Mike Edwards' 2008 Motorcycle Racing Season

New Blog for 2009

2009-01-16T10:59:00.001Z

To follow my 2009 antics, please click here to go to my new 2009 blog - remember to add it to your favourites.
2009 Blog
All the best,
Bloke.

Next modifications on the Suzuki Moto 450

2009-01-10T20:38:00.004Z

Had a great day at K Tech, met up with Mark and took the 450 along to see Ken Summerton at the K Tech workshop. He has a fantastic facility in Coalville.

Ken measured the headstock angle and designed a new bearing arrangement to alter the headstock angle.

Ken really knows his stuff and filled me with confidence, he also re-shimmed the rear shock and re built the forks with softer springs.

More info coming shortly.

Thanks to 'Frost'

2009-01-10T10:07:00.003Z

I am pleased to confirm my first continued sponsorship arangement for 2009 from Mike Wood at Frost.
Their product range is enormous; from basic maintenance and restoration products through to some trick tools and essential products, I find that there is always something they offer that I'll need to get me through the racing season.

You can find out what fantastic products they sell by clicking here: Frost Auto Restoration

Things to think about....

2009-01-05T09:41:00.002Z

Mark has found a company to make some offset front sprockets to help the chain run, plus he manufactured a new gear lever off the gear shaft to help the ground clearance issue we initially had.

We are off to K Tech this weekend to discuss suspension with Ken, so by the week after next we will be a whole lot closer to going testing.

Further discussions.

2009-01-02T18:32:00.003Z

As soon as Mark got home he started work on Sabina, he rang round his 'contacts' and ordered some modified components.

There is a new rear wheel on its way from Italy and a larger silencer on order too!

We are meeting up soon at K Tech to work over some ideas about the rear suspension and frame geometry.

I'm really looking forward to having a run round on her now.

More ideas for perfecting the Suzuki Moto 450 'Sabina'.

2008-12-26T13:25:00.003Z

Reading through the Moto 450 rules Mark and I were surprised at the noise limit of 100 db, looking at the silencer Mark had fitted to Sabina there is no way we would make that.
However, with the contacts Mark has it should not be a problem.
Sabina is home with Mark now and and he has started work on her.
We will get Christmas and new year out the way and look forward to getting away to test somewhere.

Sabina goes home to 'Daddy'.

2008-12-24T19:01:00.005Z

Met Mark Hanna today, like some dodgy dealers, in a car park just off the M42 to hand 'Sabina' back to her dad for some tweaks and alterations.

One thing we discussed was wheel and tyre size and the possibility of running the same tyres I use on Gordon.

Mark had built Sabina with a 5" rear wheel but I've suggested dropping down to 4.5" and using a smaller size of tyre to suit - this would help the chain run and make the 'her' change direction much better!

Rider of the year - award from NYRRSC

2008-12-17T16:33:00.005Z

I was really surprised to be awarded the Paul Warwick Shield for 'Rider of the Year' last night from the North Yorkshire Road Racing Supporters Club.

There are many famous names on the sheild starting with Andy McGladdery in 1986, and including people like Steve Webster, Carl Fogarty, and John McGuinness. More recently, Dennis Hobbs and Dan Linfoot - and now twenty two years after first being awarded it says 'Mike Edwards 2008' - fantastic!

The NYRRSC has been raising funds to help and support road racers since 1985. Last night one of the club's founders, and now president Chris Herring was the guest of honour; and Chris presented me with the award.

You can keep up to date with their latest events by clicking here NYRRSC

Trophy anyone?

2008-12-09T18:29:00.004Z

I had a great evening at the Classic Rcaing Club dinner do and picked up several awards including the largest one of the evening - Vanni had mounted the complete exhaust from Buster after I crashed on him at the last round at Brands, cheeky monkey he is!
Bumped into this bloke a few times on the night and he won just about everything......

Photo by: Russell Lee. www. sport-pics.co.uk

CRMC AWARDS

2008-12-06T23:28:00.001Z

CRMC AWARDS
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Having a lovely evening in Daventry at the Classic Club dinner dance. Picked up a bit of silverware. Calling at NEC tomorrow night to collect Mark Hanna's moto 450 and bring it up North to exhibit and think of a name for it.

