Held Racer Report - Jason Burrill, Castle Combe ACU 250

Castle Combe ACU 250 - Race Report 

Well, when the say racing is full of highs and lows it really is true! Tears, anger, head scratching, smiles, laughter and a great end to the season!

After a decent test day on the Friday I qualified well on the 250 in 9th position in a stacked with talent field. Unfortunately due to the ongoing starting issues that have plagued us all year we entered the first corner in race one in 17th or 18th position and the spent the remaining laps fighting my way back through. 

Saturday evening came and the decision was taken to make a drastic change, in for a penny and all that. With some great help and advice from Dan Jackson, some help from Mick and Steve Outhwaite and great info from Jez Newbury we arrived on Sunday morning with a little trepidation and anticipation.

All the starting issues, worries and concerns went out the window as the bike hooked up from the start and I finally (after around 15 race start attempts) managed to get into the first corner having held my position off the line!! I genuinely can't say how good it feels to have the monkey off my back! 

Best lap of the weekend was a 1.18.8 which I was over the moon with and if I'd have managed to string together my optimal lap we'd have been in the 17's

Roll on the off season where some modifications are planned and then onto 2021 to see what we can do now the bikes performing as it should.

Thank you to everyone who makes this possible, Held Rider Equipment,  EBC Brakes, deftcad castlegatehomes, xclusivevents and all my family and friends! 

A video of race 3.

Held Racer Report: Talan Racing, Cadwell Park

Talan Racing - Cadwell Park Report, 27/28 April 2019

Andy Houghton #333 - Clubman1000

It was a mixed weekend for Andy on the Yamaha R1 with some great track time achieved
on the Friday test day in glorious sunshine only for that to be completely irrelevant when
Saturday came around and the rain set in.

Saturday's race was in the peak of the poor conditions with a torrential downpour on lap 2
of the race, this played to Andy's strengths who picked off riders lap by lap as they
struggled in the slippery conditions resulting in a 4th place in class, Andy's best result of
the season.

Both the races on Sunday were dry for Andy with a good performance in race 1 that saw
some battles in a pack of riders, the only downer being taken back by one of the riders
who has previously been passed on the last lap due to the lack of a pit board and therefore Andy not knowing there was a rider on his tail.

The final race of the weekend is best not talked about as, whist being too keen, on the first lap before tyres were properly up to temperature Andy lost the front and joined the long list of Gooseneck corner victims over the weekend. Rider is absolutely fine but the bike needs quite some work before the next outing with NGRR club at Donington on 11th/12th May.

Race 1 - Start 26 Finish 12 (4th In class)
Race 2 - Start 26 Finish 18 (8th In class)
Race 3 - Start 26 DNF

Talan Skeels-Piggins #83 - MRO600

Friday was filled with instructing duties for Talan, four rookies all eager to improve on their riding and lap times. Whilst it gives Talan great satisfaction in seeing the progression of the rookies, it doesn't always help himself to improve as he circulates at a much slower pace than usual. However, with the wet weather forecast, it wasn't going to be too much of a hinderance this time.

Saturdays wet races meant that Talan was able to pick his way forward through the riders
who seem to be terrified of the damp conditions. His smooth style means the bike remains
stable and he trusts the wet tyres to the job they are designed for.
Sunday had a wet and a dry race. Once again the wet track meant the other racers crept
around, with Talan managing to avoid falling riders, tank-slapping riders, and debris to pick up his best result of the season. However, with a completely dry track and a brand new rear tyre on, Talan was forced to build the pace steadily on the final race. This meant he wasn’t able to get as far forward as he had hoped, but he enjoyed the sunshine and clear visibility during the race.

Thanks goes to the Team, supporters and sponsors who enable me to compete and have
such an incredible freedom.

Race 1 - Start 30 Finish 16 (13th In class)
Race 2 - Start 30 Finish 14 (11th In class)
Race 3 - Start 30 Finish 12 (8th In class)
Race 4 - Start 30 Finish 16 (12th In class)

Talan has just received the exciting news that he has got permission to participate in the
2019 Classic TT Parade Lap over on the Isle Of Man. This opportunity will be used to
promote the team and to promote the charity which Talan founded - The Bike Experience.
The charity instructs and advises disabled people how to ride a motorcycle. In fact Andy
Houghton came through TBE and then joined the race team, so it really is grass roots for
disabled motorcyclists. If you know anyone that might be able to help Talan over on the
IOM please get back in touch, as he is struggling to find suitable accommodation and ferry
crossing.

