Racers in Held for 2013

Racing season is already upon us- we've already had five podiums at the Brands Thundersport and we're hoping to increase this big time!

Held Wearing Racers: looking for podiums this season...

Here are the racers wearing Held this year - please watch out for them and cheer them on! Most are suited, booted and gloved in Held :)

Oh, if we've missed anyone or any series being raced please shout and we'll add to the list :)

Mike Edwards, Ducati 848 Challenge
Kurt Wigley, National Superstock 600
Matt Wigley, National Superstock 600
Seb Bulpin, National Superstock 1000
Joe Burns, National Superstock 1000
Sean Neary, Ducati 848 Challenge
Leon Jeacock, National Superstock 600
Ben Godfrey, National Superstock 600
Mark Cheetham, various events
Scot Adam, Thundersport GB
Justin Yates, Hottrax Endurance
Jonathan Garnett, Hottrax Endurance
Adam Sheriff, Thundersport GB
Andy Dix, Hottrax Endurance
Tom Weeden, Manx GP & Others
Jack Keen, Ducati 848 Challenge
Sam Smith, various events
Mike Booth, National Superstock 1000
Scot Smart, National Supersport 600

Gentlemen, start your engines! ;)

For more information on Held in the UK, a list of stockists and to view our online catalogue please visit www.held-uk.co.uk 

JOY FOR JEACOCK AT BRANDS FINALE

SUPERBIKES – Stockingford’s racing sensation and Held wearer Leon Jeacock ended his 2012 campaign in a blaze of glory at the Brands Hatch Racing Circuit in Kent over the weekend.  Taking part in the last round of the Metzeler National Superstock 600 Championship, Jeacock was determined to end the season on a high note.

Leon Jeacock- good finale at Brands

Struggling in Friday and Saturday’s qualifying sessions, Jeacock started  Sunday’s race in 19th position and back on row 5 of the grid.  Making his typical  blistering start and holding position throughout the 14-lap race, Jeacock made up an incredible seven places to cross the finishing line in 12th position.

“Absolutely delighted with today’s result” said Jeacock “I struggled in qualifying which always makes the race hard work from row 5, but it all came together when it mattered and I am thrilled with 12th place”.

Sunday’s result meant another 4 points added to his tally, and overall Jeacock finishes in 16th place on the Championship leaderboard.

“It’s been a mixed bag this year” said Jeacock reflecting on his 2012 season “we’ve had some good results, some bad, some real bad luck and some brilliant top 10 finishes!  But I’m pleased with 16th place in the Championship overall, we have a solid Team now, all pulling in the same direction and it’s definitely made a huge difference with my racing this year.  We definitely have something great to build on and take forward into the 2013 season”.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to all of the Team for their support this year; Mike Dorey at BMC Racing for preparing a superb bike for me all year, Mum and Dad, my fiancé Jo Dearden, Craig and Lennie Collins, Kath and Richard Dorey, Jordan Hodgson, Richard Johnson, In Touch Sports Media and Marketing, and to my sponsors; Held Bike Gear, Nexx helmets, Advance Forwarding, Arbury Gates, Moto Central and Nuffield Health Nuneaton”.

Leon is actively seeking sponsorship for the 2013 season and would love to hear from anyone who may be able to help in any way. If anyone would like to get involved or receive a 2013 Sponsorship Portfolio, please do not hesitate to contact Leon directly at leon@leonjeacock.co.uk or Richard Johnson at richard@leonjeacock.co.uk.

Leon Jeacock is kindly supported by Nuffield Health & Wellbeing Centre Nuneaton, BMC Racing, Held Rider Equipment, LJR Race Products, Manbat Ltd, Arbury Gates & Railings, DP Brakes, Nexx Helmets, Moto-Central, Advance Bike Shipping, In Touch Sports Media & Marketing and The “#55” Club.
 

Images: Ian Ward www.bikesportpics.com

For more information on Held and a list of UK dealers please visit www.held-uk.co.uk

HARD BATTLE FOR JEACOCK AT SILVERSTONE

SUPERBIKES – Stockingford’s own track-ace and Held wearer Leon Jeacock found himself in the middle of a hard-fought battle for points this weekend as he took part in Round 11 of the 2012 Metzeler National Superstock 600 Championship at the Silverstone circuit in Northampton.