Oh, no, that time again...

2008-12-04T11:36:00.004Z

Yes, calendar time!!
Thanks very much to Jetmedia who once again have kindly sponsored me with the supply of 1000 calendar cases - they're not just CD cases you know, they have to be special calendar cases for the job.

I am going to do the International ones first, as I want to get them done and on the way before the posting deadline, and then I will get round to doing all the UK ones.

If you've moved in the last year, been missed off the list, or would like to request a calendar for the first time - simply visit the 'news' page on my website and follow the calendar details from there.

Full specification on website.

2008-11-27T21:08:00.002Z

I've put the full specification of this Suzuki moto 450 beautifully built by Mark Hanna on my website simply click here: Moto 450

If you want to see it in real life it's on the ThundersportGB stand at the NEC show.

Some more snaps.

2008-11-25T20:17:00.003Z

It's a very pretty machine, isn't it?

Oohhh, this looks interesting...

2008-11-24T11:55:00.002Z

Here's a photo of something that I think's interesting.

I'll put more photos on here as the week progresses, putting them all together with a description on my main website, by the end of the week.

Curious?

Looking forward to next season.

2008-11-21T09:17:00.004Z

Not quite sure what I'm going to be doing next season - but this little green man popped round with his latest racing project to see if I wanted to ride it; on quick inspection I think there might be too much air in the front forks...

You know me - I'll ride a shovel if someone will pull it fast enough...

Fantastic balloon art by magician Paul Grundle

Taxi??

2008-11-16T22:31:00.004Z

Taxi anyone?... I've recently done the 'knowledge' and taken my taxi test.
I don't think I'm going to make a career out of it, but in these times of the 'credit crunch' it'll be something else to help keep the wolf from the door!
So if anyone is thinking of visiting the beautiful Spa town of Harrogate , you never know, get in a Taxi and I could be driving it!

Frost - winter catalogue

2008-11-14T15:35:00.003Z

I'm a cover girl at last!

Click on the title above to visit Frost's comprehensive website.

Calendar update.

2008-11-11T13:39:00.007Z

Well, that's the photos chosen. Thank you to everyone who took the trouble to vote on your favourites.

Thanks also to the people who have kindly sent a donation for their individual calendars; it's more important than ever this year as unfortunately our 'bike friendly' managing director at the printers has retired, and this year I'm going to have to fund the printing myself - on top of the packing and postage costs. Bu$$er!

Just waiting for the proofs to arrive, then when I've checked that they're okay, the printing, collating and despatching can go ahead.
I really don't want to start charging for the calendars as that wasn't really the spirit in which I started to do them, so if anyone feels that they can help by donating something, no matter how small, to their production, please click here:

If you would like to request a calendar for the first time, or simply update your postal details please click here: Request / Address details

Press and publicity

2008-11-05T16:25:00.006Z

I've been quite lucky to get plenty of media coverage this season.

In addition to lots of different web coverage, and text editorials, I'm in the process of scanning and saving all my printed features, and putting them in one place. Click here to see details of my press coverage: Printed media

Calendar photo voting.

2008-10-14T13:02:00.002+01:00

Yes, it's almost that time of year again.

But I've been so busy this season that I've got too many great photos to choose from for the desk calendar.

You can also make your calendar requests or update your details by clicking this link:
2009 Calendar

Great result.

2008-10-11T18:37:00.001+01:00

Great result.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

I think Sarah might have been bitten by the endurance bug. She seems to have really enjoyed herself today. The team did well, I think they ultimately finished 3rd in class and 9th overall.

Give 'us another go mister...

2008-10-11T17:09:00.001+01:00

Give 'us another go mister...
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Sarah's just got off the bike but is already wishing she could do another stint. She says that it was a real shame when the fuel light came on as she was really enjoying herself!

Good change.

2008-10-11T15:58:00.001+01:00

Good change.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

We put a new rear tyre in while the pace car was out. That bought us at least a lap. Sarah out now for her final session, up to 11th overall now.

one session done

2008-10-11T14:42:00.001+01:00

one session done
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Sarah seems happy enough after her first session. The team is very pleased overall and she is looking forward to her next stint.