Talan Racing - 2019 races
11-12 May Donington (NGRR)
8-9 June Snetterton 300 (BMCRC)
13-14 July Brands GP (BMCRC)
3-4 Aug Cadwell (BMCRC)
30Aug-1Sep Castle Combe (NGRR)
14-15 Sep Snetterton 300 (BMCRC)
5-6 Oct Brands Indy (BMCRC)

Held Racer Report: Sean Neary, Zoek Racing, Snetterton

ZOEK RACING SNETTERTON

Snetterton played host to round four of the Ducati TriOptions Cup this week with Sean Neary finishing his first race in fourth place but retiring from race two with a technical issue.

His Zoek Racing team mate Craig Currie was 14th in race one and 13th in the second race.

After qualifying on pole position for the first race, Lymm rider Sean Neary didn’t get the best of starts and completed the first of two laps in race one on Saturday in third place. Phil Atkinson demoted him to fourth on lap three but Neary powered back past to reclaim third one lap later. But his progress was short lived as on lap six Atkinson went past again and although there was less than half a second separating the two riders the red flag brought the race to a halt on lap eight and a result declared on positions on lap seven.

Neary commented: “The race didn’t go our way today as it was cut short which didn’t do us any favours for a podium however we didn’t have the pace to win.”

Neary lined up on the front row for race two on Sunday morning but things didn’t quite go to plan as, although he was running in fourth place for the first few laps he was forced to retire at half race distance with a technical issue. He said: “As race weekends go it was pretty poor!!  A technical issue with the bike meant we didn’t finish race two. Not ideal but on the positive side it can always be worse! We will work hard and come back strong for Brands Hatch. Thanks to the team for all their hard work.”

With a non finish to his second race Neary has lost his series lead but is holding a strong second place on 108 points.

Meanwhile Newark rider Craig Currie went well during qualifying to start the first race from the middle of the second row. He held eighth place on lap one but began to drop back and completed the 10 lap affair in 14th place to pick up two championship points.

Starting race two on Sunday from the fifth row it was always going to be a challenge to get up into the top 10 but Currie made headway and completed the race in 13th place to secure another three championship points.

Snetterton was a positive weekend for the Nottinghamshire rider as he got his first points of the new season on board and has made good progress with the Ducati.

The next round is at Brands Hatch over the weekend of July 20-22 when both Zoek riders will be seeking strong results to boost their points tally with Neary looking to regain his series lead and Currie to move further up the standings.

Held UK are proud to supply Sean Neary with leathers and gloves!

Racer and Held wearer Tom Weeden's TT report

So in hindsight TT 2018 wasn't all so bad..

I finished all 5 races, we overcame a multitude of problems in both practice and in the races themselves, I went faster than I've ever been before and I'm still in one piece and fit to race another day.

As a racer I'm never happy with my results.. they can always be better and that's what drives me to return each year and better my own achievements. I don't want to be out there just to make up the numbers and stack up finishers medals and bronze replicas. I need that silver replica on my mantelpiece..

However, on the bikes and budget that I'm running on in comparison to the teams I'm racing against I don't think I did myself an injustice.

The last 6 lap Superbike race was a real struggle. I caught a bug of some kind that's left me with no energy. I was in bits after lap 1 and was making mistakes all over the place struggling to concentrate. My body was aching all over and just to finish was a triumph in itself. The TT is a real test of body and machinery and we came out on top in that one. Probably the hardest race of my life just to get a finish.

I'll come back next year hopefully on new machinery and we'll build on what I've learnt this year in which is effectively my first full TT.

This time last year I was in a neck brace with an unstable fracture of the C6 vertebrae, an unstable fracture in my T5 and two other fractures in my T6 and 7 after crashing in the first Supersport race. So I can't grumble with what I've achieved this year really 🤷🏻‍♂️

Thoughts remain with Dan Kneen and Adam Lyon and their family and friends. Also with all other riders injured in crashes at this years TT, particularly fellow Maidstone man, Steve Mercer. Keep fighting mate.

Massive thank you to Steve Weeden, Andy, Heidi Cockerton, Steve Ryder-Clague, James Cherry, Ian West and Mick Feekings who all played a part in the team and worked tirelessly to allow me to live the dream. Thank you so much.

Shout out to my boy Brad Ray also for flying over to help out 🙌🏼

Also a huge thank you to my sponsors and all my Club 77 members for riding on board with me this season! This wouldn't be possible without you and I can't give my appreciation enough.

Thanks also to everyone who supported me on here and in person at the TT 🙌🏼

We're very proud of you at Held UK Tom! 

A true gent and a great racer!

