Blog

The 2nd stop at Oulton Park saw us enter the last 3 rounds of the Championship. For this race I was ready to push hard and see what we got, as it’s not a favourite circuit of mine, and Silverstone and Brands Hatch GP were my preferred focus, however with that I knew with our new found, and ever increasing pace, we would be fast.

This confidence was met with confirmation of a fast time right away in free practice, on a 1:39:067 to see me finish the session in 4th position.

The bike felt good in Practice, but I felt more control was needed from the front of the motorcycle, so changes were made for Qualifying 1 where I found a new pace, much faster than my previous personal best with a time of 1:37:976 to put me 2nd on the grid provisionally. Our predictions for the setup had worked, of which I was very happy with.

Qualifying 2 was met by a wet track after rain over night, so no improvements were made on time which confirmed our 2nd place grid position and first front row start of the year.

The bike was fantastic, the best 1000cc machine I’ve ridden so after trying something in Warm Up which hadn’t given me a good feeling we reverted back to our qualifying setup for the race.

Race
I got a fantastic start and was in a good position for turn 1, on the first lap I tripped over the back of Alastair Seeley, who, had closed the door on me at She’ll Oils Hairpin, this lost me some time, but I was soon back on the leading pack when on lap 3, the safety car came out after a 1st turn crash involving 3 riders.
Upon the safety car returning, I got up to pace once more, posting my fastest lap of the race with a 1:37:4, but, as the final laps played out I couldn’t keep this pace on the worn tyre and I fell back to 5th place where I would finish the race.

I am happy with the pace achieved as we ran at the front and posted times well within those needed to achieve a podium, however we now need to work on holding this pace over a race distance.
Thank you to Downshift Motorsport, my mechanic Dave Hopkinson, Walters Medical, all of our collective sponsors which make the team possible, Simon and Karen Sherras and Jack Valentine for his oversight, all is appreciated and I’m looking forward to the closing rounds where I will be pushing for podiums.

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
Downshift are backed, sponsored and partnered by Gridworx, Nettworx, 2Works traffic management, Star Delta, AUS, Duco Power and Aptus Utilities, Vinyl Infusion.

F

or many, Cadwell Park is the number one race to look forward to on the calendar. With close racing promised due to the narrow track, hard out braking areas and the infamous Mountain to jump over, its undoubtedly one of the most exhilarating events of the year.

I have been on the podium in the past in other divisions at Cadwell Park, and my confidence remains from those results every year when it’s time to race the circuit again despite it not suiting the style of circuit I feel I excel on such as the GP format tracks.

Free Practice saw us post an average time within the 1:32’s, sitting me in 11th position, but this didn’t worry me as I could feel everything the bike was doing on track. The data backed up the issues I expressed so we were able to make a calculated decision of what to change the bike’s handling too.

Qualifying 1

We were straight up to pace, leading for most of the session on a 1:30:1 lap time set on the 10th lap which would eventually put me in 2nd position, I was very happy with the bike’s change and handling.

Qualifying 2 was interrupted by chalk dust after some blow ups earlier in the day which had me feeling nervous when entering the mountain chicane, I didn’t get the lap in at the end of the session on a clean track which I needed, my Qualifying 1 time would qualify me in 5th on the grid for the race.

Warm Up

In warm up we tried some different things on the bike just to find more grip but found that a sweet spot had been found in first qualifying which we would go with for the race.

Race
I got a good launch in the first start and was in 5th position and holding station to let the first few laps play out and avoid any incidents. When the red flag came out due to a crash involving 2 riders the race would be held to tend to the incident.

The race was cut from 15 to 8 laps for the restart, so a sprint race was on the cards and I knew I had to push from the very start and get away with the pack.

