10th for East and Downshift
The flat and fast Norfolk circuit of Snetterton near Norwich is the venue for round 5, and a gruelling pace would top every session for the pack to chase.
Free Practice: We got off to a great start as we had run some laps in testing which made the track feel familiar right away. Leading the session early on we would end in 4th with a mid 1:52. Post session we looked in to helping the bike close a turn for a faster time.
Qualifying 1: Again leading early on we were fast from the offset. With a moment in the middle of the session of which being a fuel delivery issue, we got back out to put a fast time in on the last lap, but I felt inconsistant with a lot of movement from the bike, again we finished the session in 4th on a 1:52 flat with some work to do again to help close the turn and find some consistancy.
Qualifying 2: With a higher seated position we pushed for a fast time, this setting was good on the new tyre, a qualifying setting, but the time would come again at the end of the session with a 1:51.9 to put us 7th on the grid for the race.
Warm Up: We tried a different suspension set up once more, running lighter but supported spring rates in the front of the bike. With the limited time available I didn’t get the feeling I wanted so we reverted back to a previous setting for the race.
Race: I got a poor start, the revs dropped a little low as the lights went out but I swapped to the inside to defend a tight line and get an early drive in the first corner. Passing some people on the first two laps I regained my qualifying position, sat in the pack in 7th position. I picked off some people on lap 3 to come up behind Hudson Kennaugh, but at the end of lap 4 I realised I was using a lot of tyre keeping the pace and started having a lot of moments. Lap 6 and I had a big moment in the middle of the first turn, Riches, which allowed some other riders through and from here on I battled to keep in touch with the pack battling for 5th position. At the end of the race I was 10th. On reflection I am disappointed with my result as I feel we are capable of more, but the race brought a lot of realisation and I learnt more in the race laps than the whole of testing and the race weekend. There is a balance to be found now for the rest of the season, and this is something I cannot wait to get working on with my Mechanic, Dave, and KTECH Suspension. With the knowledge gained from the race of what I feel is needed in terms of setup, I further believe we will find a set up at the next round at Knockhill which will bring consistent fast lap times, and confirm a position at the front of the pack from the beginning of the race weekend. For now I am working hard on my fitness for the next round at Knockhill as the circuit gives no breaks at all. Thank you to all for their continued support, I cannot thank the Downshift Team enough for their efforts. Further thanks go to our treasured financial sponsors and technical partners, for without whom we would not be competition, also special thanks to my personal sponsor Walters Medical and supporting friends Simon and Karen Sherras.
Downshift Motorcycle & Mountain Bike are a business based in Preston, Lancashire, UK, and specialise in competition cycle sports. Race Service, Builds, Maintenance and Product Purchase are available and carried out with the highest possible standards.
www.putoline.co.uk – The best High Performance Engine Lubriation.
www.held.de – For 1st class rider protection
www.jtsprockets.com – Downshift is geared using JT Sprockets
http://www.ftwco.com/ – Downshift’s apparel of choice – Shirts on our back, at home, or at the track
http://racebikebitz.com/Kawasaki-ZX10-R-2011-2014-7-Piece-Moulded-Y-Piece-Samco-Sport-Silicone-Hose-Kit-Race-Design
– Seen the custom camo Samco Sport performance silicone hoses keeping the Downshift machines running cool? well you can order them today on the link above, quote in the comment box when ordering, Green, Black, Red and White when choosing custom camo for a Downshift replica design, or mix it up with the colour of your choice.
http://www.bournemouth-kawasaki.co.uk/ – The ZX10’s had lights and mirrors once. No really, and when they did, they came from Bournemouth Kawasaki. Order your Kawasaki machine, gear or parts today.
http://www.moto-master.com/ – The best brakes around are stopping Downshift this year.
http://www.dynojet.co.uk/ – Give us the figures we want to see. BHP.
www.gbracing.eu – Engine Protection
https://www.directdistributionservice… – Buy your consumables today.
www.k-tech.uk.com – Downshift turn and grip with KTECH Suspension Components
http://www.bellhelmets.com/ – The choice of Crash Helmet for Downshift. Light, Strong, ready for P1.
http://www.pfc.parts/ – Gives Downshift stopping power with superior brake pads.
www.venhill.co.uk – Providing fast lines, Venhill Brake Hoses.
www.jap4performance.com – The beautiful Carbon Frame Protectors on the Downshift ZX10R’s are kindly supplied by Jap 4, check out their range.
www.reactiveparts.com – Race Parts
James East is proudly sponsored by Walters Medical