Held wearer Leon Jeacock

 Friday – Free Practice & Qualifying 1
Miserable, drizzly weather hampered Friday’s free practice session, and despite feeling under the weather himself, Jeacock clocked up some pretty impressive lap times to finish sixth fastest at the end of the half hour session.

“Really pleased with that, the bike felt great even in the wet which isn’t the best of racing conditions but I’m pleased with how it all went and hoping we can continue that sort of form in this afternoon’s qualifying” said a satisfied Jeacock.

The rain had stopped by the time the first of the qualifying sessions started on Friday afternoon and completing a total of 10 laps, Jeacock took twelfth position overall.

Saturday –Qualifying 2
Saturday welcomed glorious sunshine and blue skies over the Northamptonshire circuit and the second qualifying session for the Superstock 600 riders saw Jeacock once again recording some very quick times to finish 11th quickest from the 36-rider field. That performance, added to his times from Friday meant Jeacock qualified for Sunday’s race in 11thposition, and starting from row 3 on the grid.

“Very happy with qualifying today” said a delighted Jeacock“bike felt really quick and really pleased to be off the third row tomorrow. Fingers crossed I can make a good start!”

Sunday – Race
Sunday’s race was declared dry and hoping for a good start from P11 on the grid Jeacock unluckily got caught behind a couple of fallers on the first lap, pushing him right back in 25th place. However, not to let this defeat him, Jeacock battled hard for the remaining 9 laps and managed to pick off a further 11 fellow competitors to take the chequered flag in 14th position.

“First lap didn’t make things easy!” said Jeacock “was hoping a good start would have put me right up in the running today, but I guess these things happen in our sport! Really pleased to have added some more Championship points to the tally though, looking forward now to the season close at Brands Hatch in a couple of weeks”.

Jeacock goes into the showdown of the 2012 Metzeler National Superstock 600 Championship in 18th position on the Championship leaderboard. The season finale takes place at the Brands Hatch circuit in Kent from the 12 – 14 October.

Leon, who celebrates his 24th birthday on Thursday, is seeking sponsorship for the 2013 race season and would love to hear from anyone who may be able to help in any way. If anyone would like to get involved or receive a sponsorship portfolio, please do not hesitate to contact Leon directly at leon@leonjeacock.co.uk or Richard Johnson at richard@leonjeacock.co.uk.

For more information on Held in the UK, and for a list of stockists please visit www.held-uk.co.uk

DONINGTON DISAPPOINTMENT FOR JEACOCK

SUPERBIKES – Stockingford’s track ace and Held wearer Leon Jeacock came away disappointed with 20th place and missing out on vital Championship points in Round 10 of the Metzeler National Superstock 600 Championship, which took place at Donington Park over the weekend.

Jeacock: Dissapointed at Donington

Unveiling a brand new race bike in the BMC Racing Team livery, Jeacock qualified for Sunday’s race in 17th place, putting him on row 5 of the grid but despite battling hard crossed the line in 20th place.

“Its always a big ask to make up ground from row 5 despite a good start” said Jeacock, “But I tried my best, and yes I am disappointed not to pick up points this weekend, but that’s racing.  Onwards and upwards; we now need to regroup and refocus on the next round and hopefully we can make up for it at Silverstone”.

Jeacock goes into Round 11 of the 2012 Metzeler National Superstock 600 Championship in 18th place on the Championship leaderboard with just two rounds remaining.  Round 11 takes place at the world famous Silverstone circuit in Northamptonshire over the weekend of 28th – 30th September.





For more information on Leon please visit www.leonjeacock.co.uk. For more information on Held Bike Gear please visit www.held-uk.co.uk

Donington Park- Racers wearing Held

We were privileged to be at Donington Park over the weekend, cheering on the racers wearing Held across five different race series.

Ducati 848 racer Sean Neary's Held Phantoms- Nice!

Here's a brief summary of how the Held wearing riders faired:

British Superbikes:

Scott Smart- 16th
Gary Mason- 20th

National Superstock 1000:

Seb Bulpin- DNF

National Superstock 600

Leon Jeacock- 20th

Ducati 848 Challenge:

Mike Edwards- 3rd, X2
Mark Cheetham- 7th & 8th
Sean Neary- 13th, 16th
Scot Adam- DNF

Triumph Triple Challenge:

Tom Weeden- 4th, 5th



Great racing as always, well done everyone!