My 2nd launch was frustratingly worse than the first. When the lights went out I got away ok but got boxed in going in to turn 1 and found myself with more work to do.
Lap 1 was completed in 8th position with Adam Jenkinson ahead on the Yamaha which I quickly overtook on lap 2, out braking the R1 in to Park Corner.
Just ahead was Josh Wainwright who I closed in on quickly to pass once again at Park corner on lap 3. I went to work on closing the leaders who already had around a second gap.
Lap 4 I closed on to the back of Luke Quigley who I went to work on overtaking, I felt I had the speed to move through but after a big incident at the Mountain on lap 5 the race was red flagged once more and declared a result, putting a halt on my charge and resulting in a 5th place finish.

‘ I am happy for the 5th place finish, but this was the minimum I wanted from the weekend in terms of results, due to other events in the race, the championship has become closer, making 4th place possible and 5th place even more achievable from our current 6th spot. I will be focusing on my starts and qualifying for the coming rounds to make sure we achieve the highest place in the championship of which we can still achieve.
Cadwell Park showcased our pace once again, and this is due to the hard work and dedication my team have shown to produce the package and allow me to progress.
Thank you to Downshift and our loyal sponsors.’

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
Downshift are backed, sponsored and partnered by Gridworx, Nettworx, 2Works traffic management, Star Delta, AUS, Duco Power and Aptus Utilities, Vinyl Infusion.

The sun was shining over Hampshire at the breath taking Thruxton circuit, a favourite of mine for its high speed and incredible grip.

Free Practice saw us post good early times, matching my best straight away. We found suspension issues because of the high amount of load through full throttle on the side of the tyre, we needed more support, so would trawl the data for a right direction in QP1.
P7 1:19:002

QP1
We confirmed we had gone the right direction with one end of the bike and the wrong way with the other, more grip was found but spring rates would need to be changed again to to accommodate for the amount of grip being produced.
P11 1:18:274

QP2
Improving again early on in the session to a 1:17:939 we got a good time in early but run out of tyre quickly. I would qualify 11th which I wasn’t happy with but in turn did a full race distance on the used tyre posting times in the low 1:18’s even at the end of the session so was confident with my race pace.

Warm Up
We took it steady on a cool foggy early morning circuit, and practiced the start, which was good.

Race
The warm up start didn’t transfer to the race, a poor start saw me back in the pack but I quickly switched lines on the first lap to over take and move through to 9th on the first lap where I held position whilst catching up until the end of lap 6 when I over took both Josh Wainwright and Leon Jeacock in the final chicane to move up to 7th, and then start a hunt after Luke Quigley.
On lap 9 I had closed in on Luke, and got a good drive underneath him coming through Village which moved me up to 6th spot.
From then on I battled the grip, moving away from the pack behind, and tried to bridge the gap to the front runners. This proved to be a task to large on this day, so I held station in 6th place to the end of the race, 4.4 seconds off of the leaders.
In all, I am happy with the understanding of the bike we have found, this means from now on I can focus on my riding to find the few tenths needed to qualify well and lead the race. We set the 2nd fastest time of the race at Thruxton, and I can’t wait to get to work on making this possible as a consistency at every circuit, every lap.
I can’t thank my team, Downshift Motorsport, and all of our sponsors enough for getting us to this point. Thank you again for your faith in me and everyone’s hard work.
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
Downshift are backed, sponsored and partnered by Gridworx, Nettworx, 2Works traffic management, Star Delta, AUS, Duco Power and Aptus Utilities, Vinyl Infusion.

