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Supermoto

WORLD SUPERMOTO CHAMPIONSHIP

MORE SUCCESS IN THE S1 FOR LAZZARINI'S APRILIA SXV 4.5

The winning streak for the Aprilia SXV 4.5 continues in the World S1 Supermoto with Ivan Lazzarini, the dominator of the only heat disputed at the Austrian Grand Prix, the 5th round of the international calendar. Lazzarini and Team DRC Supermoto were once again unbeatable, marking the best time on the wet track during Saturday's qualifying round and Sunday morning's Superpole. At the start of Race 1, he was able to stay on his feet after a multi-rider incident at the first turn and went on to handily win the heat. Thierry Van Den Bosch (Aprilia SXV 4.5/DRC Supermoto) placed 3rd in Saturday's qualifying round and 2nd in the Superpole but ended up on the ground at the first curve and got back up on the bike in last place. The Frenchman began a comeback that saw him close out in 10th. Race 2 was suspended after a few laps due to a serious accident involving Berthome and Nestor: the latter of which was transported by helicopter to the hospital in serious condition. At the moment the red flag went up, Lazzarini was commanding the race and Van Den Bosch was 4th. Thus, only one heat of the S1 Austrian GP was raced.

Of note in the S2 was Saturday's Pole by Massimo Beltrami (Aprilia SXV 5.5/DRC Supermoto) and his 2nd place in Sunday's Super Pole. In Race 1, he spent the entire fraction in Davide Gozzini's wake (TM). With four laps left until the end and in search of victory, he forced the pace but made contact with the back wheel of a competitor, shutting down his Aprilia. He took off again but ran into a racer during his attempted comeback and irreparably damaged his SXV 5.5. Luca Minutilli (Aprilia SXV 5.5/PMR H20) had a great 3rd place finish in Race 1 after passing Beltrami at the start of the race and maintaining a good pace for the entire fraction. In Race 2, Beltrami recovered to 4th place after a not-so-great start while Minutilli, who took off in the back, finished 10th. Also important was the positive reentry of Christian Iddon (Aprilia SXV 5.5/PMR H20), who finished 5th and 6th in the heats even though he was understandably a bit out of shape after his arm injury.

GREINBACH (AUT) - 5th round of the World Supermoto Championship S1 Class Race 1: 1. Ivan Lazzarini (Aprilia SXV 4.5); 2. Bernd Hiemer (Ktm); 3. Sylvain Bidart (Husqvarna); 10. Thierry Van Den Bosch (Aprilia SXV 4.5). Austrian S1 Grand Prix Classification: 1. Ivan Lazzarini (Aprilia SXV 4.5) 25 points; 2. Bernd Hiemer (Ktm) 22; 3. Sylvain Bidart (Husqvarna) 20; 10. Thierry Van Den Bosch (Aprilia SXV 4.5) 11. The S1 Championship after 5 rounds: 1. Hiemer 198; 2. Van Den Bosch 180; 3. Lazzarini 158. The S1 Constructors Championship after 4 rounds: 1. Aprilia 219 points; 2. Ktm 198; 3. Husqvarna 163. S2 Class Race 1: 1. Davide Gozzini (Tm); 2. Adrien Chareyre (Husqvarna); 3. Luca Minutilli (Aprilia SXV 5.5); 5. Christian Iddon (Aprilia SXV 5.5); withdrawn: Massimo Beltrami (Aprilia SXV 5.5). Race 2: 1. Gerald Delepine (Husqvarna); 2. Adrien Chareyre (Husqvarna); 3. Davide Gozzini (Tm); 4. Massimo Beltrami (Aprilia SXV 5.5); 6. Christian Iddon (Aprilia SXV 5.5); 10. Luca Minutilli (Aprilia SXV 5.5). Austrian S2 Grand Prix Classification: 1. Gozzini 45 points; 2. A. Chareyre 44; 3. Delepine 38; 5. Iddon 31; 6. Minutilli 31; 10. Beltrami 21. The S2 Championship after 4 rounds: 1. A. Chareyre 228 points; 2. Gozzini 222; 3. Delepine 171; 5. Minutilli 159; 6. Beltrami 148; 10. Iddon 98. The S2 Constructors Championship after 5 rounds: 1. Husqvarna 233 points; 2. Tm 229; 3. Aprilia 190.

ITALIAN SUPERMOTO: THE MAGICAL LAZZARINI

Ivan Lazzarini's golden streak continues with the Aprilia SXV 4.5. In the last three races, two in the Italian Supermoto and the other in the World Championship, the rider from Pesaro has proven himself to be unbeatable in the S1. In Viterbo Lazzarini on Sunday, July 6, he again brought home a double victory to improve his undefeated record in the Italian S1 to 10 races. Just like a month ago in Pomposa, Ivan was also the fastest overall in the International class. Van Den Bosch also raced well, placing 4th in Race 1 and 2nd in Race 2. In the S2, the sharp Luca Minutilli (Aprilia SXV 5.5) finished 2nd in the final heat while Massimo Beltrami (Aprilia SXV 5.5) placed 8th and 5th. Noale, July 6, 2008

You can call it a state of grace or a golden streak. The important fact is that Ivan Lazzarini (Aprilia SXV 4.5) has left his competitors in the dust as he dominated the last three races (one international and two Italian). It was the same self-assured Lazzarini who has become one with his twin SXV 4.5 of team DRC Supermoto in this second half of the season. Once again in Viterbo, the 5th round of the World and Italian Supermoto Championship, he commanded the competition with his great physical shape and disarming psychological strength. He captured the S1 pole and was the only rider to clock in a time under 1.23. Some 0.384 seconds behind him was teammate Thierry Van Den Bosch (Aprilia SXV 4.5) while Bernd Hiemer (Ktm) finished 0.768 seconds back. He raced two impeccable heats, immediately taking the lead and conducting the race to perfection. He was able to maintain this lead from start to finish without succumbing to the pressure of riders the caliber of Van Den Bosch and Giemer. After placing 4th in the first fraction, Van Den Bosch had a better start in the final fraction and rode on Lazzarini's wheel the entire race. He didn't, however, have the chance to make a move for the lead that could have changed the race. Ivan thus marked another victory, improving his perfect record to ten since he has won every race disputed in the Italian S1. He was also the fastest overall rider in the International class.

With just one race remaining in the championships (to be held on September 7 at Castelletto di Branduzzo (PV), Lazzarini commands the International classification with 224 points and is followed by Van Den Bosch (206) and Thomas Chareyre (192). In the Italian championship, his margin is even wider. He enjoys a full point count of 250 and is followed by Balducci (206) and Ravaglia (189). In the S2, it was a normal race for Massimo Beltrami (Aprilia SXV 5.5 of Team DRC Supermoto), who finished 8th and 5th. Beltrami wasn't able to find the feeling he needed to make a difference. Luca Minutilli (Aprilia SXV 5.5 of Team PMR H2O) withdrew from Race 1 due to mechanical problems but was a protagonist of Race 2 in which he finished 2nd. The leader of the Aprilia Supermoto Cup, Fabrizio Barolini (Aprilia SXV 5.5) had another solid weekend with 7th and 6th place finishes.

Viterbo - 5th round of the World and Italian Supermoto Championship S1 Class Race 1: 1. Ivan Lazzarini (Aprilia SXV 4.5); 2. Bernd Hiemer (Ktm); 3. Thomas Chareyre (Husqvarna); 4. Thierry Van Den Bosch (Aprilia SXV 4.5). Race 2: 1. Ivan Lazzarini (Aprilia SXV 4.5); 2. Thierry Van Den Bosch (Aprilia SXV 4.5); 3. Bernd Hiemer (Ktm). The International S1 Championships after 5 trials: 1. Ivan Lazzarini (Aprilia SXV 4.5) 224 points; 2. Thierry Van Den Bosch (Aprilia SXV 4.5) 206; 3. Thomas Chareyre (Husqvarna) 192. The Italian S1 Championships after 5 trials: 1. Ivan Lazzarini (Aprilia SXV 4.5) 250 points; 2. Fabio Balducci (Suzuki) 206; 3. Cristian Ravaglia (Yamaha) 189. S2 Class Race 1: 1. Adrien Chareyre (Husqvarna); 2. Gerald Delepine (Husqvarna); 3. Attilio Pignotti (Ktm); Davide Gozzini (Tm); 7. Fabrizio Bartolini (Aprilia SXV 5.5); 8. Massimo Beltrami (Aprilia SXV 5.5). Race 2: 1. Adrien Chareyre (Husqvarna); 2. Luca Minutilli (Aprilia SXV 5.5); 3. Gerald Delepine (Husqvarna); 5. Massimo Beltrami (Aprilia SXV 5.5); 6. Fabrizio Bartolini (Aprilia SXV 5.5). The International S2 Championships after 5 trials: 1. A. Cahreyre (Husqvarna) 215 points; 2. Davide Gozzini (Tm) 192 punti; 3. Attilio Pignotti (Ktm) 177; 4. Massimo Beltrami (Aprilia SXV 5.5) 165. The Italian S2 Championships after 5 trials: 1. Davide Gozzini (TM) 209 points; 2. Attilio Pignotti (Ktm) 203; 3. Massimo Beltrami (Aprilia SXV 5.5) 186; 5. Luca Minutilli (Aprilia SXV 5.5) 165.

ITALIAN SUPERMOTO CHAMPIONSHIP: LAZZARINI AND VAN DEN BOSCH

THE MATADORS OF THE S1 AT POMPOSA

Ivan Lazzarini (Aprilia SXV 4.5) continued his perfect streak in the Italian S1, winning his eighth of eight races and maintaining the maximum possible number of points in the championship's rankings. Ivan was also the fastest in the International class where he passed Thierry Van Den Bosch (Aprilia SXV 4.5) in the general rankings. Van Den Bosch finished 10th in Race 1 and slipped on spilled oil on the track (the result of a broken-down engine) but was still able to finish 2nd in Race 2 behind Lazzarini. In the S2, it was 3rd place on the day for a consistent Massimo Beltrami (Aprilia SXV 5.5), who finished ahead of Luca Minutilli (Aprilia SXV 5.5).