News: No Spring Cup this year at Oliver's Mount

OLIVER'S MOUNT SPRING CUP POSTPONED ON SAFETY GROUNDS

The Spring Cup event, scheduled for 20/21 April for Oliver's Mount in Scarborough, has been denied a licence by the ACU and the event has been postponed.

A statement reads: "Following a comprehensive risk assessment of Oliver's Mount, members of the ACU Road Race Committee met with directors of Auto 66 / PMH Promotions in January this year and agreed additional safety improvements for the circuit.

"A circuit inspection took place on 21 March and found that the organisers had not achieved all the improvements required by that deadline. The deadline was extended to Tuesday 27 March and then further extended to Friday 6 April.

"With regret, the ACU is unable to provide a course licence for Oliver's Mount which means no permit / insurance can be issued for the Spring Cup due to take place on 20/21 April. The organisers/promoters, in conjunction with the ACU and Scarborough Borough Council, will work together to try to achieve events at the venue later in the year."

A word from endurance racer Dai Benyon

**SPONSORSHIP**

A BIG thank you to Guy, Loz and everyone else at Held Rider Equipment for the leather and accessory sponsorship for the coming 2018 season.

I first approached Held last season as I always struggled with ill fitting gloves, the palm would get too loose and the fingers were always that little too long and if I went down a size they would be too tight.

I first met Guy and Loz at my local Held supplier, GT Superbikes. Great blokes to talk to and we got down to designing and measuring my hands for the perfect fitting gloves! The leather is very supple and the fit is to the mm. 

I have worn these gloves for nearly a full season and they are as good as the day I recevied them.

Buzzing with my gloves I rang Loz to talk leathers and he came back with a great offer and free stuff :). Our last round of the 2017 season was at Donington Park and Loz made a 4 hour round trip to come and get me measured for next season's suit.

4 weeks later and the suit is on my door step protected in one of Held's brand new travel boxes. The box is fantastic, it will hold all you'll ever need - From your leathers to your spare toe sliders!

Now the suit - Again Loz has pulled it out of the bag! Mm Perfect. The leather is so supple, there's no need to wander around the house for days breaking the suit in. I put it on and sat around for a bit to check i could move and it felt like a suit that I had worn for years! Extremely happy with the service and the product!

So.. if anyone is looking for perfect made to measure kit for the 2018 season - give me a shout and Ill pass on Loz's number

Thanks Dai, and good luck for 2018!

To learn more about Held in the UK please visit www.held-uk.co.uk

Order a made-to-measure leather suit and get a FREE HELD TRAVEL BOX

FREE HELD TRAVEL BOX WORTH £200!!

Winter Promotion till 30th November 2017

Full-Speed / Slade made-to-measure suit.

Create & order your tailor-made leather suit and get a great gift as a free thank you!

For each Full-Speed or Slade made-to-measure suit ordered by your Held retailer during the promotion period, you will receive a travel box (item 4692) free of charge.

Create and configure your own leather suit according to your exact look, specification and measurements!

The philosophy of Held – Always offer the customer the perfect product. Standard suit sizes can't always provide an optimal and therefore safe fit. Our Made to Measure service provides the opportunity for the perfect fit and ultimate protection for you.

Especially with leather suits, it is extremely important to have a perfect fit. Your suit needs to be comfortable, but also needs to provide a snug fit and it is imperative that external hard shells and internal protectors are in exactly the right place so as not to cause any pressure points. Only this way can your suit guarantee you the maximum protection.

• handmade in Italy / Hungary
• exact fitting
• individual design
• innovative hardshells
• innovative protectors for neck, coccyx, chest, hip and ribs

Your custom made suit is a handcrafted and unique item, delivering each of your requirements, imaginations and colour wishes to create the optimal combination between rider and bike.

To offer you a suit just like a "second skin" we tailor your individual leather suit exactly to your needs and wishes.

How it works:

-Create your suit here (scroll down after clicking)
-Follow the instructions to send us the request

This is a great offer- go and check out the configurator and see what you can create!

Held Racer Report: Sean Neary, Oulton Park National Superstock 1000

SEAN NEARY OULTON PARK SUPERSTOCK

With no Ducati race at Sean Neary’s home circuit of Oulton Park the Lymm based rider decided to have a ride in the Pirelli National Superstock championship round at the Cheshire circuit to see how he would fare against the regular riders in the series.