3rd Place at Brands Hatch GP
Monster Energy British Superbike Round – Brands Hatch GP Circuit – National Superstock 1000
The Brands Hatch GP circuit is my favourite race circuit on the calendar. I enjoy riding the track more than any other and when we rolled out for the first few laps of practice we found we had started the weekend with a good set up to support me on the bike right away. I was happy with the bike and finished the session in 6th position on a time of 1:30:040 with just minor changes throughout the session.
Qualifying 1 was met with Brilliant blue sky’s in the middle of the day so track temperature was up. We got a fast time in early, sitting us in 6th position once again on a 1:29:117, considerably faster than practice. For the rest of the session I stayed out only returning to the pits to try a few things to get used to the used tyre.
Our strategy for qualifying 2 was to put together a few laps on the old tyre for familiarity with the circuit, then put in a new rear for a qualifying lap. Once again I felt comfortable right away so came in for the new tyre early. I found a gap, done one outlap then pushed for my qualifying time and got it with a 1:28:620 which moved me up to 4th place where I would stay for the rest of the session after putting in a string of high 1:28’s and low 1:29’s which gave me confidence that I could keep the pace in the race. In warm up we sat out most of the session due to a wet track after rain in the early hours of the morning. I entered the circuit with a few minutes to go just to practice some starts.
Race
A good launch got me away with the front pack and I was up to 4th by we entered the GP circuit, but with little initial grip I had moments at Surtees and a big out of the seat moment at Hawthorne’s which let Jess Trayler and Luke Quigley by. It was a less than perfect first lap which I would complete in 7th position. Lap 2 I held station and pushed away with the leading pack, at Stirling’s bend I had a moment where my gear lever touched down and knocked the bike out of gear which had my heart in my mouth. I lost a bit of time after this which I would need to make up to Luke Quigley and Jess Trayler as Adam Jenkinson had crashed out at Clearways bend. On lap 3 I had kept in touch on a 1:28:804 and had moved up to 5th position due to Hudson Kennaugh retiring out of the race. For the rest of the race until the last lap was a case of staying in touch and maintaining my pace. I was struggling with front grip but with a last push I closed on to the back of Luke Quigley in the last two laps. During the last lap I was right on him and knew my best part of the circuit was the 3rd sector. I made a move at Hawthorne’s knowing I had the pace on Quigley and held the 4th position for the rest of the lap until I got to clearways where just a few seconds up the road Josh Elliot had lost the front going in to Clearways. 3rd place was mine and when I crossed the line I was ecstatic! I was effectively gifted the podium after Josh Elliot fell, but I still feel I deserved the podium as our pace had been strong all weekend, and we were there at the end. I fought hard in the race, battling with grip issues amongst others and we were still there at the end, which gives me confidence for the coming rounds and generally makes me feel like I am back to the rider I know I can be. I can’t thank Downshift Motorsport enough for their faith and support; it’s appreciated beyond words as well as the support of our collected financial and product sponsors. Further thanks go to my personal sponsors Walters Medical and all of my family and friends. I’m a lucky lad! And I can’t wait to get to work for another podium at Thruxton.

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

Mid season blip at Knockhill

We experienced some misfortune at Knockhill for round 6 of the Championship after being collected in a first lap scrum.

Free practice saw us set a good pace early on ending the session in 6th position.

Qualifying 1 Dry track
We pushed on and was moving forward straight away, but with this grip issues came in to play which would finally catch me out at The Scotsman, 3rd turn.
Minor damage and rider ok, we needed to try something different for QP2

Qualifying 2 Dry track
Entering the session on an old tyre we pushed to find a good feeling in the set up for the race. After 10 laps I felt we needed to put the new tyre in but an issue with the rear brake lost us some time in pitlane. Unfortunately with only 3 minutes to go we did not get available track for a fast time and benefit from the new tyre so we would end the session in 14th.

Warm up
We improved the bike for grip but a big moment in the first corner showed a lack of grip at the front end which had been given away in the setting change, again after viewing the data we would make many chances for the race to find grip on the side of the tyre.

Race
I got a terrible start, one to be ashamed of! But I pushed to the outside in the first corner to hit the inside in the 2nd.
Going in to the Scotsman again, I was hit on the right side in the handle bar, taking me down.

If anything can be taken from the weekend it’s a starting point for the next round at Brands Hatch, as in the short amount of time on track in the race confirmed a big improvement in the bike for the middle of the turn.
Brands Hatch GP is my favourite circuit and one I have lead at in the past, so I am looking for our best finish yet next time out.