It was a turning point in the Italian and International Supermoto Championships. The round at Pomposa (Ferrara, Italy), the fourth of the six scheduled races on the calendar, marked the start of the home stretch towards the 2008 title. In the S1 class (reserved to the 450cc), it was more a breakaway than anything else. It began at the start and involved the two official Aprilia riders: Thierry Van Den Bosch and Ivan Lazzarini; the latter being the current leader of both the International and Italian championships. In the classification, the Italian Lazzarini (Aprilia SXV 4.5) raised the stakes with today's success in Pomposa, building on the distance he put between himself and the rest of the field in the three previous trials. It also allowed him to pass fellow Aprilia pilot Van Den Bosch on his way to the top of the International classification with 174 points, ahead of VDB's 166. The weekend opened on Saturday with an Aprilia head-to-head between Lazzarini and Van Den Bosch in the S1 qualifying session. Driving it was the Italian of Team DRC Supermoto, who clocked in a "good" time of 1:10.994; the only rider to break the 1.11 threshold. Simone Girolami completed the Aprilia triumvirate in the S1's top ten when he marked the 5th-best time atop an SXV 4.5.

Race 1 of the S1 opened with Lazzarini taking off in command and Van Den Bosch following behind him. After a few turns, the fraction was stopped as the track that had become inundated with oil after one of the competitor's engine broke down. Once the race restarted, Lazzarini quickly retook the lead while Van Den Bosch was closed in by the group at the first turn. The Frenchman attempted to recuperate positions while in 6th but instead lost his trajectory and ended up making contact with the filler that had been laid on the track to neutralize the oil. VDB lost control and hit the wall of protective tyres. When he got back on his bike, he made his way from 16th to 10th place as Lazzarini went on to win ahead of Hiemer (Ktm) and Fabio Balducci (Suzuki). When the light signalled the start of Race 2, Lazzarini again found himself in command of the race, trailed by Van Den Bosch and Hiemer. The three set a serious pace but their positions didn't change as they crossed the checkered flag that saluted Lazzarini's fantastic double. It was a success that, given the talented field, was particularly noteworthy in light of the upcoming international trials. Also finishing in the top ten was Simone Girolami (Aprilia SXV 4.5), who finished 8th and 9th in the heats.

In the S2, an Aprilia of Team DRC Supermoto was again a protagonist as Massimo Beltrami (Aprilia SXV 5.5) finished 2nd in the first heat and 6th in the second. Race 2 was dominated by the fall of an adversary in front Beltrami, which he was unable to avoid. It was really a shame since Massimo fell from 4th place down to 11th, only to finish 6th after a heartfelt comeback that allowed him to climb atop the third step of the day's podium. It was also a positive trial for Luca Minutilli (Aprilia SXV 5.5). The rider of Team PMR H20 finished 4th on the day behind Beltrami thanks to 5th and 3rd place finishes. The S2 Italian championship, with just two races left, sees Beltrami in 3rd while Minutilli occupies 6th. The performance of Fabrizio Bartolini (Aprilia SXV 5.5) was also solid, the private rider leading the 2008 Aprilia Supermoto Cup. He clocked in the surprising result of being the best rider atop a Noale twin in Saturday's qualifying round with the 4th-best time overall, just 0.306 seconds behind Davide Gozzini's pole (Tm). Minutilli finished 6th ahead of Beltrami in 8th. Bartolini also raced well in both heats, reaching the finish line in 6th and 7th.

Pomposa (FE) - 4th Round of the Italian and International Supermoto Championships S1 Class Race 1: 1. Ivan Lazzarini (Aprilia SXV 4.5); 2. Bernd Hiemer (Ktm); 3. Fabio Balducci (Suzuki); 10. Thierry Van Den Bosch (Aprilia SXV 4.5); Race 2: 1. Ivan Lazzarini (Aprilia SXV 4.5); 2. Thierry Van Den Bosch (Aprilia SXV 4.5); 3. Bernd Hiemer (Ktm). The International S1 Championship after 4 trials: 1. Ivan Lazzarini (Aprilia SXV 4.5) 174 points; 2. Thierry Van Den Bosch (Aprilia SXV 4.5) 166; 2. Thomas Chareyre (Husqvarna) 154. The Italian S1 Championship after 4 trials: 1. Ivan Lazzarini (Aprilia SXV 4.5) 200 points; 2. Fabio Balducci (Suzuki) 164; 3. Cristian Ravaglia (Yamaha) 160.

S2 Class Race 1: 1. Davide Gozzini (Tm); 2. Massimo Beltrami (Aprilia SXV 5.5); 3. Lorenzo Mariani (Tm); 5. Luca Minutilli (Aprilia SXV 5.5). Race 2: 1. Davide Gozzini (Tm); 2. Lorenzo Mariani (Tm); 3. Luca Minutilli (Aprilia SXV 5.5); 6. Massimo Beltrami (Aprilia SXV 5.5). The International S2 Championship after 4 trials: 1. Davide Gozzini (TM) 176 points; 2. Adrien Chareyre (Husqvarna) 165; 3. Attilio Pignotti (Ktm) 139; 4. Massimo Beltrami (Aprilia SXV 5.5) 136; 7. Luca Minutilli (Aprilia SXV 5.5) 120. The Italian S2 Championship after 4 trials: 1. Davide Gozzini (Tm) 189 points; 2. Attilio Pignotti (Ktm) 156; 3. Massimo Beltrami (Aprilia SXV 5.5) 151; 6. Luca Minutilli (Aprilia SXV 5.5) 135.

Aprilia Off Road Press Office - Ezio Romano Cell +39 340 0029798

WORLD SUPERMOTO CHAMPIONSHIP: VAN DEN BOSCH WINS THE EUROPEAN GP WITH HIS APRILIA SXV 4.5. AND MAINTAINS HIS LEADERSHIP IN THE S1- May 25, 2008

Thierry Van Den Bosch (Aprilia SXV 4.5) won the European S1 Supermoto Grand Prix, the second international round of the season. At Castelletto di Branduzzo (PV), Van Den Bosch was the fastest on the dry track, conquering Saturday's pole in addition to Sunday morning's super pole. He also confirmed himself to be the fastest in the rain that accompanied both heats of the race. After his 2nd place in Race 1, he won the conclusive fraction that that earned him the day's success and reaffirmed his leadership of the S1 class. Also racing well were Christian Iddon (Aprilia SXV 5.5), who finished 4th and 2nd in the S2, and Luca Minutilli (Aprilia SXV 5.5), who closed out the GP in 5th place overall. It was instead an unfortunate race for Ivan Lazzarini (Aprilia SXV 4.5) and Massimo Beltrami (Aprilia SXV 5.5).

Thierry Van Den Bosch, along with his Aprilia SXV 4.5, reconfirmed his leadership of the World S1 Supermoto Championship. After winning the Italian Grand Prix one month ago, he was able to repeat that result in the second international round of the season: the European Grand Prix at Castelletto di Branduzzo (Pavia). On Saturday, Van Den Bosch put everyone in their place on the dry track, marking the best time in the qualifying round. He repeated that performance on Sunday morning when he easily won the super pole. Just before the race began, mother nature decided to reshuffle the cards in the form of a rainstorm. Yet Van Den Bosch demonstrated that he could be equally fast with rain tyres and conquered 2nd place after a nice comeback from 4th. In Race 2, he took off behind the German, Bern Hiemer (Ktm). With two laps left to go until the end, he delivered the decisive attack and surprised Hiemer while going on to a deserved victory of both the fraction and the grand prix. "The weekend was a bit complicated - declared Van Den Bosch - due to the change in track conditions. I felt at home on the dry track but had difficulty knowing my limits on the wet track. In Race 1, Hiemer was immediately fast but I gained confidence lap after lap and finished in 2nd. In Race 2, I was able to keep up the pace and pass him with two laps to the end. I am very confident, didn't make any mistakes, and am quite satisfied with the motorcycle's behavior." Van Den Bosch thus left Castelletto di Branduzzo as he arrived: the rider with the red plate in the lead of the S1. It was a Sunday to forget for Ivan Lazzarini (DRC Aprilia SXV 4.5). After the 3rd-best-time on Saturday's dry track, Ivan collected two zeros on Sunday. In Race 1, he took off poorly and ended up on the ground twice while attempting to recuperate positions. He finished 21st. In Race 2, he took off well in 3rd place and raced solidly until there was just one lap left to go. While in 5th place, he was forced to abandon the motorcycle on the track when a chain jumped its track during the off-road section. In the S2, Christian Iddon (Aprilia SXV 5.5) flirted with the podium and Grand Prix victory. The British member of team PMR H20 marked the fastest lap in Saturday's qualifying round and closed out the fraction in 4th place under heavy rain. He complained of a lack of visibility due to a crack in his protective goggles. In Race 2, he took off in 3rd and set out to catch up with Davide Gozzini (Tm) who had jet off at the start. Once he reached his adversary, he attempted to relieve him of his command of the race. However, given the wet track, Iddon decided to play it safe and settled for 2nd. It was also a positive trial for Luca Minutilli (Aprilia RXV 5.5). The rider for team PMR H20 closed out the two heats in 5th and 8th, finishing 5th in the day's classification. It was just too bad about the cut at the start of Race 2 that took him out of the lead group. It was 8th place overall for Massimo Beltrami in the S2 (Aprilia SXV 5.5) as the rider from Team DRC Aprilia had two unfortunate heats. In the first, he ended up on the ground while attacking Davide Gozzini (Tm) in the off-road section. He made contact with his rival's posterior wheel during a jump and upset his trajectory. Getting up quickly, he was able to cross the finish line in 6th place. In Race 2, he was forced to swerve around Minutilli (who had stopped short) and ended up off the track, losing multiple positions. He began a comeback from the rear but was nonetheless affected by a pair of falls and ended up finishing 11th.