Silverstone Endurance

2008-10-11T11:46:00.001+01:00

Silverstone Endurance
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

I've come down today to support Sarah Jordan in her first endurance race. Lovely day for it.

Video from Brands.

2008-10-08T10:36:00.000+01:00

Mixed fortunes.

2008-10-05T16:35:00.002+01:00

Won the next 350 race.

Vanni was almost second but got pipped over the line.
For the first 500 Lea and I were battling when I totally lost the front brake.
At the time we were far enough in front that riding very cautiously I still managed to hold on to 2nd.

Was persuaded to go out in last race, lost the front end down paddock hill. I'm okay, but Buster looks very secondhand...

Wet and windy.

2008-10-05T11:30:00.002+01:00

Gordon doesnt look like he wants to come out of the awning today.
Luckily for him he's got a choice!

It's so wet out on track that towards the end of an excellent nip and tuck dice with Lea the 350 Tickle gave up, just too soggy, causing electrical problems.

Going out in the next race just to test the repairs and adjustments.

Day's end.

2008-10-04T19:07:00.002+01:00

Another couple of 2nds.
Close race on the 350 with Lea.
It was simply a matter of back markers in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The 500 was even tighter with the lead constantly swapping. The softer springs worked well; on the last lap when I was in front - the bike slid on me going down Paddock Hill and I had to shut the throttle.

Lea got the drive and I couldn't do anything about it.

Two races done.

2008-10-04T14:34:00.002+01:00

Won on the Tickle and took 2nd on the 500.

Going to change the fork springs for something softer on the 500 and then get Gordon fired up to check him over.

Two more races later today.

Morning warm up.

2008-10-04T10:20:00.002+01:00

Brrr... its really chilly here.
Done both warm ups.

Betty did not get repaired in time after Denmark, so I am out on Andy's 350 Tickle instead; it goes really well but the geometry of the frame is so different - you sit so far back and need very long arms to ride it.

Gordon gets out on track...

2008-10-03T11:29:00.004+01:00

Hopefully the Classic Club will let me have a run round on Gordon in one of the parade sessions as he hasn't been ridden since we fitted the replacement motor from Slipstream.

I'm going to take him to Brands anyway, as we can get round to doing the one or two little jobs that need attending to.

Photo from Snetterton by Racing Line Photography

Brands video overview.

2008-10-01T22:33:00.000+01:00

I'm in agony...

2008-10-01T10:31:00.002+01:00

Here you can see Ming looking smug in the back of the van - thinking he's got his own back - fully aware of how much I'm hurting.

On Sunday, when I bumped him off to go to the line, I slipped awkwardly, and banged my chest on the tank.
I heard a pop - and thought to myself - bu$$er, that's a rib...
Got on with things there and then, but now, a couple of days later I'm in agony.
Sneezing, coughing and laughing are all off the agenda.

Late day.

2008-09-28T16:57:00.002+01:00

There have been many stoppages today.

As a result our race was delayed with the second one cancelled all together.

Did not really have a good start from my front row position; but had managed to claw my way back up to 2nd by the final lap, when the gear lever started to stick and caused me problems in the final dash to the line.

Ended up 3rd - again.

Morning warm up.

2008-09-28T10:58:00.002+01:00

Just did a few laps this morning to check things out.

Had a small niggle with a water pipe but think we've fixed that now.

Steve Jordan kindly gave the forks a once over and altered the pre load.

Everything seems set for the race.

How fantastic.

2008-09-27T18:25:00.002+01:00

I was a bit put out at first been made to start from the very back of the grid, but I suppose it made it interesting for the spectators.

Within a couple of laps I was up to top 5.

Then I was challenging for the front.

Even had 2nd at one stage!

Eventually crossed the line in 3rd - but actually took the outright lap record ever for a 400! Mega.

Thanks to Steve and Harry for persuading me to carry on, change back to the standard motor and give it a go.

Plenty to do.

2008-09-27T15:52:00.002+01:00

Hey, no sooner had we sorted out the carbs and the throttle response was much smoother than something strange happened inside the motor when I bumped it off to ride back to the garage.

