I wouldnt be putting any money on Hill. This year he should have MONSTERED the rest of BSB, he was on a full fat, no compromise full works R1 with every gadget known to man, he was taken to the brink by Hopper on a far inferior bike and shakey would have actually been champion if it wasnt for the stupid showdown rules, This year the yamaha cant rely on 240bhp of factory engine This year the yamaha cant rely on tens of thousands of pounds worth of electronics Without these, its back to the god awful bike that the R1 is in standard trim. If i was a betting man, id be looking at Josh Brookes or Shakey Byrne as champions this year, both bikes make HUGE power in stocker trim and the teams running them are top draw. The fact Hutchy is on the bike is down to nobody wanting to be on a yam in 2012, nothing more.
Shakey gets my vote.Always in contention and now with Bird motorsport it may bring home the silverware for him. Still remember him on the back wheel of an exup at 16 going past the old shop I Used to run.It was a customers bike and he was working in Colwins round the corner.Complete nutcase on the road.
Latest Stuff, Padgetts due to announce its move into BSB anytime soon, Taylor Mackenzie shifts from 125GP to British Supersport with the new MAR-Train Squad. It also looks like Jentin Racing could be back in a collaboration with JHP to run a Ducati squad. Steve Brogan and Richard Cooper have both been linked to that team. Nick Morgan's MSS Colchester team is a confirmed entry and may be in advanced talks with Michael Rutter, last rumoured to be speaking to Quay Garage Honda who may well revert to Tommy Bridewell and keep Peter Hickman. Splitlath Redmond look set to continue with Aprilia power in 2012 after contracting MJW Specialists to build engines but have yet to make any noises with regard to riders. Moto Rapido Ducati are committed to running Scott Smart again and are looking into a second rider. Confirmed: Swan Yamaha Tommy Hill, Ian Hutchinson WFR Honda Graeme Gowland, James Westmoreland, Alex Lowes Honda UK Michael Laverty, Jon Kirkham Tyco Suzuki Josh Brookes, Alastair Seeley Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki Shane Byrne, Stuart Easton PR Kawasaki Simon Andrews, Gary Mason Primo/Bournemouth Kawasaki James Hillier, Joe Burns GBmoto Honda Tristan Palmer, TBC Buildbase BMW Dan Linfoot, Barry Burrell MSS Colchester Racing Riders TBC Splitlath Redmond Riders TBC
Exiting series and i know there are names missing but i think it looks a little hollow every time someone doe's well they move up to world superbikes (can't blame them) but looking at the list you can see the top 3 ,Game over .+Thanks for posting info.
I just heard a wonderful rumour that Nori Haga is taking injured Ian Hutchinsons place for Swan Yamaha... oh mama, I cant wait
I would love for this to be true. im sure he can still run at the front with a competative bike although im not sure the R1 will suit his riding style very much. after all its a little different from that gem of a 750 they used to produce a decade or so ago
An update is due Craig , your last was at the start of January . Do we know what the score is with Hutchy ?
I just can't frickin wait for the racing to start! BSB/WSB/GP - I love it! Starting to get racing withdrawal symptoms (not helped by the 'not riding the bike in this bloody weather cabin fever'). All races are in the diary & written on the calendar. Series links are set on the Tivo box.
did anybody else pick up on what the engine guy for swan yamaha said on eurosport this monday as they were trying to fill up some time, he said that all the guys were racing on tyres that were made in 2009, surely that shouldnt be happening, what has happened to cause this ?