Castelletto di Branduzzo (Pv) - 2nd round of the World Supermoto Championship S1 Class Race 1: 1. Bernd Hiemer (Ktm); 2. Thierry Van Den Bosch (Aprilia SXV 4.5); 3. Matthew Winstanley (Ktm); 21. Ivan Lazzarini (Aprilia SXV 4.5). Race 2: 1. Thierry Van Den Bosch (Aprilia SXV 4.5); 2. Bernd Hiemer (Ktm); 3. Matthew Winstanley (Ktm); Withdrawn: Ivan Lazzarini (Aprilia SXV 4.5). European S1 Grand Prix: 1. Van Den Bosch (Aprilia SXV 4.5) 47 points; 2. Hiemer 47; 3. Winstanley 40. The World S1 after two races: 1. Van Den Bosch (Aprilia SXV 4.5) 94 points; 2. Hiemer 94; 3. Winstanley 76; 10. Lazzarini (Aprilia SXV 4.5) 36.

S2 Class Race 1: 1. Adrien Chareyre (Husqvarna); 2. Gerard Delepine (Husqvarna); 3. Davide Gozzini (Tm); 4. Christian Iddon (Aprilia SXV 5.5); 5. Luca Minutilli (Aprilia SXV 5.5); 6. Massimo Beltrami (Aprilia SXV 5.5). Race 2: 1. Davide Gozzini (Tm); 2. Christian Iddon (Aprilia SXV 5.5); 3. Gerard Delepine (Husqvarna); 8. Luca Minutilli (Aprilia SXV 5.5); 11. Massimo Beltrami (Aprilia SXV 5.5). European S2 Grand Prix: 1. Gozzini 45 points; 2. A. Chareyre 43; 3. Delepine 42; 4. Iddon 40; 5. Minutilli 29; 8. Beltrami 25. The World S2 after two races: 1. Gozzini 92 points; 2. A. Chareyre 90; 3. Iddon 67; 4. Minutilli 65; 7. Beltrami 57.

Van Den Bosch leads the S1 World Championship

Thierry Van Den Bosch (Aprilia SXV 4.5) won the Italy Supermoto S1 Grand Prix, first world race that took place in Turin. Positive result for Ivan Lazzarini (Aprilia SXV 4.5) who got forth twice.

In the S2 race Luca Minutilli (Aprilia SXV 5.5) got the third place in the Race 2, after the fifth place got in the first manche. Massimo Beltrami (Aprilia SXV 5.5) also had a good race by achieving the forth and seventh place during the first world race on an Aprilia twin.

Hard test for Christian Iddon, who fell down in both races. The British got a seventh and an eighth place.

Hiemer snatches second in opening SM1 Grand Prix 

KTM factory rider Bernd Hiemer started the Supermoto S1 season in style on Sunday with a 1-2 victory in the two races for overall second place in the opening Grand Prix of Italy to share top points with leader Thierry van den Bosch of France.

Nevertheless the German rider allowed himself to be a little disappointed not to be on the top of the podium. In the case of shared points the rider who wins the second race is declared the overall winner. The race was held under sunny skies after rain on Saturday had prevented an competition on the offroad section of the track.

Great start to the season “It was a great start to the season and much better than last year,” Hiemer said. “My lap times and speed were super. In the first race I had a perfect start and at the halfway mark I had seven-second lead. I didn’t get away so well in the second race. I was in second place but I just wasn’t able to find an opportunity to overtake.”

Perfect control by Hiemer It was Van der Bosch that made a perfect start in the second race had while Hiemer was not able to overtake him he masterfully controlled Thomas Chareyre and Italian Ivan Lazzarini, indicating that he now has an excellent feeling for his KTM machine. Bernd is aiming high this season and wants to improve on his forth place finish in the S1 World Championship in 2007. The good result in the first Grand Prix is a major confidence booster for him, he said.

Busy program Hiemer has plenty on his program before the next GP with tests plus starts in the Italian and German national championship to keep his riding skills at razor’s edge. The next Grand Prix is the Grand prix of Europe scheduled for May 25.

Results Race 1

1 12 Bernd Hiemer KTM 2 101 Thierry van den Bosch Aprilia 3 9 Matthew Winstanley KTM 4 30 Ivan Lazzarini Aprilia 5 112 Thomas Chareyre Husqvarna

Results Race 2 

1 101 Thierry van den Bosch Aprilia 2 12 Bernd Hiemer KTM 3 112 Thomas Chareyre Husqvarna 4 30 Ivan Lazzarini Aprilia 5 9 Matthew Winstanley KTM

Standings 

1 12 Bernd Hiemer KTM 47 2 101 Thierry van den Bosch Aprilia 47 3 9 Matthew Winstanley KTM 36 4 112 Thomas Chareyre Husqvarna 36 5 30 Ivan Lazzarini Aprilia 36

2008 BRITISH SUPERMOTO CHAMPIONSHIP

Last minute complications with technical issues surrounding licence requirements and insurance has meant that the 2008 British Supermoto Championship has had to undergo significant changes. The historic collaboration between NORA, SSM & ACU/AMCA has been put on ice for the current season whilst certain aspects of insurance cover are resolved. All parties have stressed that they are keen to resolve the problem in order to look at a similar proposal for the 2009 season. However there is a silver lining for the competitors as riders will now be free to contest series promoted by the ACU/AMCA, SSM & NORA without any conflicts.

It also gives the British Championship Promoters the opportunity to enhance their meetings with a full programme of events including a new revolutionary class to further develop the sport and there will be less pressure on time to give competitors better value for their entry.

KEY POINTS

* S1 (450cc) S2 (Open) S3 (250cc) S4 (85cc) British Championship races

* NEW! British Clubman's Championship (Open cc)

* NEW! British Production Championship, a first in Supermoto a class specifically for road registered 'production road specification' bikes.

* ACU or AMCA licence required

* Qualifying on the day

* Discounts for multi class entries

* Supported by Aprilia KTM & Husqvarna

* Ten rounds at 6 meetings

* Dedicated web site at www.britishsupermoto.org 

2008 CALENDAR

27 April Lydd Kent (in conjunction with SSM)

17 - 18 May Rowrah Cumbria (New Circuit) Double header

28 - 29 June Swinderby Lincoln (The Return!!) Double header

19 - 20 July Blyton Lincolnshire Double header

3 August Teesside Middlesbrough

21 - 22 September Fakenham Norfolk Double header

To register your interest in the championship or obtain more details please email <mailto:BSMC@robinsonsrochdale.co.uk> BSMC@robinsonsrochdale.co.uk or write to BSMC, 2 Haugh Farm Haugh Fold Newhey Rochdale OL16 3RF enclosing a S.A.E

All riders must be registered before 29 Feb 2008

APRILIA WINS THE FIM S2 WORLD MANUFACTURERS CHAMPIONSHIP WITH THE TWIN SXV 5.5

A fantastic affirmation for Aprilia in Greece, where the final round of the international Supermoto took place, awarding the S2 Manufacturers' Titles to the twin SXV 5.5. The 2nd place obtained by Christian Iddon in Race 1 and Nestor Jorge's victory (racing the SXV 5.5 VDB Replica for the Spanish satellite team, BQR) were decisive in winning the constructor title, thanks to a last-minute comeback. It was an Aprilia double in the S1 with Thierry Van Den Bosch (SXV 4.5) who, although he won 10 heats out of 16, placed 2nd in the S1 Riders' as Aprilia finished 2nd in the S1 Manufacturers.

Team Aprilia Off won the World S2 Manufacturers' Titles in the FIM World Supermoto Championship with the twin SXV 5.5. The success came in Greece at the final Gp of the season, crowned by a comeback waged in splendid synergy between the official team (with only one rider this year, British Christian Iddon) and the Spanish satellite BQR team (with Jorge Nestor). It was in fact these two riders who won the decisive points that led to the crowning of the S2 Manufacturers' Titles, reserved for motorcycles with over 500 ccs. The 2nd place obtained by Iddon in Race 1 and Jorge's Race 2 victory (atop an SXV 5.5 VDB Replica) locked in the World S2 Manufacturers' Titles. For the Aprilia SXV, it is its 4th international title won in the past three years in this discipline, adding to Jerome Giraudo's 1st place Rider title in 2004 and the 2006 double victory in the Rider and Manufacturers' championships by Thierry Van Den Bosch. Therefore, after the Aprilia SXV 4.5 won the 2006 450cc's Manufacturers' championship, the same consecration goes to the SXV 5.5; queen of the higher cylinders. Aprilia was also the protagonist in the S1 with a double victory from Thierry Van Den Bosch (Aprilia SXV 4.5) who, although he won 10 out of 16 disputed heats, placed 2nd in the World S1 Rider ranking with the Aprilia SXV 4.5 and 2nd in the S1 Manufacturers' classification. Unfortunately, VDB and Team Aprilia Off Road paid heavily for two errors in two heats that ultimately weighed like stones over the overall championship. With more than ten heat victories under his belt, Van Den Bosch and Aprilia also enjoyed success in four of the eight Gp's, logging over 124 lead laps to Thomas Chareyre's 95 (Husqvarna) and his brother Adrien's 41 (Husqvarna), the ultimate victor of the championship who finished just nine points ahead of Van Den Bosch. Absent in Greece was Jerome Giraudo (Aprilia SXV 4.5) who is still out due to the eye injury suffered a month ago during the German championship. Team Aprilia Offroad dedicated the S2 Manufacturers' Titles to him as soon as it was awarded, hoping to see him on the track again as soon as possible.

Megara (GR) - Greece Gp, 8th round of the FIM World Supermoto Championships S1 Class Race 1: 1. Thierry Van Den Bosch (Fra/Aprilia SXV 4.5); 2. Bernd Hiemer (Ger/Ktm); 3. Ivan Lazzarini (Ita/Yamaha); 4. Kevin Berthome (Fra/Honda); 5. Adrien Chareyre (Fra/Husqvarna). Race 2: 1. Thierry Van Den Bosch (Fra/Aprilia SXV 4.5); 2. Thomas Chareyre (Fra/Husqvarna); 3. Bernd Hiemer (Ger/Ktm); 4. Ivan Lazzarini (Ita/Yamaha); 5. Adrien Chareyre (Fra/Husqvarna).