Thank you to everyone 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

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

3 x 50 minute sessions were on the offering for us at Snetterton for the official BSB Test. This is our last test before the team leaves for the prestigious Isle Of Man TT, and crucial for the next round which is at the Snetterton circuit in late June.
Session 1
We quickly got up to speed, pushing in to the 52’s and 2nd out of the Superstock runners. The time of a 1:52:8 came from an unstable bike, which was losing grip on the throttle as well and using the tyre, many different damping setting were tried on the suspension to try to control this, with a conclusion that we would need a heavier spring rate for the 2nd session.
Session 2
With extra support from the heavier spring the bike was positioned better on the exit of the turn, but still fell through the stroke under maximum torque, making the bike twitchy to ride and unstable on the exit of the turn.
Session 3
We went faster, but not enough, the bike was still difficult to ride with little control of the rear shock, despite trying different lengths as well as damping settings.
We ended the day 4th fastest, with an insight in to what we will need come round 5 of the Championship.

Thank you to our professional sponsors for their continued support.

Donington WSBK was the venue for the 4th round of the National 1000 Superstock Championship, as a support race to the British round of the World Superbike Championship.

Difficulties with setup were at the forefront all weekend with many different settings tried throughout the sessions until a suitable setting in terms of geometry was found to make it possible to turn in the race.
A fast time wasn’t found in qualifying so we would start 21st on the grid with gritted teeth ready to push forward in the race.

I’d like to say I got a good start but I let the clutch out a little fast making the bike wheelie, however I made up for this on the first lap.
I was soon through a gaggle of riders to find a Gap to another group, linked to the top ten.
After the gap was bridged I got involved in a brilliant battle.
Ever increasing in pace I made my way through the riders up to 10th place and went on the hunt for two riders infront. On the last lap of the race I was on both riders when they colided, handing me 8th position, and I would receive the flag with an exuberent team waving over the fence.

I am happy with this result, we kept it real, didn’t push past the situation at hand to risk a crash, and came home with a result which has boosted us in the championship.
From our aparent capabilities, the top 5 has to be our target for all rounds in the rest of the season.
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
Downshift are backed, sponsored and partnered by Gridworx, Nettworx, 2Works traffic management, Star Delta, AUS, Duco Power and Aptus Utilities, Vinyl Infusion.
James East is proudly sponsored by Walters Medical

Photo Credit, with thanks to: Bonnie Lane

Round 3

Friday was dry with damp in the air for free practice. Rain could be felt and seen on the visor but grip was available, just not 100%. With this I got off to a good start in the testing conditions, finishing the session in 3rd, but was uncomfortable on the bike which we had set quite open to generate feel and to track the undulations of the circuit.

Come lunch time the clouds had let go and we were faced with a wet first qualifying session. I was quite happy with this as it gave me a chance to try my bike in the wet, and was also easier on my injured foot I had damaged in training.
We finished the wet session in 11th with a good initial setting and feel.

Qualifying on Sunday came from a scare in the Night following an allergic reaction. I suffered anaphalaxis to a serious state, and had to leave the circuit in an ambulance. I was passed to ride on Sunday but had to do 2 laps to make sure everything wasn’t coming at me to fast, so to speak, and from their I pushed on.
I didn’t feel well, but put a time in to qualify 11th which I was happy enough with, given the situation.

Warm Up. We tried something different with the bike, and it worked. I was more comfortable on the bike and even did a good practice start, which is something of a rarity for me!

Race
A good start put me in the mix and I made some places in the first turn.
On the first lap I got caught with Jess Trayler and a gap began to increase. A contrast in styles was clashing between me and Jess, who was very late on the brakes but slow in the mid corner, which made him very difficult to pass. When I got by he would out brake me again, and this continued until he collided with me in the chicane which allowed 2 riders passed and nearly ended with us on the floor.
I got back in to action,  but was struggling to get in to rythem immediately. As the race panned out I finally got passed Jess with enough of a gap to hunt down a rider in front, but on lap 10 Tom Tunstall had an unfortunate highside coming out of Shell Oils Hairpin which would red flag the race.