Sean Neary, Oulton Park Superstock. Pic: Dave Yeomans

He said: “I am really excited to be doing a one off round in the Superstock 1000 this weekend at Oulton Park. Huge thanks to Evolution Waste and 2 Works for making it happen. Also thanks to Jenko and JB for getting the bike ready. After years on the Ducati it's going to be tough but I can't wait! The BMW pulls like a train so there will be plenty of accidental wheelies!”

It was a baptism of fire for Neary in the highly competitive championship but he held his own and completed his qualifying in 27th place for a start to the first of two 14 lap races  from a ninth row grid position.

As the lights went out Neary was 28th on the first lap but once he settled into his race he began to make up ground, moving through to 26th on lap two. He was elevated to 24th when two riders tangled on lap nine and finally passed Joe Morphett who he had been in close company with, on lap 11. Too far away to the rider ahead he was unable to make further progress but brought the BMW home safely in 23rd place.


Sean said: “It has been great fun so far on the BM in my first Superstock 1000 race. A terrible start saw me dead last but I worked my way back to 23rd and set a new personal best lap time around Oulton Park. There is still so much to learn and feel I like a novice again but I am enjoying the experience!”

Starting the second race once again from the ninth row Neary got a good start and gained places on the first lap. But it was all over for him on lap 2 when he crashed at Shell Oils, his race over.

Sean said: “Today was a disaster! Terrible start again and then crashed on lap two trying to get back through. The weather made it a really tough weekend as I needed as many laps as possible. Still a great experience though and thanks so much to Evolution Waste, Craig Currie, 2 Works, Charlie and Lisa Kerford.

“It was good while it lasted but now I have to turn my attention back to the Ducati championship where the final round takes place at the Cathedral of Speed, Assen in the Netherlands on October 1. Although the championship is already won there are still two races for me to try to win.”

To see more about Held in the UK please click here

Held Racer Report: Kurt & Matt Wigley, Thruxton

Thruxton Race Report

Last weekend British Superbikes were down at Thruxton for the seventh round of the championship. Due to the lack of time following our discovery of the reduced bhp of the Supersport R6, we were to attend the fastest circuit on the calendar knowing that top speed would be a struggle.

Nicely showing off the Held Gloves!

FP1 began looking positive, however as the session progressed, Kurt struggled to improve his lap time due problems with the bikes handling. Exiting the fast sweeping corners, the bike was sliding and bouncing around in the attempt to high side. The team put their heads together to establish a solution following the 13th place finish which is not where we aimed to be. This lead to a series of suspension changes to compensate for the bumpy flat out circuit.

The second free practice session began to look positive as by lap 4 Kurt had knocked 0.6 of a second off his best lap from the previous session, however, this came to an abrupt stop as it became apparent that we were facing similar problems to the mornings FP1. The session came to an end with a 15th place finish and confusion as to where we had gone wrong.

Saturdays qualifying session was later in the day leaving us some more time to understand what we were up against. Under further inspections we identified that there was a mechanical fault with the rear shock meaning there was nothing we could do to the settings to resolve the handling issue. The shock was removed and serviced in preparation for Q1. Kurt took another 0.6 off his best lap time but because of the series of events leading up to this we were playing catch up and had to start from scratch back at the original base setting for the suspension as any alterations previously made were obsolete. The session came to a close with another 15th place finish.

Saturday afternoon brought the 10-lap sprint race for the Supersport class. Further changes were made leading up to the race which always hold a risk that it wasn’t for the better, however, this was not the case and Kurt’s personal best lap time was improved again. Kurt was in a heated battle with another 5 riders making his way up to 11th position at one stage. On the final but last lap, Kurt over ran the chicane leading onto the home straight and in the attempt to revert the advantage gained he fell back to P14 for the chequered flag.

Sunday brought an 18 lap feature race meaning tyre wear was a problem that everyone faced due to the abrasive circuit of Thruxton. The second race proved the difficulty faced with competing when down on power as every lap Kurt was overtaken on the back straight reaching speeds in excess of 150mph. This meant that he had to try and outbreak someone leading to him failing to stop and missing the chicane on several occasions each time knocking him out of a rhythm. The race came to a close with another 14th position finish picking up points in the championship but frustrated with the circumstances of the weekend.

Cadwell Park is right around the corner and we aim for a better performance with plans in place to replace the engine.

Held UK are proud to support Kurt and Matt Wigley with Race Gloves! www.held-uk.co.uk

Held Racer Report: Leon Jeacock, Snetterton BSB

The Snetterton300 Circuit held the latest round of the Pirelli National SuperStock1000 Championship and Leon and the team were hoping for a good result after the last couple of rounds. Sadly this didn’t prove to the case as it turned into a very testing weekend for both rider and team.