Greece Grand Prix S1 Classification: 1. Thierry Van Den Bosch (Fra/Aprilia SXV 4.5) 50 points; 2. Bernd Hiemer (Ger/Ktm) 42; 3. Ivan Lazzarini (Ita/Yamaha) 38.

Final S1 Rider Championship: 1. A. Chareyre (Husqvarna) 330 points; 2. Van Den Bosch (Aprilia SXV 4.5) 321; 3. T. Chareyre (Husqvarna) 288; 7. Giraudo (Aprilia SXV 4.5) 208.

Final S1 Manufacturers' Championship: 1. Husqvarna 356 points; 2. Aprilia (SXV 4.5) 347; 3. Honda 272; 4. Ktm 249; 5. Yamaha 241.

S2 Class Race 1: 1. Gerarld Delepine (Bel/Husqvarna); 2. Chrisrian Iddon (Gbr/Aprilia SXV 5.5); 3. Marcel Goetz (Sui/Ktm); 4. Attilio Pignotti (Ita/Ktm); 5. Nestor Jorge (Esp/Aprilia SXV 5.5). Race 2: 1. Nestor Jorge (Esp/Aprilia SXV 5.5); 2. Attilio Pignotti (Ita/Ktm); 3. Matthew Winstanleny (Gbr/Ktm); 4. Fabio Balducci (Ita/Tm); ); 5. Chrisrian Iddon (Gbr/Aprilia SXV 5.5).

Greece Grand Prix S2 Classification: 1. Jorge (Esp/Aprilia SXV 5.5) 41 points; 2. Pignotti (Ita/Ktm) 40; 3. Delepine (Bel/Husqvarna) 40; 4. Iddon (Gbr/Aprilia SXV 5.5) 38.

Final S2 Rider Championship: 1. Gerarld Delepine (Bel/Husqvarna) 311 points; 2. Attilio Pignotti (Ita/Ktm) 306; 3. Chrisrian Iddon (Gbr/Aprilia SXV 5.5) 283.

Final S2 Manufacturers' Championship: 1. Aprilia (SXV 5.5) 325 points, WORLD CHAMPIONS; 2. Husqvarna 319; 3. Ktm 314; 4. Tm 306; 5. Husaberg 230.

SUPERMOTO: AN EARLY END TO GIRAUDO'S SEASON FOLLOWING A FALL IN GERMANY

In Saturday's German Supermoto Championship trials at Freiburg, the official Aprilia rider was stopped in his tracks following a frightening fall that caused him to lose consciousness. He was taken to a hospital for assessment and was discharged after a few hours with the prognosis of a strong ocular lesion. After a lap of trials on Sunday, the medical team didn't give him the go-ahead to race due to the hematoma in his left eye. As time went on, Giraudo had problems with his vision. More precise testing verified the dislocation of a nerve ending in his eye that interfered with the correct composition of his field of vision. He will need to rest for at least two months, at which point doctors will evaluate whether or not the nerve has healed itself. If that is not the case, he will need to undergo surgery.

That which should have been a celebration for Jerome Giraudo, or better yet, the conquest of the German Supermoto title to cap off a season of utter domination, was instead transformed into an incredible ordeal. The official Aprilia rider, engaged in the German Supermoto Championships on the track at Freiburg, took part in a scary fall during Saturday's trials as he landed a jump and temporarily lost consciousness. After being transported to a hospital for initial testing, he was discharged with the diagnosis of a significant ocular lesion a few hours later. After a lap of trials on Sunday, the medical staff didn't allow him to race due to the hematoma in his left eye. As time went on, Giraudo began to have problems with his vision. More in-depth analysis recently conducted in France showed the dislocation of a nerve ending that interferes with the correct composition of the field of vision. Giraudo will need to spend two months of absolute rest (with the eye bandaged), at which point the doctors will evaluate whether or not it is necessary to intervene surgically. The thoughts of the entire Team Aprilia Off Road are with Jerome in hopes of seeing him back on the track as quickly as possible.

WORLD SUPERMOTO CHAMPIONSHIP: IDDON SECOND IN THE BULGARIAN S2 GP

At the Bulgarian Gp in Pleven, Christian Iddon (Aprilia SXV 5.5) conquered a brilliant second place in the S2 class. It was a difficult race for Thierry Van Den Bosch (Aprilia SXV 4.5) in the S1. A comeback allowed him to finish 3rd in Race 1 but he was forced to withdraw from Race 2 after a fall at the first curve. Jerome Giraudo (Aprilia SXV 4.5) finished 11th in the first heat but then withdrew in the second due to a loss of traction.

On, Sunday, July 22, the Bulgarian Grand Prix was disputed at Pleven, the sixth round of the World Supermoto Championship. The race was disputed in extreme conditions thanks to an oppressive heat that practically melted the Bulgarian asphalt. In the first heat of the S1, Van Den Bosch made a spectacular comeback that brought him from 9th place to his 3rd-place finish behind brothers Adrien and Thomas Chareyre, both of Husqvarna. However, at the start of Race 2 he was involved in a fall. In fact, three bikes made contact with each other at the first curve, hitting VDB's Aprilia near the anterior brake. The current 450 world champion literally flew in the air and violently hit the ground. He attempted to start up again but the posterior brake lever was blocked under the carter, making it impossible to continue racing. Van Den Bosch also suffered a significant injury to his pelvis, but luckily the first responders were able to exclude any complications. Therefore, the only real complication was the zero he was forced to swallow in the 2nd heat, bumping VDB down to second place in the international classification with 21 points less than Adrien Chareyre. A sizeable gap when there are only three races left, two of which are certain and one that still needs to be finalized. It was also a difficult race for Jerome Giraudo (Aprilia SXV 4.5), who was forced to withdraw from the second heat due to a loss of traction after finishing 11th in Race 1. Giraudo still attempted to finish the race but was forced to head back into the box with only two laps left due to oil on his back tyre. He still, however, finished 20th which was enough to earn him one international point. Decisively better was the S2 class where Christian Iddon (Aprilia SXV 5.5) placed 2nd overall in the day's classification. The Englishman (who finished 3rd in Race 1) commanded the 4th and 8th laps of the final heat before ending up out of bounds due to a nasty attack from Davide Gozzini (Tm). Iddon was on the losing end of the contact, falling back into 3rd place. In five laps, Chris made his way back up to 2nd place, just a few seconds behind his rival who gained a considerable margin of advantage from the contact.

Pleven - Bulgarian Gp, 6th Round of the World Supermoto Championship S1 Class Race 1: 1. Adrien Chareyre (Fra/Husqvarna); 2. Thomas Chareyre (Fra/Husqvarna); 3. Thierry Van Den Bosch (Fra/Aprilia SXV 4.5); 11. Jerome Giraudo (Fra/Aprilia SXV 4.5).

Race 2: 1. Thomas Chareyre (Fra/Husqvarna); 2. Massimo Beltrami (Ita/Honda); 3. Boris Chambon (Fra/Kawasaki); 20. Jerome Giraudo (Fra/Aprilia SXV 4.5). Withdrawn: Thierry Van Den Bosch (Fra/Aprilia SXV 4.5).

Classification of the Bulgarian S1 Grand Prix: 1. Thomas Chareyre (Fra/Husqvarna) 47 points; 2. Adrien Chareyre (Fra/Husqvarna) 41; 3. Massimo Beltrami (Ita/Honda) 38; 12. Thierry Van Den Bosch (Fra/Aprilia SXV 4.5) 20; 17. Jerome Giraudo (Fra/Aprilia SXV 4.5) 11.

The S1 Championships: 1. A. Chareyre (Husqvarna) 254 points; 2. Van Den Bosch (Aprilia SXV 4.5) 233; 3. T. Chareyre (Husqvarna) 227; 5. Giraudo (Aprilia SXV 4.5) 170.

S2 Class Race 1: 1. Gerarld Delepine (Bel/Husqvarna); 2. Davide Gozzini (Ita/Tm); 3. Chrisrian Iddon (Gbr/Aprilia SXV 4.5).

Race 2: 1. Davide Gozzini (Ita/Tm)); 2. Christian Iddon (Gbr/Aprilia SXV 4.5); 3. Attilio Pignotti (Ita/Ktm).

Classification of the Bulgarian S2 Grand Prix: 1. Davide Gozzini (Ita/Tm) 47 points; 2. Christian Iddon (Gbr/Aprilia SXV 4.5) 42; 3. Attilio Pignotti (Ita/Ktm) 36.

The S2 Championships: 1. Pignotti (Ktm) 232 points; 2. Delepine (Husqvarna) 229; 3. Gozzini (Tm) 209; 4. Iddon (Aprilia SXV 5.5) 198.

Warren convincingly wins battle of Aprilia’s at Teesside

Sam Warren won a titanic battle with fellow World Championship rival Christian Iddon during the fourth round of the British Supermoto Championship at the Teesside Autodrome on the weekend. The Middlesborough venue is new to the calendar this year and featured a tight and twisting tarmac section flowing into a challenging off-road link. While there was no rain on the Saturday for qualifying it took Warren some time to come to terms with the track and the best he was able to achieve was the seventh quickest time. Warren quickly put this behind him though and with clear skies once again for the first Sunday race he soon became locked in a duel with Iddon after getting past a fast starting David Hartley. The two then went at it for the remainder as they swapped positions on several occasions. In the end Warren made a small mistake allowing Iddon through and he went on to take the chequered flag with the SR Off-Road Aprilia rider less than three seconds in arrears.

Race two quickly shaped up as a repeat of the first encounter this time with some very heavy rain. The Aprilia pair again swapped the lead on numerous occasions and Warren was on track to record his first win when Iddon made a desperate lunge on the last corner prior to the chequered flag that succeeded in knocking Warren from his bike. Despite the incident he was still able to remount but almost fell into the clutches of a rapidly closing Ady Smith who was 10 seconds further adrift. Warren eventually limped across the line in second place. On a mission for the final encounter and once again in heavy rain Warren blasted from the blocks and snatched the lead. He held his Aprilia rival at bay for half the race with a full second gap before a small mistake let Iddon through as Warren got tangled up with a back-marker dropping him to third. To add to the drama on the following lap Iddon had a chain problem and dropped out of contention.

