better of you Mr Hicken.
Finally on the rider front a most promising debut by former Moto3 World Champion Danny Kent on the Halsall Suzuki. In terrible conditions Danny did really well on his first appearance on a Superbike, which bodes well for next year. Hopefully Danny and Scott will find the BSB paddock a more pleasant, and successful place to be than the MotoGP environment, good luck to them both.
A great end to the season of what is without question the best race series currently on offer, everything else pales.
Sunday however was dismal with rain and very grey conditions, which challenged each and every rider in all, racing classes.
I viewed both days thanks to an excellent free stream of the UK Eurosport coverage which yet again did not disappoint, in fact I would say that the coverage was one of the best this season with James Whitham in particular being outstanding in the commentary box, and his “grid walk” should be a lesson to all. The humour that comes from James and Jack Burnacle in the comm’s box was hilarious at times, especially when James corrected Jack for calling the Ducati Penigale’s as flat twins.
After 25years of waiting Leon Haslam finally achieved his goal of winning the BSB championship and very well deserved it was with an astonishing win rate and finishing every race of the season in the points. The latter is an immense credit to the JG Speedfit Kawasaki team. Believe me bikes are not bullet proof unlike the things used in F1 these days. Leon is off to partner Johnny Rae in WSBK next year, and I really hope that he can do more to upset him than Tom Sykes has over the past few years.
Personally I feel that the BSB series and its brilliant regulations makes WSBK look very poor, the latter is more down to terrible management by DORNA and the overbearing pressure of the manufacturers who demand too many gadgets’ and electronics. BSB has long since banned traction control and run a single control unit, so everything comes down to the rider and his right wrist more often than not.
The two wet Superbike races on Sunday were gripping, much more so than the track surface, and we were treated to some superb riding.
Highlights for me were Tommy Bridewell on the MotoRapido Ducati, who has really shone since joining the team mid season. Tommy has changed teams far too often during his career for reasons unknown to me, but really has gelled with this small outfit . He hinted that next year he will have a very quick partner in the team, and speculation is hinting at Shane “Shakey” Byrne.
If true it would add fire to the smoke that has been circulating with regard to Paul Bird’s rather abrupt comments in the press about Shane leaving the team.
It smacks to me of a full circle for Bird’s team, where after the great Steve Hislop won the BSB title for Bird he was not retained on the grounds of Steve not being young enough for his then title sponsor “Monster Mob”. He signed a young Shane Byrne and the rest is history. So could it be that Bird has done the same with Shakey.
Paul Bird may well be a patron of my cousin but I do not take to the guy one little bit, never have and never will. Anyone who makes his millions out of the suffering of other creatures that populate this planet, doesn’t fit into my book. His treatment of riders who have ridden for him is none too impressive either. So if you are carrying on racing Shane Byrne I look forward to you being a thorn in Bird’s side.
I was also disappointed to hear that little Richard Cooper who won the last race of the season so convincingly in terrible conditions may not have a ride next year. Goodness knows what Stuart Hicken is thinking as “Coops” has well and truly beaten his much vaunted team mate Bradley Ray over the past few races. I thought better of you Mr Hicken.
Finally on the rider front a most promising debut by former Moto3 World Champion Danny Kent on the Halsall Suzuki. In terrible conditions Danny did really well on his first appearance on a Superbike, which bodes well for next year. Hopefully Danny and Scott will find the BSB paddock a more pleasant, and successful place to be than the MotoGP environment, good luck to them both.
A great end to the season of what is without question the best race series currently on offer, everything else pales.