From first free practice, right through to qualifying Leon suffered numerous niggles with the Suzuki and all in all it was a difficult few sessions for the team. In free practice one Leon posted a time good enough to be in the top fifteen and held on to this position in free practice two. Qualifying was held in hot conditions and as the temperature soared the fortunes of the team dipped. 

A brake problem raised its ugly head and Leon was struggling to get the Suzuki stopped at the end of the two long straights at Snetterton. This problem dropped Leon down the order and he took eighteenth place on the grid.

Making a good start and holding position for the first couple of laps, the front brake problem resurfaced and after taking evasive action on lap three he dropped down the field to twenty fourth place. Now he was not only fighting the technical problem but having to claw his way back through the midfield pack and this he did very well. He had made it back to twentieth when he had to retire from the race due to the brake problem becoming un-rideable.

Speaking after Leon said “we have had a disappointing weekend but we now have two weeks till the Brands Hatch round to sort the Suzuki and we will be going for it from the off” He also added “he wanted to thank all his sponsors for the help and backing they are giving him this season”

Held are pleased to support and supply Leon Jeacock. To learn more about Held in the UK please visit 

www.held-uk.co.uk

Hegarty's ready for the North West 200!

Top Gun Hegarty all set to fire at 2017 Vauxhall International North West 200.

Dan Hegarty made his debut at the 2016 Vauxhall International North West 200 and the Nottingham rider can’t wait to return with his new Top Gun team in May.

Held wearer Dan Hegarty: Getting ready!

The 31 year old will be riding in the Superbike, Superstock and Supersport races on the Honda Racing Fireblade that Conor Cummins campaigned last season alongside a Supersport spec CBR600RR Honda and a 2017 spec Fireblade in the Superstock races.

“I really enjoyed last year’s North West.” the Nottingham rider said during the Honda test at Castle Combe last week.

“The weather was great and I had a good run in the Superstock race.”

A Scarborough specialist and the top privateer at last year’s Isle of Man TT and Ulster Grand Prix, Hegarty is building his road racing CV. A maiden appearance at the 2016 Macau Grand Prix is now being followed with another season on the Irish roads, beginning at the North West on May 7-13.

Dan looks good in the black Held suit too! 

“The North West is a great circuit and it requires a lot of work to guage your braking markers from the high speeds.” he explained. “My favourite part of the circuit was the coast road section. Coming over Black Hill and the run down into Juniper with all that heavy braking was awesome.”

One of the fastest newcomers at last year’s event, Hegarty will be on one of the fastest bikes on the circuit in 2017.

“I know what riders like John McGuinness has done on the Honda and I know there is plenty more to come from me.” he said. “I will have 20bhp more than I’ve ever had before. We have the donkey now, it is up to refine everything around that.”

Hegarty has switched from the K Tech suspension and Dunlop rubber he used on his stocker Kawasaki last year to Metzeler tyres and Maxton suspension for 2017. What is his goal with the new Honda superbike at this year’s North West?

“I don’t set goals because that is pressure.” the level headed 31 year old says. “As long as I am always going forwards on the roads then I will be happy.”

Dan Hegarty!

Good luck from all at Held!

To see more about Held in the UK please visit www.held-uk.co.uk

World SuperSport Round 1: Held Racer Stefan Hill

The opening round of the World Supersport Championship did not go the way that the Profile Racing team would have hoped. Both Stefan Hill – and teammate Luke Stapleford – were forced to retire from the race.

The weekend started strong in Friday’s practice sessions with Stefan taking a very mature approach to the weekend. He took his time to continue to adjust to the bike and build his speed gradually. He would end the day 20th and ready for qualifying.

Stefan again continued to improve and impress the team on Saturday as his times were getting faster and he would qualify in 18th place.

Stefan was riding strong and battling for the last few remaining points in the race. He looked like he would be able to start the season by securing his first ever world championship points. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be as on lap six his bike suffered a technical failure and he was forced to call it quits.

The team now know what the problem was and is confident it will be fixed for round two in Thailand.

Stefan Hill: 

“Although there was a technical error and I couldn’t finish the race I felt there’s loads of positives to take out the weekend! I went a lot faster than I had previously on the new triumph. I feel like I’ve made big improvements even though I didn’t finish the race but know we will be back stronger and better for Thailand in two weeks time.”