It was then left to KTM mounted Matt Winstanley to take up the challenge, with Warren crossing the line to take the win by the narrowest of margins. SR Off-Road Aprilia team boss Mick Spencer said he was very pleased with Warren’s performance on the day and in particular the great maturity he displayed after being denied the second race win. 

“I think Sam struggled a little to come to terms with the new track, hence the uncharacteristic qualifying position. He was on it though for the Sunday and had some great battles with Christian and then in the final race with Matt (Winstanley). To have the second race win taken away from us on the last corner was difficult to swallow but Sam didn’t let it get to him. He came out in the last race full of fire and took a well deserved win.”

The 2nd/2nd/1st scorecard was more than enough for Warren to take the overall on the day with 92 points. He was followed by Ady Smith on 86 and David Hartley finished third with 82. As Warren put it he had delivered on his promise he made at the previous Lydden Hill round where he finished second.

“I was very encouraged by my results at Lydden Hill as the injuries I sustained back in May still weren’t right. That’s all behind me now (pardon the pun) and I’m almost back to full fitness which showed out there today. Given the same equipment I can quite happily go head-to-head with Christian and in a fair fight there isn’t much in it. I said the plan was to take the win and today I’ve delivered.”

The next outing for Sam Warren and the SR Off-Road Aprilia team is the fifth round of the British Championship to be held at the Three Sisters circuit, Wigan on the 29th July.

GERMAN SUPERMOTO GP: VAN DEN BOSCH LEADS THE WORLD S1 CHAMPIONSHIP - July 7, 2007

In the latest world race, Thierry Van Den Bosch (Aprilia SXV 4.5) returned to the lead of the S1 classification, conquering the red championship leader's tablet. The current 450 world champion again achieved success with his Race 1 victory and 4th place finish in the final heat at the German Grand Prix. A good performance by Jerome Giraudo, too (Aprilia SXV 5.5), who finished fourth in Race 1 but slowed down after a few laps in Race 2.

The fifth engagement of the World Supermoto Championship again saw Team Aprilia Off Road in a central role. At Sankt Wendel, Thierry Van Den Bosch (Aprilia SXV 4.5) enjoyed success in the S1 class of the German Grand Prix, winning Race 1 and finishing fourth in Race 2. The red championship leader's tablet returned to splendor atop the Aprilia SXV 4.5 thanks to the increased number of heats and Gp won over Adrien Chareyre (Husqvarna). It was raced on a difficult track, tight and torturous with an equally tough off-road stretch. In the opening heat, VDB took off in fourth place and climbed his way up to Adrien Chareyre's wheel. With six laps left to go, VDB surprised his rival and went on to a well-deserved heat victory. Race 2 was an uphill battle for the Aprilia captain, who was blocked in at the start. Van Den Bosch found himself in sixth place and spent a while passing the determined Fabio Balducci (Tm). After finally passing the Italian rider, he was able to join the lead group but, keeping the track conditions and championship in mind, he preferred to not run unnecessary risks (knowing that a fourth place finish would be enough for the red leader's tablet). Satisfaction at Aprilia Headquarters also came from Jerome Giraudo's performance (Aprilia SXV 4.5), after a solid fourth place finish in Race 2. Jerome was determined to improve in Race 2 but was unfortunately surprised to find himself on top of a few riders who had been lapped, causing him to fall twice. At the end, the tenth place obtained by the French rider wasn't bad although he certainly could have had another great race. Nonetheless, Jerome solidly maintained his fourth place in the provisionary championship classification. On the other hand, Christian Iddon (Aprilia SXV 5.5) was not able to stomach the German Sankt Wendel track. The Englishman didn't find his rhythm on what proved to be truly difficult track for him. At the end of the race (19th and 11th place in the two heats), he was left with a bitter taste in his mouth for not being able to find the right approach to the race, despite all his team's support. For him, it was definitely a weekend to forget. The next engagement of the world Supermoto is set for July 21st at the Bulgarian Grand Prix, the 6th race of the international circuit.

Sankt Wendel - German Gp, 5th Trial of the World Supermoto Championships S1 Class Race 1: 1. Thierry Van Den Bosch (Fra/Aprilia SXV 4.5); 2. Adrien Chareyre (Fra/Husqvarna); 3. Kewin Berthome (Fra/Honda); 4. Jerome Giraudo (Fra/Aprilia SXV 4.5).

Race 2: 1. Thomas Chareyre (Fra/Husqvarna); 2. Bernd Hiemer (Ger/Ktm); 3. Adrien Chareyre (Fra/Husqvarna); 4 Thierry Van Den Bosch (Fra/Aprilia SXV 4.5); 10. Jerome Giraudo (Fra/Aprilia SXV 4.5);

Classification of the German S1 Championships: 1. 1. Thierry Van Den Bosch (Fra/Aprilia SXV 4.5) 43 points; 2. Adrien Chareyre (Fra/Husqvarna) 42; 3. Thomas Chareyre (Fra/Husqvarna) 36; 7. Jerome Giraudo (Fra/Aprilia SXV 4.5) 29.

The S1 Championship: 1. Van Den Bosch (Aprilia SXV 4.5) 213; 2. A. Chareyre (Husqvarna) 213; 3. T. Chareyre (Husqvarna) 180; 4. Giraudo (Aprilia SXV 4.5) 159.

S2 Class Race 1: 1. Gerarld Delepine (Bel/Husqvarna); 2. Jorge Nestor (Aprilia SXV 5.5); 3. Attilio Pignotti (Ita/Ktm); 19. Christian Iddon (Gbr/Aprilia SXV 4.5).

Race 2: 1. Testu Maxime (Fra/Husaberg); 2. Gerarld Delepine (Bel/Husqvarna); 3. Attilio Pignotti (Ita/Ktm); 11. Christian Iddon (Gbr/Aprilia SXV 4.5).

Classification of the German S2 Championships: 1. Delepine (Bel/Husqvarna) 47 points; 2. Pignotti (Ita/Ktm) 40; 3. Testu (Fra/Husaberg) 37; 16. Christian Iddon (Gbr/Aprilia SXV 5.5) 12.

The S2 Championships: 1. Pignotti (Ktm) 196 points; 2. Delepine (Husqvarna) 193; 3. Gozzini (Tm) 162; 4. Iddon (Aprilia SXV 5.5) 156.

Warren on the comeback trail with British Championship podium

SR Off-Road Aprilia rider Sam Warren had a spirited ride at Lydden Hill for the third round of the British Supermoto Championship where he finished second overall despite the after effects of a serious injury from the Torino round of the World Supermoto Championship late in May.

It was at the Italian round of the World Championship that Warren sustained a broken coccyx with severe bruising and swelling after hitting a curb in a low-speed crash. In what has been a race against time to recover the young Derbyshire rider made the journey South to Kent still in considerable pain.

With wet conditions for qualifying Warren gradually built up the pace and was comfortably inside the top ten before pulling out all the stops in the dying minutes of the session to record the third fastest time behind the other British World Championship regulars Christian Iddon and Matt Winstanley.

The inclement weather continued into the Sunday but with occasional dry spells which made tyre choice something of a lottery. In the first Open outing Warren comfortably slotted in behind Iddon and shadowed him for most of the race before his front wheel washed-out in the off-road section letting Winstanley slip through as they crossed the finish line in that order.

It was also during the first race that Warren’s Aprilia SXV developed a mis-fire. A change of bike and swapping of the ECU failed to cure the problem and this hampered his progress in the second outing. Despite this he was still able to finish third, though some sixteen seconds down on second place man Winstanley. The mis-fire was then traced back to the ECU and this was rectified for the final race.

With his Aprilia now cured Warren had another great start and harassed Iddon for the duration of race three crossing the line in a well deserved second place which was enough to secure second overall for the weekend. With the worst three results being dropped from the final championship standings Warren is now sitting comfortably in third place in the British Open Championship.

Team boss Mick Spencer commented that he was extremely pleased with Warren’s performance considering the nature of his injury and the amount of discomfort he was in.

“Sam’s been out of action for five weeks and it took him a little while to get his eye in again. We gave him a bit of a hurry-up on the pitboards during qualifying and he delivered the goods with the third quickest time. He had some great duels once again with Christian and we are more than happy with second overall on the day. The plan now is for him to rest up and then come back in a few weeks time for the next British round. In the meantime we’ll keep one eye on the World Championships and possibly try and get in a few events a little later in the year.”

Warren was keen to downplay his injuries but did admit to being sore and swollen after the Lydden Hill weekend.

“I think we did as well as could be expected. I’m not 100% yet but once you’re out there and the adrenaline is flowing I wasn’t in much pain – its only after that the swelling and soreness is an issue. The doctors said at least six weeks for a broken coccyx and I’m back racing in five but who knows when it’s going to be completely right.

I enjoyed my races with Christian but to be fair he’s really on it at the moment and is hard to beat which makes the second overall all the more encouraging. The job now is to look to the Teeside meet in a couple of weeks and see if I can’t take the win.”

As Warren’s condition continues to slowly improve the SR Off-Road Aprilia team have begun preparations for the fourth round of the British Supermoto Championship on the 15th July to be held at the Teeside Autodrome, Middlesborough.

Round 4 Supermoto World Championship - Grand Prix de Catalunya Alcarras Lleida Spain 23 -24 June 2007

Robinsons Riders Reign in Sunny Spain

A brand new venue hosted the 4th World Championship meeting of the year, and a very impressive facility it is to. An all new purpose built track primarily for car and bike racing it has the addition of a fast downhill off road section to create the fastest Supermoto track on this years calendar and possibly ever. The temperature was also going to be an issue with predicted air temp of 32 degs and tarmac temperature of 40 deg.

Qualifying

S2 (unlimited cc) World Championship

As has become customary in recent meetings qualifying was very tight even for this fast long track with 1.5 secs covering the first 15 places. Matt Winstanley was getting to grips with the circuit and the team worked hard to ensure the bike was as fast as possible, so close was the qualifying that everyone was trying to gain the last inch of speed from the bikes. Using the new quickshifter gave an immediate half a second advantage and even removing the riders peaks from their helmets gave another quarter of a second! At the end of qualifying Matt was 7th fastest 2nd privateer and 2nd KTM 1 place behind the factory bike of Pignotti.