I think its a big end problem.

No choice but to swap back to the original engine.

Missed the first race but should be done in time for the next one.

Beautiful day.

2008-09-27T11:00:00.002+01:00

The weather is gorgeous here at Brands Hatch and its good to see John Sanders from EDI Asia the title sponsor for the series.

The carbburation is miles off, I am having to whack the throttle open to get any response.

And thats a bit scary mid corner when the bike is on its side.

Managed to qualify pole though, the only one on a 1.39 full circuit remember!

Good afternoon's work.

2008-09-26T16:29:00.002+01:00

Mark got us started and then left us to it.

We had loads of time to fiddle.

To start with the curve left a lot to be desired.

We twiddled with the air box, then jets and needles.

Four hours later, not a lot more power but a much more acceptable curve.

Thanks of course to everyone at Slipstream.

Long time no see...

2008-09-26T12:05:00.002+01:00

It seems like ages since I had time to do anything with 'Ming'.

This weekend is the final round of the EDI Formula 400 at Brands Hatch on the GP circuit.

Still not had the chance to get the new motor that Peter built running up on the dyno.

Luckily Roy and Martin from Slipstream said we could use theirs.

A bit eleventh hour I know, but better than nothing.

Video overview - Danish Classic TT

2008-09-24T22:44:00.001+01:00

Successfull weekend.

2008-09-21T16:18:00.002+01:00

A final win in the 500 gave us a really successfull weekend all round; thank you to everyone - you all made it possible.

Betty is unwell.

2008-09-21T14:30:00.001+01:00

Just managed half a lap of the 350 race before something disastrous happened in the engine.

Sounded like a con rod to me...

The good news though is that Vanni rode really well and is over the moon with the fact he got the win!

Yesterday's 500 race.

2008-09-21T10:44:00.002+01:00

This morning we have had the postponed IHRO 500.

Mike Cooper could not get his bike going in the push start, so that was him out.

I won and Vanni rode for 3rd.

Lots of other races now, I'm not out again until later after Lunch in two more IHRO events, got time to do a bit of tweaking here and there.

Early finish.

2008-09-20T15:54:00.002+01:00

An accident just before the 350 race caused a long delay.

There is a very strict time curfew here, everything has to be done by 4pm.

In fact we were so late that every other race today has been cancelled.

Eventually we got out, I won, Mike Cooper was next with Vanni 3rd.

Everything else rescheduled for tomorrow.

So far, so good.

2008-09-20T12:47:00.002+01:00

Vanni seems very happy.

He is enjoying his racing in front of all his family friends and customers.

I am on pole for both of my races and even under the lap record on Buster.

Ready for action.

2008-09-20T08:10:00.002+01:00

Everyone is up and raring to go.

It looks a really interesting track.

Lots of gradients, dips and banked corners.

Best get out and learn it then...

Great T shirt.

2008-09-18T19:19:00.003+01:00

Here we are at Stansted waiting for the off to Denmark.

I am sporting one of my current favourite t shirts - I just think it's great.

If you want one for yourself go visit Motogpnews and tell them I sent you.

CRMC R.6 Snetterton

2008-09-16T10:50:00.002+01:00

Djursland Ring circuit

2008-09-14T22:30:00.003+01:00

Getting ready for our trip to Vanni's local circuit Djursland Ring, it is about 50Km from Aarhus Vanni's home town.

In fact I don't know many from the UK who have.
It is an important meeting for the team having the home crowd and the sponsors attending.

Then they are expecting a great result....no pressure there then!

After Snetterton Vanni took all his Nortons back to Denmark with him to 'spruce' them up for the event.

Bow wave on the boot...

2008-09-11T11:17:00.003+01:00

This great shot of me and Lea at Snetterton last weekend, splashing about in the rain is by Russell Lee - Sport Pics
Click on it to see the incredible detail.

Gedinne action shots.

2008-09-10T12:20:00.008+01:00

Lenny from JinglyJangly has sent me this great sequence of photos from Gedinne.

You can visit Lenny's site to look at his other photos by clicking here: JinglyJangly

Cheers for the great shots Lenny!

Wet weekend over.