Picture Credit: Rob Gray, Polarity Photos

To learn more about Held in the UK please visit 

www.held-uk.co.uk

To learn more about Stefan Hill please click here

Held Racer Report: ZOEK RACING BRANDS HATCH SEASON FINALE

ZOEK RACING BRANDS HATCH SEASON FINALE

Team Zoek Racing were at Brands Hatch for the final round of the Ducati TriOptions Cup where Sean Neary secured second place in the championship by recording the win in each of the two races while Craig Currie took 13th and ninth to finish in 14th place.

After qualifying in third place Neary from Lymm in Cheshire began the first race from a front row grid position. The race was moved from Saturday to Sunday because of several delays in other classes and then reduced in distance to eight laps. As the lights went out Sean maintained third place on the first lap but moved up into the lead after passing Phil Atkinson at Westfields one lap later. Although he headed the field the action was close and positions exchanged through the middle laps but Sean kept his head and powered the bike through to secure the win just under a second in front of Leon Morris.

Zoek Racing's Sean Neary

Starting the final race of the season from pole position Sean knew that nothing less than a win would suffice if he was to move up into second place in the championship and he was determined not to be denied. He led the race from lights to flag with him and Leon Morris edging clear of the pursuing pack. He had a big moment on lap five when he ran wide at Paddock Hill and very nearly crashed but he was quick to recover and remained in control at the front.

After the race Sean said: "l still cannot believe that we did the double to win both races and make it three in a row. I couldn't be happier for the whole Zoek Racing team and all the people that help me. I have to say a massive thank you to them all. We will be back next year to try to get the number one plate!"

When the points were added up Neary had scored 289 to the new champion Leon Morris who scored 294. Just five points separated him from lifting the trophy.

Meanwhile Craig Currie from Newark began the first race from the fourth row. He didn't get the best of starts and crossed the line at the end of the first lap in 16th place. But he stuck with it and passed Ross Humphries on lap three to chase after Dave Ferns a few yards ahead. He reeled him in and finally made his move stick to pass Ferns and settle into 13th position which he held to the chequered flag.

Zoek Racing's Craig Currie

Starting the final race from the third row Currie got away to a fine start and was up to seventh on the opening lap. One lap later he was up to sixth after passing Taryn Skinner and on lap three he overtook Sam Middlemas to secure fifth place. But his progress was short-lived as he was relegated to seventh and then eighth and with one lap remaining he was pushed back to ninth when Mark Cheetham made a pass. The action was fast and furious within the bunch of riders with Currie crossing the finish line just a tenth of a second behind Cheetham in ninth place.

Currie completes his season in 14th place on 47 points but the scores are very close and he was not far away from a top 10 end to the season.

Pics show Currie #42 and Neary #10 in race action at Brands Hatch
Credit: Dave Yeomans

Zoek can also help you be a winner too- check out their superb recruitment website here

To learn more about Held in the UK please click here

Held Racer Report: Leon Jeacock, National Superstock 1000, Donington Park

Consistency pays off with another points finish

The penultimate round of the Pirelli National Superstock1000 Championship with Black Horse took place at Donington Park. This is almost home turf for Leon and one of his favourite circuits, with its fast flowing bends and tight hairpins giving close racing and plenty of overtaking opportunities.

Leon decided to sit out the free practice session on Friday morning as a rain shower had left the circuit wet. With more rain threatening the decision was made to wait until the afternoons qualifying session to enter the fray. Qualifying one was held in dry conditions and he took a provisional fifteenth on the grid. Despite having a good base set up the Geo E Davies Racing team made a few tweaks overnight for the second qualifying session to be held on Saturday. 

The changes made to the machine certainly worked for Leon as he knocked nearly half a second from qualifying one and moved up to twelfth on the grid. He was confident of another points finish in the race to be held on Sunday.

Making an uncharacteristically poor start Leon slipped down to fourteenth position on lap one. His fightback started almost immediately and by lap seven of the ten lap race he had made it back into the top ten. With three laps left Leon managed to claw back another position and finished in ninth spot. 

Another solid points finish for him and the team leaving him in tenth place in the Championship amidst a tight battle, with four other riders sitting closely around his tally of forty-eight points.

Leon said “I am pleased with the result after the slow start and it was pleasing to ride in front of so many people who help me and the team to be here at what is our home round really. We now move onto Brands Hatch for the final round of 2016 and hopefully a good result to go into the winter with. Many thanks to all my sponsors once again”

For more information on Held Motorcycle Gear 

in the UK please click here

To see the superb products sold by Team Owners 

Geo E Davies please click here

Tom Weeden's race report: Manx Senior GP win!!