South African team member Craig Venske struggled in practise having never seen a track like it or ever ridden a motorcycle at these speeds ever before in his life, however it was good to note he was listening to the advice given to him by the team and responding by going continually quicker lap after lap. He finished 27th. Factory Aprilia rider Christian Iddon was in 4th place on the grid.

S3 (250cc) European Championship

After the disappointment of France Chris Hodgson was keen to improve his position, a lot of work had been undertaken on the bike to try to gain more horsepower but still keep the noise level down. He seemed to enjoy the track from the start and was consistently near the top of the charts in each session. The bike was still down on power compared to some of the others but it was much nearer than previous rounds and it enabled Chris to qualify in 3rd. Lee Cunliffe was noticeably down on power but rode steadily to 8th place and with a time that showed he was in touch with others around him.

Open (unlimited cc) European Championship

With David Hartley absent it was down to Richard Blakeman and Will Moore to fly the Robinsons Flag. Richard was soon on the pace and not withstanding the fact he was riding a bog standard 560SMR was 8th quickest. The runaway championship leader Petr Vorlicek would have qualified 16th in the S2 World Championship so it shows the pace of the Euro riders. Will Moore brought his 450 KTM home in 17th place somewhat at a disadvantage on such a fast track running the 450 against the bigger bikes.

Race 1

S2

From the start the riders were faced with a 90 deg right (see above) before plunging down the steep off road section and with 30 riders all trying to make up positions this proved to be a recipe for disaster One of the works Husabergs crashed and created a hold up which left most of the riders struggling to get round Only Christian Iddon (Factory Aprilia) Davide Gozzini (Factory TM) and Mariani (WRC TM) were through clean and this break allowed them to pull away at the front of the field. Matt was involved in a scrap for 4th place with Nestor (Aprilia Spain), Delepine (Factory Husqvarna), Barracini and Testu (both Factory Husabergs). Two laps later and Delepine came a cropper in the off road Nestor and Winstanley then set about trying to catch the leaders. Mariani made a mistake which let both through but Matt couldn’t do anything about the Spaniard on his home soil and settled for a safe 4th place and the first KTM home. Iddon was 2nd which helped him move to the top of the World Standings as his big rival Delepine didn’t restart. Craig Venske started the race dead last after being involved in the first corner crash. He put his head down and rode hard to make up 9 places to finish 21st. Hitting the corners much faster than in qualifying showed that his bike was under geared and that improvement could be found for Race 2.

S3 & Euro Open

Running a faultless race in the combined Euro Open & S3 race Chris Hodgson didn’t put a wheel wrong (unusually!) to bring his 250 KTM home in 3rd place behind the impressive series leader Frenchman Baptiste Rheims and the ultra rapid Honda of Italian Tommi Iacobson. Lee Cunliffe was 8th and enjoyed a good scrap with some of the lower order Open riders. Richard Blakeman continues to get to grips with his new 560 SMR and with potentially the most aggressive move of the day he made many grown men wince with his block pass on the Italian Honda rider who disappeared through the berm not to be seen again. Keeping his head down he battled hard to finish a fantastic 4th place. Will Moore was also in the thick of the action making steady progress through the field into 12th place. Dicing with another rider for a couple of laps Will made an ambitious move up the inside at turn one only for both riders to fall off. The other rider took exception to this and tried to punch Will who sensibly stepped back and didn’t retaliate. The officials were non to happy with this display of un-gentlemanly conduct and black flagged the would be Mike Tyson and banned him from the meeting. Will continued to finish a good 12th place.

Race 2

S2

The temperature had steadily risen through the day and under the Team Robinson awning the thermometer was showing 37 deg as the riders prepared for Race 2. The crowd was quite impressive too, reaching just short of 10,000 and the travelling ice cream sellers were doing good business at 3 Euros a go. Matt got another great start from the 2nd Row but got boxed in on the downhill off road section where again a crash occurred, this time fellow Brit and arch rival Christian Iddon overjumped the table top and landed on the back of Factory TM Davide Gozzini, this also brought two other riders off and again let a leading bunch get away. Matt came round the first lap in 7th but closer to the pack than in the first race. Pushing his Dev-Tech framed KTM to the limit he posted the second fastest lap of the race to get on the back of Pignotti & Delepine. At the front Gozzini and Mariani on the ultra fast TM’s pulled away but soon there was a 4 bike scrap for 3rd between Delepine Pignotti Nestor and Matt. The Spanish Aprilia rider couldn’t handle the pace and pressure and fell. Matt took Delepine which sent the watching Brits mad and set about having a great battle with Pignotti. The Robinson bike with its Glen Woodman tuned engine was as fast as the Italian works bike and Matt was quicker on the Tarmac, Pignotti on the other hand was better on the dirt section and just managed to hold onto 3rd with Matt a fantastic 4th. Overall both KTM’s finished on identical points in joint third place but the Italian got to the podium by the better second race result which is the way ties are split in World Supermoto. Further down the field Craig Venske was again caught up in the first lap crash but he rode really well into 16th place progressively getting quicker and quicker as he passed through the field. He now needs to qualify better in order to make progression. Overall Craig finished 20th and collected some more valuable points.

S3 & Euro Open

After the Shenanigans of the first race Race 2 was a much quieter affair. Richard Blakeman got a reasonable start but again first lap fallers allowed a break away group at the front. Richard kept his concentration up though and rode a steady race into 6th place, setting the 3rd best lap of the race. His overall result was a fine 5th place which cements him firmly in the top10 of the Euro Championship even after missing one meeting.

Will Moore kept out of the way of any flying fists but rode a better race than Race 1 to come home in an identical 12th place. Overall he managed 11th which was an excellent result for the Whitworth youngster. In the S3 class Chris Hodgson repeated his third place in the first race to come 3rd overall and give the team its first podium to cheer. Unfortunately Lee Cunliffe had a short lived race with his bike seizing on the warm up lap.

Conclusion

A brilliant weekend was had by all, the teams organisation was better and the results came. We finally know now that we can compete with the Worlds Best in Supermoto our Bikes work well and with Matt’s bikes we can match anybody’s on the day. The only thing we are short of is money. The perennial problem for British teams trying to compete abroad. Some of the Factory teams have more people preparing food than we have Team Personnel but all in all “not bad for a little shop from Rochdale” We wouldn’t be able to race without the fantastic support both financially and in product terms from our sponsors and product partners, so all the team would like to extend their thanks.

David Dearden - Team Manager

Warren on the road to recovery after World Championship fall

Sam Warren is making a steady recovery following a freak accident during qualifying at the last round of the Supermoto World Championship held at Torino, Italy which left the SR Off-Road Aprilia rider with a broken coccyx.

The team were looking forward to the Italian round following a strong showing at the British Supermoto Championship held at Lydd early in May which saw Warren finish second overall in a thrilling three way tussle with Christian Iddon and Matt Winstanley.

SR Off-Road Aprilia had solved many of the handling and tyre temperature issues on their new SXV 550 and Warren was gradually upping the pace during practice at Torino. The event which was held in a car park had the majority of its curbing covered with tarmac with the exception of one small area which Warren slid into in a low-speed fall during qualifying immediately ending his racing for the weekend.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital with a suspected broken hip and possible shattered bones at the base of the spine. Within 24 hours he was back in the UK where the final assessment was a broken coccyx and severe swelling and bruising as Warren explained.

“The organisers had covered most of the car park curbing but for one small strip that I managed to slide into. It was a really innocuous fall – anywhere else and I would have gotten up and re-mounted. Unfortunately I ended up hitting it with my backside and managed to break my coccyx. It would be an understatement to say the injury has been uncomfortable and extremely painful. I’m back at work now but can still only manage half-days and still can’t sit down properly!”

Team boss Mick Spencer was concerned that the event organisers had not taken more precautions to prevent an injury such as Warren’s and commented that it could not have come at a worse time.

“I am really upset that Sam was injured in this way – it just should not have happened. We were just starting to get our new Aprilia sorted and this has been a real blow. Our workshop was also broken into recently and most of our gear stolen when we were struggling budget wise as it is. It’s been a very difficult time for all of us but we will bounce back.”

SR Off-Road Aprilia’s intention now is to concentrate on the British Championship with a possible return to World Championship competition at Busca in September. Injuries permitting, Warren is aiming for a return to action at Lydden Hill for round three on the 1st July as Spencer explained.

“Our sole focus at the moment is making sure Sam is right. He’s a young, fit lad and we’re hopeful he will be fit enough to race at the next British round in July which is where the team’s priorities have always been. With respect to the World Championship we are currently looking at the Busca round in September and the Des Nations in Italy shortly after.”

Warren stated that it had been a tough year already and the objective now was to salvage what they could.

“We have been chasing our tail from the outset and my injury has only compounded our headaches. It’s been very frustrating but the way I see it I have got to get back into the British Championships. I’m hoping to have a bit of a test beforehand to make sure everything is OK then take the fight to Christian (Iddon). “

Warren and the SR Off-Road Aprilia team now have an anxious three week wait until Lydden Hill where they will be gunning for an outright victory. They would like to extend their sincere thanks to all their friends and supporters who have been so supportive over the last couple of weeks.

3rd Round Supermoto World Championship
Vilars-Sous-Ecot France 2-3rd June 2007

Nestling on a 1 in 3 hillside in Eastern France close to the Swiss border the Vilars track is a purpose built supermotard track ‘par excellence’. Coming just one week after the Italian GP in Turin meant that it was pointless for the Team truck to travel back to the UK so 3 team members stayed with the truck whilst everyone flew back to the UK for a short working week.

Whether it is still a collective memory of Agincourt or Crecy or whether it is just plain bureaucratic bloody mindedness the French have an inbuilt ability to infuriate any one from across the Channel. For Team Robinsons KTM it started from leaving Basel Airport on the Friday where motorway chaos that makes the M62 look like a 10 lane freeway delayed the teams’ arrival at the circuit until after the evenings technical inspection had finished. This ensured therefore we had a fraught Saturday morning trying to pass noise testing with bikes that had sailed through in Turin that we where now told were 5 decibels to loud! Funnily French bikes seemed to be remarkably quiet or maybe I’m just paranoid!?