www.held-uk.co.uk

DISAPPOINTED JEACOCK BATTLES ON AT BRANDS HATCH

Stockingford’s very own ‘hot-rod’, Held wearing  Leon Jeacock battled hard at a sun drenched Brands Hatch over the weekend to finish Round 7 of the 2012 Metzeler National Superstock 600 Championship in 17th place and just outside of the Championship points.
A fantastic start to the weekend saw Jeacock finish Friday’s official testing around the Indy circuit in seventh place:

“Testing went really well this morning” said Jeacock “the bike setup felt great and my lap times just kept getting better and better, extremely pleased to finish seventh”.
Saturday was qualifying day only this time around the GP circuit, 11th place in the first session and 15th place in the second session left Jeacock to start Sunday’s race in 15th position and row 4 on the grid;

“A bit disappointed to slip back to 15th after such a good result in testing on Friday” said Jeacock “but that’s where we are and we have to make the best of it.  The bike felt great on Friday and we’ve proved we can keep up there with the front runners, and that is exactly what I’ll be looking to do tomorrow”.

Raceday was unceremoniously bathed in welcome summer sunshine and despite a good start, Jeacock could make no impression on the field in front of him and crossed the finishing line in 17th place.

“Disappointed with that” said Jeacock “disappointed to finish outside the points but guess today just wasn’t my day”.

“There is a bit of a break in the calendar now for a month or so before the next round at Cadwell Park over the August Bank Holiday weekend.  We are struggling for funding and at this stage I am unsure whether I will be at Cadwell or not.  If anyone is able to help us out in anyway, please get in touch, any help will be greatly appreciated”.

Leon is actively seeking sponsorship to enable him to finish the 2012 race season and would love to hear from anyone who may be able to help in any way. If anyone would like to get involved or receive a sponsorship portfolio, please do not hesitate to contact Leon directly at leon@leonjeacock.co.uk or Richard Johnson at richard@leonjeacock.co.uk.

For more information on Held in the UK please visit www.held-uk.co.uk

JUBILANT JEACOCK STEALS EIGHTH AT OULTON

SUPERBIKES - Putting the woes of Knockhill firmly behind him, Nuneaton’s own ‘Track Ace’ Leon Jeacock, rode a blinding race to steal eighth place in Race 7 of the Metzeler National Superstock 600 Championship at Oulton Park this afternoon.

Leon Jeacock: an excellent 8th at Oulton

Despite a fantastic result, Leon’s weekend was not all plain-sailing with both mechanical gremlins and the unpredictable British weather both playing their part.  The Cheshire circuit didn’t escape the summer deluge and torrential rain hit the circuit on Friday resulting in racing being suspended to allow the circuit to drain.  The weather inevitably took its toll on the timetable and resulted in Leon’s qualifying sessions being moved to Saturday.

“The rain on Friday was unbelievable” said Leon “the surface water sitting on the track made the racing conditions virtually impossible.  Thankfully the Organisers recognised the danger and track activity was held up for a while which meant that my qualifying sessions were delayed until the next day”.

Thankfully the sun made an unprecedented appearance in Cheshire on Saturday and both of Leon’s qualifying sessions took place in the dry.  However first qualifying did not go to plan; gearbox problems hampered his chances and finishing the session in 21st place left him bitterly disappointed:

“First qualifying was a nightmare” commented Leon “the gearbox went and I had no chance after that.  I came off the track and the Team were absolutely amazing.  A huge thank you to Mike Dorey of BMC Racing who basically changed the whole engine in just over an hour, otherwise my weekend would have been over!”.

Gearbox probs: BMC Racing came to Leon's rescue

With everything depending on the second qualifying session Leon dug deep and produced his best finish of the season, laying claim to fifth fastest in the session.

“The second qualifying session was great!” said a delighted Leon sporting a grin from ear-to-ear “the bike felt fantastic and it all fell into place when it counted and we produced the best result of the season so far, absolutely delighted with that!”.
Starting this afternoon’s 12 lap race from P5 Leon slipped just two places from the starting grid and at the halfway stage was holding seventh position and keeping up with the leading pack.  An eventful second-half saw fellow competitors falling but battling hard Leon held his nerve and managed to cross the line in eighth place, bagging himself another 8 vital Championship points.

“I’m absolutely delighted with today’s result” said Leon “After the problems we had at Knockhill and again in yesterday’s qualifying the whole Team have been amazing and we’ve managed to turn it round and finish the weekend on a high!”.