Maidstone rider Tom Weeden sailed into the Isle of Man's Douglas Harbour a few weeks ago, determined to win a Manx GP. He kept all his fans waiting until the last race of the meeting, the most prestigious Full Factory Winnerswear Senior race, when he battled hard to take the win on the TT Mountain Course, beating local Manxman Andrew Dudgeon in a thrilling four lap race. Tom's pit board at the end of the third lap told him he was 9 seconds adrift and at that point he felt his chances of winning slipping away. 

In his own words "I had nothing to lose, so I decided I was going for a 120mph lap, having come so close in practice, and gave it everything". He threw caution to the wind, relaxed into a rhythm and, spurred on by his pit boards around the circuit, drew level and passed Dudgeon on the climb to the Bungalow. They matched each other for speed on the run-in to the Grandstand, Dudgeon crossed the line ahead and the crowd knew Tom had to cross the line within thirty nail-biting seconds to grab the win... he did it with 0.674 seconds to spare and became a Manx GP winner - mission accomplished.

The icing on the cake was that Tom's last lap averaged a staggering 121.1mph. He joins the "Tommy Club", an elite group of only 10 riders who have circulated at over 120mph, a club established in memory of Tommy "Spook" Clucas, the first Manx GP rider to do so, with an average speed of 120.28mph in 2004. Sadly Tommy Clucas lost his life at Ballaugh Bridge later in that same race.

Tom's next outing will be at the Gold Cup in Scarborough later this month, but now the hard work really starts for the privateer team, Tom and his mechanic Dad, Steve, as they attempt to raise sufficient funds to compete at the TT in 2017, Tom now being eligible for the most famous road race in the world. 

Held UK are proud to supply leathers and gloves for Tom! To learn more about Held in the UK please visit www.held-uk.co.uk

Held Racer Report: Sean Neary, Cadwell Park DOUBLE PODIUM!

ZOEK RACING CADWELL PARK

The two Zoek Racing riders both brought points back to the team in their two races in the Ducati TriOptions Cup championship at Cadwell Park over the Bank Holiday weekend. Sean Neary claimed a brace of second places while Craig Currie was 10th and 13th.

After a good qualifying practice Neary started the first 10 lap race from a front row grid position. He settled into second position behind Leon Morris on the opening lap and was tucked in his slipstream as they came over the mountain on lap two. But his progress was thwarted when the course car came out to slow the riders as the marshals cleared a crash.

The car left the track at the end of lap five and Neary was quick to take the advantage and slip past Morris at Park Corner. He was able to hold his position until lap seven when Morris once again took the lead which he held to the chequered flag. Neary was not far behind and crossed the finish line less than a second away from Morris to take second place and 20 championship points which maintain his third place in the overall rider standings.

He said: "I tried really hard in that race but to be fair Leon was inch perfect and I couldn't find a way past him. In the last couple of laps he had the edge on me but we brought the bike home in one piece and bagged another 20 points. I will keep trying and I am sure we will get there! Huge thanks to the Zoek Racing Team. I'm trying for that win! Thanks to all my sponsors and team I couldn't do it without you."

In race two Sean once again started the 10 lap affair from the front row and slotted into third place behind Rob Guiver and Leon Morris. On lap four he managed to get past Morris and up into second place but was never near enough to the leader to make a pass. He continued to hold station throughout the rest of the race to bring the bike home in a lonely second place to secure another 20 championship points and consolidate his third place in the rider standings.

Stepping onto the podium for the second time over the weekend Neary said: "I am happy enough with second again although I obviously wanted the win after yesterday. But when Rob came by he just had that little edge on me and I had a few big slides so had to settle for second. Massive thanks to Zoek, Ducati Coventry, Charlestown and all my supporting sponsors. This was my eighth podium in 10 races so I really can't complain. Let's see if we can go one better next time out."

Meanwhile teammate Craig Currie from Newark began the race from the fifth row after qualifying in 15th position. He got a good start and moved up into 10th place on the first lap, maintaining the position throughout the race to cross the finish line in 10th to pick up six championship points to move into 13th position in the standings.

Starting from the fifth row again for race two he held 11th spot for the first half of the 10 lap affair but was overhauled by Nicky Wilson on lap five and then Alistair Fagan also passed him on lap seven. But he held his position to the chequered flag to pick up a further three championship points. Although he still remains in 13th position overall he has closed the gap and is now just two points away from 12th.

Craig who is part owner of the Chris Walker Kawasaki Showroom in Grantham said: "I am really pleased with my results this weekend. I feel I have made strong progress in the two races and picked up some valuable points. A couple of good results next time out could see me move up the championship standings."

The next round is at Oulton Park over the weekend of September 7-9.