Qualifying

We had been told that the circuit was very technically demanding and difficult to learn. This proved correct; the World Championship had visited the track on 2 previous occasions but for all our team riders it was their first site of the place. The off road was fantastic with big jumps great berms and some doubles; it also had places to pass. The Tarmac was very demanding with steep descents, off camber corners and blind apexes. All week the weather had been wet and as the Euro Opens went out for the first session it was still very wet underfoot. The sandy dirt also travelled a long way in the heavily treaded tyres and the track was extremely slippery.

S2 - Matt Winstanley qualified in 13th position putting him on the 3rd row of the grid. This was disappointing given that our expectations have been raised over recent months, however there was only 6 tenths of a second to 7th position. South African rider Craig Venske had a difficult qualifying, crashing on the off road he picked his bike up, continued his lap without realising he had sheared off one of his twin Akrapovic pipes which subsequently set the bike on fire, luckily the nearest Marshal was quick with the extinguisher and total disaster was averted. Craig finally qualified in 24th.

S3 - Having really struggled to meet the overly stringent noise test Chris Hodgson found his 250 KTM to be down on power compared to his rivals but still managed to qualify in 8th position. Still hampered by his leg injuries Wigan youngster Lee Cunliffe managed 15th on the grid.

Euro Open – Both Richard Blakeman and Dave Hartley had been revelations in Turin competing right at the top of the field. The big question was could they do it again in dry conditions on a more technical track. The answer was emphatically yes with Hartley 5th and Blakeman 6th. Will Moore also continues to show that the NORA national riders can do it on the big stage with a 19th place on his 450 KTM.

Race One

S2 – A lightning start by Matt saw him away with the leading bunch in 7th The 2nd lap saw him move to 6th and he held that to the finish line to be the first privateer over the line. The race times where on the pace with everybody else and the Team had spotted some areas for improvement for the second race. Craig Venske continued his bad luck story when after only 2 laps he had to retire after the rear sub-frame broke.

S3 – A first lap pile up saw Chris Hodgson take avoiding action to come round at the back of the pack, working his way up to 8th he to fell remounted and eventually finished 10th. Lee Cunliffe had an uneventful ride into 14th.

Euro Open – A huge pile up on the first lap saw all 3 British Riders take avoiding action and end up near the back of the pack. This didn’t discourage them and Hartley and Blakeman got their heads down and charged through the field, particularly on the off road section to end up a stunning 6th and 8th respectively on their bog standard KTM 560’s. Not having the power on his 450 nor the off road expertise Will Moore never the less finished a creditable 19th.

Race Two

S2 – Having made some adjustments to both suspension and gearing after trackside observations from David Dearden & technician Nick Cannings, Matt Winstanley now made his customary lightning start, the Alice Racing cable clutch conversion gives a great advantage in feel over the standard hydraulic system, and he was away in 7th with the leading group.The Robinsons crew was pleased to see our KTM gap Delepines Factory Husqvarna down the back straight. On lap 4 disaster struck, the battle for 5th had become a 4 bike scrap Pignotti (Factory KTM) passed Baracini (Factory Husaberg) on the dirt Baracini seemed to brake and Matt appeared to hit his back wheel although the TV replays seemed to suggest Delapine may have hit him from behind. Either way Matts race was run as the bike wouldn’t restart. All the Teams attention now focussed on Venske or “Flameske” as he had become known as. Making good progress and benefiting from a bit of luck that had deserted him through the earlier races the South African rider battled himself into a fantastic 11th place. After the flag he treated the crowd to some slowing down lap stunting and threw his goggles into the delighted French crowd.

S3 - Another eventful start for the junior race saw two French team mates take themselves out. In the melee Chris Hodgson pulled through the pack to sit in 8th position on the back of 5 other riders. Trying to make up for his slower bike he fell on a slow hairpin and it took two agonising laps to restart the bike. One lap later he again fell off at the big jump, deciding he had enough he retired into the pits only to be sent straight back out again by the Team Manager to bring some points back. Eventually he finished 14th and gained 7 points. Lee Cunliffe had a better ride in race two realising his bike was down on speed he took no risks and finished a good 11th.

Euro Open – After the successes of Race 1 both Richard Blakeman & David Hartley where in a confident mood for this race. However the gremlins hit the team again and of all things Hartleys bike broke a chain on the jump during warm up. Concerned that one of the Teams special DID chains had failed , everyone was relieved to learn that Hartley was still running the original KTM chain because he had cut his DID to short at an earlier meeting. He had then forgot to change it so the chain had been through a lot of abuse. Blakeman made up for this disappointment though with arguably the ride of the day finishing a stunning 4th. Will Moore remained consistent and finished 19th again to take home some more points.

So a curates egg of a meeting, good in parts, but we still came away disappointed knowing that we are now knocking on the door in all the classes and with a little more luck podiums will follow in all the classes we contest. Once again all the riders and team members would like to thank all the sponsors and product suppliers for giving us the tools we need to do the job. The team now moves on to Lleida in Spain on the 23rd June which is the start of a hectic 6 week non stop race schedule.

Repoty by David Dearden, Team Manager, Robinsons KTM UK Supermoto Team

Warren takes battle of Aprilia’s to the limit at Lydd

SR Off-Road Aprilia rider Sam Warren was at the centre of a thrilling three way battle for outright honours at the Lydd round of the British Supermoto Championship on the weekend along with fellow Aprilia rider Christian Iddon and KTM mounted Matt Winstanley.

With the British Championship now ‘unified’ under the one banner the trio who also represent the UK in the World Supermoto Championship demonstrated the benefits of regular international action as they set a blistering pace at a windy but dry Lydd International Raceway in Kent.

Having recently taken delivery of an all new factory spec’ Aprilia SXV 550 the SR Off-Road Aprilia team was still coming to grips with their new mount. Struggling to get the rear tyre up to working temperature Warren set the third quickest time in qualifying behind Iddon and Mathew Pope. Working through the night the Derbyshire team found the ‘sweet spot’ on the bike and Warren was able to set the quickest time in Sunday practice.

All three races were incredibly close fought affairs with Warren snatching the lead from Iddon early on in race one and holding him at bay for the duration. The pair fought neck and neck all the way to the finish as the SR Off-Road Aprilia rider finished just 0.16 of a second ahead of his Aprilia rival.

The second outing saw more of the same with Warren getting past Iddon mid-race only to get tangled up with a back-marker close to the chequered flag dropping him to second. He didn’t give up though and there was only a few bike lengths in it at the end as Winstanley crossed the line a further half second in arrears.

Everyone was looking forward to the final encounter of the day as the three once again went head to head. This time Winstanley got the holeshot as Iddon and Warren chased hard. Having made a lunge at KTM rider Winstanley, Warren couldn’t make it stick as he overshot the corner allowing Iddon to get past as the SR Off-Road Aprilia rider eventually finished third just a second off the pace.

Testament to the speed of the three was the gap to fourth place in each outing with 16 seconds to fourth in race one increasing to over forty seconds in the final race as SR Off-Road Aprilia team boss Mick Spencer stated that he was more than happy with his young riders early season form.

“Having taken delivery of our new Aprilia only a month or so ago we still have a lot to learn. This was evident in our first World Championship round at Castelletto di Branduzzo at the end of April where Sam was only able to finish just inside the top twenty. Being a low grip track we struggled with tyre temperatures and being taken out on a couple of occasions also didn’t help but we believe we are close now to having the factory bike fully sorted.”

Meanwhile rider Sam Warren commented that the aim of the game was to always race for a win as he put a difficult opening British round at Wigan well and truly behind him.

“To be honest the first British outing at Three Sisters did not go as planned. I started well and won the first race but had a shocker in the second and didn’t make the finish. If that wasn’t bad enough it meant I had to start at the back for the final and could only manage a top 15 result.

Lydd in contrast has been great and I feel we now have the Aprilia on song. There has been some absolutely sensational battles between Christian, Matt and myself this weekend and although I was a little disappointed to finish third in the final when going for the win, setting a new lap record in the process was some compensation.”

With the team having now come to grips with their new Aprilia SXV 550 they are looking forward to the next round of the World campaign at Torino in Italy on the 27th May where they will be chasing a top five finish.

WORLD SUPERMOTO CHAMPIONSHIP, APRILIA DOUBLE IN THE S1 WITH VAN DEN BOSCH AT THE SPANISH GP. THE FIRST FRACTIONAL VICTORY FOR IDDON IN THE S2

2007 World Supermoto Championship Dates 
29th April - Europe (ITA), Castelletto di Branduzzo 
20th May - Bulgaria, Pleven 
27th May - Italy, tba 
3rd June - France, Villars s/ecot (tbc) 
24th June - Austria, Melk 
8th July - Germany, Sankt Wendel 
22nd July - Northern Ireland, Bishopscourt 
16th sept - Alpi del Mare (ITA), Busca 
7th October - Monaco, Monte Carlo (tbc) 
21st October - Greece, Athens Supermoto of Nations 
30th Sept - Italy, Franciacorta

SR Aprilia Secures Factory backing for 2007 season

SR Off-Road Aprilia, team boss Mick Spencer and Moto GB British Supermotard champion Sam Warren, are pleased to announce the continuation of factory support from Aprilia UK, both for the British and World Championship events throughout the 2007 season. Mick Spencer making comment, once again we are all delighted by the ongoing support from Aprilia UK and Aprilia UK boss Paul Walker.

The clear intention of the Derbyshire based team is to defend the British title, after the recently announced news, regarding the historic three way agreement between the ACU, the AMCA and Moto GB to drive forward Supermoto Racing within Great Britian, Spencer and the team made comment "At last, this puts British Supermoto, back to a true world championship level".

Regarding our World Championship Schedule, both the team and Sam are aiming very high in 2007, after an encouraging year in 2006, with the new Aprilia, the team having worked very hard throughout the winter, testing new parts and ensuring the development of the bike is ongoing and on schedule for there attempt at the World Championship title, which commences in Italy in May.