2008-09-07T21:48:00.002+01:00

Too many races to detail.
Another five I think.

Several 2nds a 4th and finished the day with a win.

Not bad considering the organisers almost cancelled the entire day.

Soaking wet...

2008-09-07T12:52:00.002+01:00

Now it is absolutely sodden.
Crashed out of the first race today on Betty while leading. Not too much damage.

For the initial 500 race the throttle was not right on the warm up lap so pulled in; in these conditions I need the bike to be as smooth as possible.

Just run Betty again in the National, led Lea for the majority.
On the penultimate lap he got past. His bike is just so much faster in a straight line, here at Snetterton there is nothing I can do about it.

Slippery when wet.

2008-09-07T08:38:00.003+01:00

Weather was dry for first race.

Man, that Paton is fast! Olli Linsdell shot off on it and neither Lea nor I could catch him. I took 3rd.
A sidecar incident spread oil round the entire track just as the heavens opened.

It's difficult to clear up oil from a wet track in the rain, so the tractor and a load of detergent was called for!

You can imagine that when, on Betty we were the first riders to try it out, the last thing I was going to do was stick my neck out. Another 3rd.

An hour or so later and it was only just a little better for the 500 race.
Olli and the Paton won and as Lea tried so hard to catch him and nearly crashed several times, he gifted me 2nd.

Last races of the day were rescheduled to this morning so I now have 7 today!

Fine so far.

2008-09-06T11:09:00.002+01:00

Everything. The weather and both bikes.
Gearing on 350 was a bit tall altered that.
Also fitted a new tyre.

Just have to hope the weather will hold out.

Oh my goodness!

2008-09-05T14:58:00.002+01:00

As the entire UK is bracing itself for a whole years rain in one week, guess where we are?
Yes. Racing at Snetterton.

Vanni got one dry session first thing this morning.

Then the rain arrived and it looks like it's here for good!

Gedinne overview.

2008-09-02T17:22:00.003+01:00

Had a great weekend, thanks to Vanni, Steve and Harry for working so hard.
It's an enjoyable circuit; plenty challenging enough on the Classic bikes.

Just getting round to writing my report.

I.H.R.O. 500

2008-08-31T15:10:00.003+01:00

It's hot here. Damn hot.
Yves did not start the race for some reason so that took a bit of competitive heat off me.

I led from the start to finish taking my first win of the weekend.

We are going to stay on and take some time to prep the bikes now to save time before Snetterton next weekend.

Training session.

2008-08-31T13:33:00.004+01:00

Vanni and I had a long chat this morning and he wants to try and improve his skills.

As we never get the chance to really spend time together on the track, we have decided to use today's races as coaching sessions.

We just had the 350 race with Vannie taking the lead while I assessed him; then I led him for the last couple of laps.
I think we finished about 5th and 6th.

500 I.H.R.O. Race

2008-08-30T17:09:00.003+01:00

Another scorcher of a push start! I was leading Yves by the first hairpin.
It was a furious pace, just him and me at the front but I was just managing to hold him off.

On the penultimate lap two thirds of the way round I just could not stop at the other chicane and ran on letting Yves passed.
Bu$$er!
I chased back after him but on the last lap, at the first chicane I couldn't get round and the front brake lever caught in a straw bale and threw me off.

Luckily was able to remount and finish.
Steve is just replacing the bent gear lever.

First I.H.R.O. race.

2008-08-30T15:30:00.002+01:00

Off on Betty for the first race of the day.
Push start. Still coming to terms with doing these.
Surprised myself and the whole team by getting away in 2nd behind Ives; who then had a brake problem and ran on at the chicane.
Luke and I battled for the rest of the race with him finally pinching the win.

Practice done.

2008-08-30T12:27:00.003+01:00

Ridden both Betty and Buster this morning.
Had to run the 500 in so that was a chance to learn the circuit a bit more.
Managed to be 3rd fastest anyway, although a good 6 seconds down on Yves Glauser and Jarno Joncker.
Its the same story for the 350, 3rd with Yves at the front and then Luke Notton; but its much closer, just 0.7 second between us this time.

Gedinne - practice.

2008-08-30T09:14:00.003+01:00

First time here so it was important to have a good look round in practice.