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Held Racer Report, Round 8, Brands Hatch, Kurt Wigley, Superstock 600

Round 8 Race Report – Brands Hatch GP

This weekend was a journey down to Kent for the eighth round of the British Superbike season at Brands Hatch. It was only Kurt competing at this event due to twin brother Matt being kept in hospital following the crash at Thruxton, the previous round. He is recovering quickly and is optimistic about a fast return.

Kurt and the team had a terrific beginning to the weekend starting with Fridays practice session, as Brands is not one of Kurt’s favorite circuits he was feeling skeptical about how the session would pan out therefore established a plan to gradually build throughout. He remained on track for the entire session, each lap feeling more comfortable and bringing down the times to a finish of P5.

The afternoon brought the first qualifying session which was structured similar to practice with the aim of building up to the final lap. Kurt managed to get into the top 10 before entering the pits for assistance from Mark, Go Racing Developments. A few changes to the Sorrymate.com Yamaha’s suspension set up saw Kurt obliterate his personal best lap time putting him in a P2 finish. This was a fantastic result especially because it was achieved on old scrub tyres, however, Saturdays qualifying times was guaranteed to improve.

We had no further changes to make to the bike for qualifying 2 in regards to the suspension as Kurt was pleased with the handling. The only change to be made was midway through the session Kurt planned to pit for a new rear tyre giving him the best opportunity for the final laps. After planning to use the front tyre from Thruxton’s race, we were disappointed to discover the tear in the sidewall meaning it could no longer be used. Thankfully, a supportive competing team in the paddock, Joe Goggins, gave us one of his used tyres for the session as our budget is already greatly stretched. Q2 began in accordance with our plan with Kurt warming up and entering the pits half way through. Whilst in the pits the red flag was deployed and around 10 minutes was deducted from the session meaning a 5 lap race to secure a strong qualifying position. After losing a few positions one of our final laps planted the team back on the front row with a P3 finish.

The lead up to the race was tense for us all as we had a growing determination to once again take that podium finish if not win. As the lights went out Kurt took to the inside of turn 1 temporarily taking the lead but immediately running wide opened the door to 4 of his rivals. The end of the first lap saw Kurt in 5th place with some hard work to do as he was chased down by another two. The battle continued as he pushed his way through to 3rd and even temporarily 2nd until running wide following the overtaking maneuver. P1 and P2 began to break away over the open GP part of the circuit where we struggled with the bike being down in the speed traps leaving a 3 man fight for 3rd. As we crossed the line for lap 11, Tom Ward put an overtake on Kurt into paddock hill bend to take the number 3 spot for a split second before Kurt pulled the bend exit tight and took advantage of the wide line Tom had taken to regain the position. Moments later the race was red flagged cutting the final 2 laps and putting us on the podium again in 3rd place for round 8 of the season. The whole team are thrilled with the close race and that once again we were able to spray the champagne.

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Held Racer Report: BSB Round 8, Brands Hatch: Leon Jeacock, National Superstock 1000

Round eight of the Pirelli National Superstock1000 Championship with Black Horse took place at Brands Hatch on the legendary Grand Prix circuit, a track that Leon enjoys. With this in mind hopes were high that he would bounce back and finish in the points again following a disappointing round at Thruxton.

Free practice went well for Leon and he put in a lap time good enough for tenth place. Having made a few minor adjustments during the session it was obvious that the Geo E Davies Racing squad had a good base set up for the two all- important qualifying sessions. In sixteenth place on the provisional grid following the first session, Leon knew he could go faster in qualifying two and the team made a few more tweaks to the BMW. He put in a stunning effort and carved nearly a second off his first session time taking tenth place on the grid for the race. He was only 0.4 of a second of pole, a great effort by rider and team.

Fifteen laps lay ahead of Leon and he made a great start off the line, making a couple of places in the first corner shakeup. However, he nearly lost it all coming out of Graham Hill bend. getting power on a tad early he was almost out of his seat and lost the places he had made off the start. Settling into a rhythm Leon put in consistent fast laps and enjoyed a race long duel with a couple of riders but they were unable to tag onto the leading group of eight riders. At the chequered flag he crossed the line in tenth position, another good points haul for Leon.

Speaking after he said “as a team we had a great weekend, we had a good base setup and hardly made any changes over the weekend just a few minor tweaks. So pleased with only being off pole by 0.4 of a second in such a competitive class. I had a good start in the race got a bit excited out of Graham Hill bend nearly coming out the seat but got my head down and happy to finish in the points again. Want to say much appreciation to my sponsors, family and friend without whom this wouldn't be possible”

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