Announcements regarding Support / Sponsorship for the 2007 season, will be made shortly, with funding presently being actively sought, to enable the team to show its true ability and potential in both the British and World Championships.

UK Supermoto Racing; Two In to One Will Go!

UK Supermoto racing looks set for a bright future today, as the organisers of two previously competing National series agreed to combine their efforts to produce one definitive British Supermoto Championship for 2007. ACU/AMCA British Championship staff will work closely with their Moto GB counterparts in a historical tripartite agreement which looks set to pull Supermoto back to the level of growth enjoyed during the 2002/03 seasons.

The 2007 British Supermoto Championship will feature a single Open class, a maximum of 28 seeded / invited riders and will be fought out over 6 rounds at venues throughout the UK.  The all-new format British Championship will be ably supported by a 10 round National Supermoto Championship which is also scheduled to feature single make racing and a youth class in addition to conventional 450 & Open classes. 6 Rounds of the National series will take part over the same weekends as the British Championship events, thus ensuring that potential spectators enjoy a race card absolutely crammed full with action.

More information on this exciting agreement will be released shortly including the 2007 Championship Calendar(s) together with series regulations, entry forms etc.

In the interim interested parties should contact:

Eddie Nelson (ACU)                    on 01788 566400 or eddie.nelson@acu.org.uk 

Ken Winstanley (AMCA)              on 01543 431017 or ken.winstanley@amca.uk.com 

Tony Brock (Moto GB)                on 0870 0685802 or tony@motogb.net 

Winstanley takes first win for a British rider at Supermoto Grand Prix

Matt Winstanley secured the first ever Grand Prix win for a British rider at the Supermoto World Championship final in the port town of Piraeus in Greece on the weekend having gone tantalisingly close to a double victory but for a fall in the last few laps of the second race.

The weekend started well for the Wigan rider as he squeezed into the shoot-out for Superpole setting the fourth quickest time in qualifying. He then went on to a stunning Superpole victory against the established names of Ivan Lazzarini, Marcel Goetz and Gerald Delepine.

Pumped up for the first Grand Prix race held in sunny but cold conditions overlooking the Mediterranean sea Winstanley made a flying start grabbing the lead on the first lap. Unchallenged for the duration of the race he took the chequered flag by just under two seconds from nearest rival Ales Hlad and Marcel Goetz.

Speaking after race one an elated Winstanley said he was on a roll and looking for a repeat in race two.

“The weekend so far has gone extremely well. I managed to sneak into the Superpole and then put down the quickest time which was great. To then back that up with the race win and be the first Brit rider to win a GP is a fantastic result for the team and KTM. My challenge will be to go out and do the same in the second race.”

Winstanley made another superb start in the second race taking the holeshot and the early lead. On the fourth lap though the race was red flagged and stopped.

On the re-start he once again leaped to the front keeping the rest of the field at bay until he fell on the fourteenth lap. Unable to re-start he subsequently did not finish, relegating him to eighth overall on the day.

Winstanley said he had mixed feelings about the weekend and the season.

“It all came together this weekend and I was on target for that second win. Unfortunately I had a relatively minor fall and couldn’t get the bike going again. It’s disappointing in some respects but great to notch up that first win and help KTM take the Manufacturers title. I can’t wait now for the 2007 British and World Supermoto Championships to get underway.”

Matt Winstanley has already won the British SM1 and SM2 titles and finished 9th in the S1 World Supermoto Championship. He will be contesting both the 2007 British and World Supermoto Championships with further details on next season’s campaign expected to be announced shortly.

Winstanley extends thanks to backers

Matt Winstanley extended his sincere thanks today to all his 2006 sponsors for what has been a very successful season.

“We’ve had another fantastic season with two British titles, our Supermoto Des Nations podium result and my recent GP win in Greece. Running such an extensive campaign requires an enormous amount of time, effort and resources and I just wouldn’t have been able to do it with the support of my long-standing sponsors and supporters. My sincere thanks to all involved.”

Winstanley’s primary sponsor is KTM UK with support from Michelin, Robinsons of Rochdale, Capital Bank, AGV Helmets, GSP Products, Smith Goggles, Wolf Leathers, Shell Oils and Berick Boots.

Winstanley concluded by saying that he was looking forward to hopefully working with the same line-up once again in 2007.

“I am looking forward to hopefully working with all my existing sponsors and supporters for what should be another cracking year in 07.”

Husqvarna SM125 Challenge for British Supermoto Championships

Husky Sport, the UK Distributor for Husqvarna motorcycles, working in conjunction with the ACU/AMCA British Supermoto Championship is pleased to announce the introduction of the Husqvarna SM125 Challenge.

Designed with the dual purpose of providing a cost effective entry to Supermoto racing for the complete beginner and as a stepping stone between the 85cc and the larger classes for existing racers, the SM125 Challenge will be open to riders aged 14-19, all racing on Husqvarna SM125 Supermotos, equipped with identical Michelin tyres.

By restricting the modifications allowed to the bikes and by using a Michelin control tyre, the cost to participants is kept low and leads to closer racing on the circuit. Race results are directly related to the riders’ ability, not the size of the race budget.

The package consists of a new Husqvarna SM125S, race exhaust system, race front number board / rear mudguard and entry to all 6 rounds of the 2007 British Supermoto Championship. The total price for this package has been set at an ultra competitive £3499.00 including VAT, which subject to status may even be financed to further ease the cost of starting a racing career.

The Husqvarna SM125 Challenge will run as a separate class at each of the 6 2007 British Supermoto Championship rounds, race dates as follows:

1. April 22 Lydd International, Kent

2. May 6 Teeside Autodrome

3. July 1 Rowrah, Cumbria

4. July 28 Three Sisters, Wigan

5. July 29 Three Sisters, Wigan

6. August 11 Teeside Autodrome

Places in the series are limited and will be offered on a first come, first served basis. Interested parties should contact Mike Carter at Husky Sport on 01962 771122 or e mail mike.carter@huskysport.co.uk . Information will also be available from the AMCA stand at the Stoneleigh Dirt Bike Show.

Full Husqvarna SM125 Challenge information, including details of the technical restrictions, will be posted shortly on the national Husqvarna website, www.husqvarna-moto.co.uk

Supermoto of Nations Team GB

Bishopscourt Northern Ireland 01/10/06

The inaugural running of the Supermoto of Nations took place on October 1 2006 and despite last minute preparations and lack of any funding from the sport’s British governing body, an ecstatic Team GB made the podium in third place behind the Supermoto giants Italy and France.

Supermoto sees extremely skilful riders racing their bikes on a part tarmac part off-road circuit. This spectacular young sport allows the rider to drift and slide their specially developed machines into the high-speed tarmac turns whilst still giving the chance to push hard on the tough motocross jumps and berms, and all on slick tyres!

Two days of qualifying and racing at the Bishopscourt Circuit, Co Down in Northern Ireland saw the world’s best Supermoto racers pit their considerable skills against each other in this the Olympics of Supermoto. October in Northern Ireland is almost guaranteed one thing, rain, and sure enough the unpredictable weather proved to be a nightmare when it came to bike set-up and tyre choice but at least is was the same for everyone.

The British squad headed by Team GB manager David Dearden comprised of the countries best riders in both the under-21 and senior classes. Derbyshire based Christian Iddon (Aprilia Factory) and SR Aprilia Off-road team rider Sam Warren together with Matt Winstanley (Robinsons of Rochdale KTM) were the senior team that battled hard all weekend to secure an amazing third placed result. These riders (average age just 23) are all regular top finishing riders at the S1 World championships and proved they were extremely proud to be racing for their country at this the very highest level.

Iddon finished individual winner of the Open class with a 3rd & 4th in his 2 races, Warren was 4th in the S2 despite being on a standard bike and riding with a dislocated shoulder! Winstanley was 7th in the S1 class but he sacrificed individual results for the Team effort by pushing hard in the final wet race to try and make up the deficit on the French squad and gain second for GB but fell short by crashing twice.

A baptism of fire awaited the Team GB juniors which comprised of Chris Hodgson (Robinsons of Rochdale KTM), George Clements (TRM Honda Racing) and David Hartley (Wulfsport/SM Racing Husaberg). The young British riders dug deep and showed that they undoubtedly will be stars of the future and even managed to pull off a top ten overall position. Team GB Junior took an eventual ninth place and finished a fantastic second placed team in the under-21 junior rankings.

Thanks to Aware Promotional Merchandise Team GB (including all the support crew) looked extremely professional in their team apparel when the successful team including manager David Dearden took to the podium to accept their bronze medals.

With no budget available from the ACU to run the teams all the riders have had to stretch their own limited resources to fit in this extra meeting. Thankfully a number of suppliers to the motorcycle trade came up with some last minute help to ensure that Team GB made it to the line. Capital Bank Motorcycle Finance gave financial support to help with the team’s expenses. Capital Bank is part of the Halifax/Bank of Scotland group and one of the major players in point of sale finance within the motor trade, in recent years they have made significant inroads into the motorcycle and leisure market with their innovative approach to funding solutions.

Fowlers of Bristol importers of the highly rated Vemar helmets kindly provided each of the riders with a new state of the art VRX7 helmet which was decorated in the Team GB colours by north west design specialist Empire Graphics. A special Union Jack graphics kit was also provided for the bikes by LR Designs of Holbeach in Lincolnshire with specialist publication Supermoto Magazine helping out with the costs.

2007 Going for Gold If you are as passionate and patriotic as the riders and team themselves and feel you can offer some financial or product support for the 2007 Team GB Supermoto of Nations squad please contact team manager David Dearden on 01706 716654 or email david@robinsonsrochdale.co.uk.

Many thanks to the following companies without whom Team GB would never have happened. Capital Bank Motorcycle Finance Aware Promotional Merchandise LR Designs (graphics) Fowlers of Bristol (Vemar helmets) Supermoto Magazine Empire Graphics

Team support from: Aprilia UK TRM Racing (Honda) Wulfsport/SM Racing (Husaberg) Robinsons of Rochdale (KTM) Supermoto of Nations 2006

Pictures Courtesy Dave Cornish Supermoto Magazine