I finished the race in 8th position, and was happy because I had set my fastest lap on the last lap of the race.
The times were not as good as what I have shown before, and in general I feel I haven’t shown my potential so far. But with this said, we have moved up to 7th in the Championship and I am ready to work hard to get to where we need to be, and where I know I am capable of being.

I want to thank everyone for their support. The whole team, with special thanks to my mechanic Dave and his lovely wife Karla, Charlie and Lisa, Julie and Richard from Walters Medical, Mick and Dave – Mototrombo, and Simon and Karen for their long lasting support. New thanks go to Ursula and PFC Brakes for her support with PFC’s excellent brake pads.
Further thanks go to everyone again for helping me on saturday night, it was scary at one point, and without their assistance it could have been a lot worse, so thank you, in fact I can’t thank you enough.
Special thanks to our collective sponsors, who have made this fantastic effort possible.

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

Downshift are backed, sponsored and partnered by Gridworx, Nettworx, 2Works traffic management, Star Delta, AUS, Duco Power and Aptus Utilities, Vinyl Infusion.

James East is proudly sponsored by Walters Medical
Daniel Hegarty is proudly sponsored by RTR Motorcycles and Paul Thompson

Brands Hatch, the venue for round 2, with beautiful brisk spring weather to set the scene over the short, sharp and demanding Indy Circuit.

I was really looking forward to this race, Brands Indy is one of the shortest circuits on the calendar, and this leads you in to a sense that it would be the simplest, however this is not the case. To acquire a fast lap time you must gain enough grip to generate a lap just a few hundredths of a second faster than the man next to you, and on a lap where you’re pushing to finish in just 46 seconds, these hundredths are impossible without a bike which is working with, and for you.

In practice we got away well and went to work on generating grip and control of the rear shock, of which had plagued us with issues at Donington Park.
We made some changes to generate feel from the bike, however the session would end before a balance could be found. After the session, several changes to the bike’s geometry were changed to try and generate grip.

Qualifying 1, we improved again with a longer bike and several suspension and geometry changes. I pumped and slid my way to 9th spot, I was pushing hard with around 6 laps before the new tyre started to unmask the ongoing issue of losing control on the rear suspension. Q1’s efforts for 9th place would be achieved with a 47.4 second lap time.

After first qualifying we made changes again with spring rates on the front and rear, Q1 had me focused on a smooth and fast lap time, as the session was very frustrating with the unpredicatble nature of the grip given. Qualifying 2 I had the plan of doing a few laps to get my head up to speed then put a new tyre in to push for a lap time.
We did a time good enough for 11th on the grid, which was achieved on the new tyre but after 6 laps we were sliding and losing control. This wore the tyre quickly which had me concerned for the length of the race.

Further changes were made for warm up, and we found more grip again, with the new set up I was as confident as I had been and ready to sink my teeth in to the race.

The launch off the line was good and I was in the mix on the first lap, overtaking people on the exit of druids and in to clearways. Pushing hard I got through to 8th place but on lap 4 a massive moment was to come at the bottom of clearways. My strongest overtaking spot has always been paddock hill bend, so as I came out of clearways I needed a good drive to get alongside for Paddock Hill Bend. I did exactly that, drove hard off the turn but as I hit the dip at the bottom of clearways the back came right around on me and pinged me out of the seat, I held on as the bike was heading for the grass on the inside to finally grab a hold of the bike, rush along the grass, hit a foam advertisement sign and re join.
With the pack so close I was a way back in 17th place but got to work straight away on making the places up. Mostly in to paddock hill bend I picked off as many people as possible, to finally finish in 9th place.

This 9th place also puts us in 9th place in the championship standings. I know when we find a consistent set up, we will be able to push towards the top 5 and grab podiums in the not too distant future, I’m excited for the season ahead.

Thank you to the entire team, with special thanks to my mechanic and chief tech Dave Hopkinson for his relentless efforts.

Further thanks go to our treasured sponsors who provide 100% support from their respected positions. Thank you to my personal sponsors Walters Medical.

Thank you all, I will keep pushing until we get there.

James