Out on Betty, it is a nice track, easy to learn, with a good mix of fast swoops and tighter corners.

Gedinne, Belgium this weekend - I.H.R.O.

2008-08-27T16:23:00.002+01:00

Racing Vanni's classic bikes in Belgium this weekend, I found this video by 'motonoelke' on YouTube - I have not been to Gedinne before, so used the footage to learn which way the circuit goes.

Something different...

Update on Avis Customer Service.

2008-08-26T17:53:00.003+01:00

I haven't previously mentioned the problems I encountered when last renting a car from Avis at Frankfurt airport; as I was waiting to hear back from Customer Service to see if the unfortunate situation could be resolved.
After unsuccessfully trying to deal with the personnel at the Frankfurt branch direct, and notifying Expedia.co.uk of my dilemma who I booked the car through - I was beginning to run out of patience with the Avis Company in general.
Suffice to say, in the future, I will be doubly, and triply careful and exacting about reconciling the office paperwork, with the paperwork in the vehicle, and making sure any existing information on the car is accurately recorded.
I am now pleased to be able to report, that I have at last heard back from Avis Customer Service here in the UK who have ultimately resolved the situation, and I am now a most satisfied customer whose faith has been restored in the Avis brand.

Somewhere different.

2008-08-14T17:31:00.004+01:00

Having a break in the race season with a visit to the Equestrian Olympics in Hong Kong with the family.
As it is so hot out here this time of year most of the events are in the evening so this gives us plenty of time to do the sight seeing stuff, here up the Peak on Hong Kong island overlooking the city.
Met up this evening with friend and EDIAsia 400 sponsor, John Sanders and his wife Cho Lin for a lovely meal.

Gordon meets 'Brian'

2008-08-07T16:43:00.003+01:00

Slipstream generously offered me the use of a replacement motor to get Gordon back on his wheels, and out in supermono circulation.

Gordon's first public engagement was at Poynton Motorcycle Club, where Phil Harold the press officer, invited us for a contrast and compare evening with Phil's own SZR that we have now named 'Brian'.

The club is very well supported by it's members and raises funds for many good causes, you can visit their website by clicking here: Poynton Motorcycle Club

Good day all round.

2008-07-31T19:05:00.003+01:00

Good day all round.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

I cant believe our luck with the weather.
We did have a couple of showers but with the track already being warm, and a gentle wind it was dry in no time.
I think we even managed six sessions!

I had a great day on Bill, I found some red paint on the rocker cover and couldn't figure out where it came from, the clue was in the picture....

Bad luck for those doing the evening track day though, we have left them with pouring rain and no sun to dry it.

I had get get a shuffle on to keep up with Mark, Bill and I had to take some 'Air' during our sessions.

Thursday - must be Cadwell.

2008-07-31T11:32:00.001+01:00

Thursday - must be Cadwell.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Well its fine and sunny at the moment but unfortunately thundery showers are forecast later.
I am here with Mark Parrinder doing a track assessment.

Ming fancies a run out.

2008-07-29T16:17:00.001+01:00

Ming fancies a run out.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Brought Ming along today after swapping ignition last night I am interested to see if it will make a difference to the power. Also it will be interesting to have a run round with Gerhard for the last session of the day on a similar machine.

Oulton Park

2008-07-29T10:20:00.001+01:00

Oulton Park
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Having a nice day out here at Oulton park. Doing a spot of track assessment with Bemsee member and EDIasia competitor Gerhard Quinn.

Weekend at home

2008-07-18T23:16:00.008+01:00

I thought I would have loads of time to drop the new motor in to the frame run it up on a Dyno and then "hey presto" we would be ready to rock and roll.

But as often happens I ran out of time whilst on the Dyno when we found a huge hole in the mid range and a problem just before peak power.

There is nothing wrong with Peter's motor it has huge potential, Robbie Silvester and I spent loads of time trying an assortment of things to identify the problem, but to no avail.

We ended up with a similar BHP figure as the original motor but the shape of the curve overall was poor, so I decided to pull the plug on this weekend's races and reschedule for the next Bemsee meeting.

