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