Today’s points haul takes Leon to a total of 28 and into fifteenth position on the Championship Leaderboard.  The next round of the 2012 Metzeler National Superstock 600 Championship takes place at the Brands Hatch Race Circuit in Kent from the 20 – 22 July 2012.  You can follow Leon’s progress throughout the weekend at www.tsl-timing.com or at www.leonjeacock.co.uk, or leave him a good luck message on his Facebook fan page; Leon Jeacock- Road Racing (BSB Support Series).

Leon is actively seeking sponsorship to enable him to finish the 2012 race season and would love to hear from anyone who may be able to help in any way. If anyone would like to get involved or receive a sponsorship portfolio, please do not hesitate to contact Leon directly at leon@leonjeacock.co.uk or Richard Johnson at richard@leonjeacock.co.uk

Leon Jeacock wears Held. For more information on Held Rider Equipment please visit www.held-uk.co.uk

Oulton Park- Racers wearing Held

We were privileged to be at Oulton Park over the weekend, cheering on the racers wearing Held across four different race series.

Ducati 848 racer Sam Neary sporting the new top of the range Race Evo suit

Here's a brief summary of how the riders faired:

British Superbikes:

Scott Smart- 13th,  15th, 15th

Gary Mason- 18th

National Superstock 1000:

Seb Bulpin- 27th

National Superstock 600

Leon Jeacock- 8th

Ducati 848 Challenge:

Mike Edwards- 2nd, 5th

Mark Cheetham- 4th, 4th

Sean Neary- 9th, 7th

Scot Adam- 10th

Ryan Myler- 21st, 23rd

Great racing as always, well done everyone!

www.held-uk.co.uk

JEACOCK BATTLES THE ODDS IN SCOTLAND

SUPERBIKES – Stockingford’s Held wearing racer Leon Jeacock battled against the odds and the elements to finish just outside the points at Round 6 of the Metzeler National 600 Championship held at the Knockhill Racing Circuit over the weekend.

Making the 12 hour, 700 mile round trip the Team arrived to relentless rainfall at the Dunfermline Circuit, which lasted until Sunday morning making racing conditions extremely testing. 

Held Racer Leon Jeacock in action at Knockhill

 Finishing fifteenth fastest in Friday morning’s Free Practice session, Qualifying 1 didn’t all go to plan. Clocking a 53.696 seconds lap Jeacock crashed after having completed just 4 laps and was unable to rejoin the session, however his fastest lap was good enough to secure thirteenth position. ‘Monsoon-like’ conditions on Saturday forced Jeacock to preserve both himself and his bike, and deciding not to start in Qualifying 2 proved the right decision as the dreadful weather conditions meant Friday’s times couldn’t be bettered and Jeacock retained his thirteenth position on row 5 of the starting grid for Sunday’s race.
  
The rain finally stopped for raceday on Sunday, and a bizarre set of events ensued resulting in a double red-flagged race being declared, the field having completed just 6 of the scheduled 22 circuit laps. Jeacock finished just outside the Championship points in 17th place.
 
 
“Frustrated to come away with no points from this round” said a despondent Jeacock “but feeling pretty lucky to stay on it for the 6 laps though, as the steering damper bolt had

become detached following my crash in Q1 on Friday and was flaying around still attached to the fork leg. Thinking myself very lucky it didn’t jam my steering up completely”.

“Disappointing result but now it’s time to regroup and look towards the next round at Oulton Park in a couple of weeks. There are still 6 more rounds to go and plenty of points on offer”.
 
Round 7 of the 2012 Metzeler National Superstock 600 Championship takes place at the Oulton Park Circuit in Cheshire over the weekend of 6th – 8th July. You can follow Leon’s progress throughout the weekend at www.tsl-timing.com or at www.leonjeacock.co.uk, or leave him a good luck message on his Facebook fan page; Leon Jeacock- Road Racing
 
(BSB Support Series).
 
Leon is actively seeking sponsorship to enable him to finish the 2012 race season and would love to hear from anyone who may be able to help in any way. If anyone would like to get involved or receive a sponsorship portfolio, please do not hesitate to contact Leon directly at Leon@leonjeacock.co.uk or Richard Johnson at richard@leonjeacock.co.uk.
 
Leon Jeacock is kindly supported by Nuffield Health & Wellbeing Centre Nuneaton, BMC Racing, Held Rider Equipment, LJR Race Products, Manbat Ltd, Arbury Gates & Railings,  
DP Brakes, Nexx Helmets, Moto-Central, Advance Bike Shipping and The “#55” Club.