This will give us plenty of time to identify and rectify the issue and show just what Peter Day can produce, a reliable top flight machine.

I know I've ridden his OW01's for many races and won on them too!

Most overview video - at last!

2008-07-16T17:56:00.000+01:00

Uncle Peter

2008-07-15T10:36:00.002+01:00

...has beautifully built up a replacement motor for 'ming the merciless'.

Martin with his full time job and family committments is unable to prepare a race bike in time for Magione so the Italian supermono race is cancelled for me.

However, as luck would have it there is an EDIasia formula 400 event at Brands this weekend.

All I've got to do now is find the time to fit the replacement motor and get to Robbie Silvester's to run it up on the dyno!

Good day with Piers.

2008-07-10T20:54:00.002+01:00

Spent plenty of time on track, Piers has certainly got faster since we last did track work together.
Hopefully after today's sessions he will be faster still.
Piers is back at Brands in a couple of weeks time, racing - so only time will tell...

Brands Hatch GP circuit.

2008-07-10T10:17:00.002+01:00

I hope the weather keeps fine, we are at Brands on the full circuit.

I am here with minitwins competitor Piers Hutchins, doing a spot of track assessment.

Reflection on Most

2008-07-08T18:25:00.006+01:00

It seems that it wasn't just me that was pleased with the result at Most, all the Czech sponsors were over the moon with the result and the overall presentation of the team.

They were a little bemused by the colour of my hair after the race - but I wanted to show them I was 110% committed to their support of the team.

Poor Johannes Kehrer was shocked when he was told he was the runner up in the Czech Championship race; especially as he was stood on the top postition of the rostrum at the time - only then to find out I had a Czech licence - sorry Johannes.

Photo by: Zdenek.

Everyone happy.

2008-07-06T13:33:00.003+01:00

It was a tough race. Although I could get up to and sometimes pass Lex and Mark there was no way I could keep in front.

With their bigger engines and horsepower advantage they just drove away from me on the straights.

I am very happy with 3rd in the UEM CUP and my Win in the Czech championship.
Job done.

Morning warm up

2008-07-06T09:40:00.002+01:00

Everything is fine.

Changed throttle cable yesterday, much better now.

Only did a couple of laps to check things are working and save the bike for the race.

Ready to race.

2008-07-05T16:01:00.002+01:00

Spent the second qualifying session working on getting the bike ready for tomorrow's race.

Martin had richen'd the needle setting after the first session.
That had made things worse.

Martin was out riding his own bike so Jirka and I fiddled around with the carb settings until it felt fit to race.

When I came back to the pits I found that Mark Lawes and Lex had gone faster. Bu$$er.

Still a front row start though, on the grid in 3rd.

First qualifying

2008-07-05T13:21:00.002+01:00

Started with just did a couple of laps faster after using the free practice this morning to run the motor in.

Couple of tweaks and changes and managed to get pole by the end of the session.

I'm currently the only one under 1min 48.

Next fastest is Lex then Nico Kehrer.

Feels very bizarre.

2008-07-05T09:54:00.002+01:00

I think this is going to be the strangest race meeting I have ever done.

A conflict of dates with the German IDM championship meant that although the supermono entry was well subscribed, the other classes were not.

The organisers wanted to cancel the event; so one of the team sponsors stepped in and booked the entire circuit to run the event themselves.

We have the whole place to ourselves, like I said ... bizarre...

Cheers!

2008-07-04T21:22:00.002+01:00

The bags have still not arrived.
Not panicking too much yet.
There is still time...
We have been made very welcome by the italian team who have shared their dinner with us in true European 'family style'.

Ciao.

Arrived at Most.

2008-07-04T16:42:00.002+01:00

However none of our bags have arrived yet.

Just mooching the garages to see who is here.

Stopped at the Cairo pit box to admire their lovely machinery.

Video overview - CMRC - Donington

2008-07-02T15:55:00.000+01:00

Action shot from Donington

2008-07-01T12:55:00.005+01:00

This great shot of me riding 'Betty', a 350cc Molnar Manx Norton, at Donington Park coming onto the home straight on full song, is by Russell Lee, Sport-pics.co.uk

Betty does it!

2008-06-29T17:17:00.002+01:00

Sudden unexpected showers when in the collecting area postponed the race for over an hour.
The track was still wet when we did eventually get out.
Betty performed like a star never missing a beat and although it was incredibly slippy out there we managed to take our first win of the weekend.

Bad luck continues.

2008-06-29T15:18:00.003+01:00

In the IHRO race I simply could not start the bike today.

Eventually got off the line almost last and many seconds behind the leaders.

Worked bloody hard to ride through the entire field to 3rd place, then Andy's 500 seized as the red flag came out and the race was stopped.
Taking the race result from the previous lap and I was credited with 3rd.

For the 500 national race the only bike left to ride was Betty the 350.
Did my best in an outclassed field as I need the points, rode up to about 5th and then the gear lever fell off!
One more race to go...

Back row of the grid!

2008-06-29T11:54:00.002+01:00

I am absolutely sick of going of the back row of the grid when having a DNF.

I have to spend the race fighting through to field to 2nd place instead of racing with Lea at the front.
This is exactly what just happened in the race with Betty.

Thats why in the earlier 500 race on Andy's bike, when it went sick, I was determined to cross the line even with a dead motor.

All be it in 8th, at least I now have a half reasonable grid position for the next race.

Yesterday's final races.

2008-06-29T09:46:00.002+01:00

Finished 2nd to Lea in the IHRO race after that scary push start.

For the last race of the day Betty did not feel right off the line, holding back.

As Andy had leaned the fuel off just before I went out.

I was not going to take the risk of another seizure, so pulled in after the opening lap.
Two 2nds and a 3rd and two DNFs yesterday, let's hope for a bit better today.

Further races.

2008-06-28T17:40:00.003+01:00

Got a 2nd in 350cc suspension is getting good now.

I just bogged it down at the start.

Not finishing the 500 meant they started me from the back row on Andy Molnar's bike .

Had only 6 laps to work through 50 or so riders to get up to 3rd.

First 500 race.

2008-06-28T13:25:00.002+01:00

Unfortunately Buster seized on the second lap of the race.

Now scrutineering Andy's spare bike for the next 500 race.

Also swapping Maxton shocks to 350 so I can test them in the next race.

Practice over.

2008-06-28T11:09:00.002+01:00

Done practices on both Buster and Betty.

Ron has been doing me some shocks for Buster so just fitting them now and will try them in the first 500 race.

Morning practice.

2008-06-28T09:34:00.002+01:00

As the grid positions are pre determined we just get a couple of ten minute practice sessions, one for each bike.

First couple of laps I gave Vanni a tow to show him the racing line.

Ron Williams from Maxton has very kindly come along today so that we can hopefully progress with the suspension.

On the road again.

2008-06-27T14:12:00.002+01:00

Back off to Donington today, big Classic Revival event this weekend.

I've got 10races!

Hired the same caravan as we had last weekend, from Nick at Direct Caravans near Skipton.
He also offers a mobile caravan maintenance and repair service.
You can contact him on either 01535 633083 or 07767611890.

Donington GB2 races overview.

2008-06-26T11:25:00.003+01:00

On track action

2008-06-24T11:57:00.005+01:00

This on track action shot of the NWS mini mono is by Paul and Linda Jones of PLJPhoto who stood out in all weathers this weekend doing what they do best.

Cheers.

Thanks also to the guys from Dunlop, Phil 'CBX' Plater, and Pat Walsh for coming up with the round, black sticky things.

Highs and lows of a GP weekend!

2008-06-23T12:32:00.004+01:00

Ronnie and Reggie keep an eye on the bike after they had the leaf blower nicked from the holding area the day before. Would you nick anything from these two?

"you looking at me or what?"

With over 88,000 people watching the Moto GP, even for our race straight afterwards there must have still been 50,000+ watching.

Eventhough there were a couple of issues we managed to get on to the box with a 3rd place; not bad really as it was the first time I'd ridden the machine in anger.

The Smith sisters did a fantastic job prepearing the bike for the weekend, working on a limited budget, my crashing it in the first race didn't help - but they worked through the night to get it right for Sunday's race.

Top blokes the pair of them, thanks very much Mick and Gary - well done!