BSB With Pirelli - Saturday 14th October 2017

BSB With Pirelli - Saturday 14th October 2017

Pirelli's Tyre Fitting Area at Brands Hatch for the Final Round of BSB - Photography Copyright of BirotarUK

Pirelli invited us to the final round of BSB, hosted at Brands Hatch. With an action-packed weekend of racing, and ‘it all to race for’ in the final showdown, we couldn’t say no. 

Dan Linfoot's Fireblade spitting flames entering Druids - Photography Copyright of BirotarUK

Little did we know Pirelli had a little surprise in store for us…

We’ve always watched BSB from the ‘outer circle’ wondering just what goes on in that packed paddock. Pirelli invited us in for an exclusive walk around of areas not usually accessible to the general public.  

Jonjo gazing into the distance at Brands - Photography Copyright of BirotarUK

We expected a quick walk around and maybe the chance to get into a team’s garage, but instead, we’d be rubbing shoulders with Fred Clarke as he delivered live commentary. Finally, great to put a face to that infamous voice of BSB Commentary.

The legend that is Fred Clarke commentating at Brands for BSB - Photography Copyright of BirotarUK

The legend that is Fred Clarke commentating at Brands for BSB - Photography Copyright of BirotarUK

We then watched free practice from the top of the world, a great experience with an incredible soundtrack.

Thinking it couldn’t get any better, we were then taken to the Tyco BMW garage to see how it’s all set up. Certainly a different world from the track day setups we’re used to here at BirotarUK. 

The TYCO BMW - Photography Copyright of BirotarUK

Live Timing - Photography Copyright of BirotarUK  

With team members changing tyres, checking pressures and K-tec suspension experts dialling in the set up that’s being fine-tuned all weekend for optimum performance. There is certainly a few quid being chucked about these garages on a race weekend!

TYCO BMW - Photography Copyright of BirotarUK

Knowing we love the technical aspects of things, and since Pirelli are the tyre supplier for BSB, it was time to see the logistics of tyre delivery to BSB riders. With BSB hosting approximately 200 riders across all classes, Pirelli brings 4000 tyres for the weekend, yes four…THOUSAND. This includes a mixture of slicks, Supercorsas, wet and rain.

Pirelli Superbike SC0 Slick - Photography Copyright of BirotarUK

Pit lane view from Race Control - Photography Copyright of BirotarUK

We managed to catch the tyre fitters at a quiet time but they are usually flat out all weekend.

It was great to see what really goes on in the paddock during a BSB race weekend, especially the Final Round here at Brands Hatch. It’s as chaotic as you’d imagine, but controlled seamlessly (most of the time). An amazing experience that we thoroughly enjoyed, we’re now off to catch race one!

Stay tuned for more updates tomorrow!

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Avon Tyres celebrates diamond anniversary of first 100 mph TT lap

Avon Tyres celebrates diamond anniversary of first 100 mph TT lap

At this year’s Isle of Man TT, 27 May – 9 June, Avon’s motorsport team will be marking the 60th anniversary of the first ever 100 mph lap of the TT, set on Avon tyres.

The record-breaking lap was ridden by legendary Scottish rider, Bob McIntyre, on a four-cylinder Gilera, running Avon's Speedmaster GP race tyres. McIntyre set off in the 1957 Senior 500cc race and managed a 99.99 mph lap from a standing start, with a full fuel load, before breaking the 100 mph milestone on his second lap reaching 101.03 mph.

Four-cylinder Gilera, running Avon's Speedmaster GP race tyres

 Visitors to the 2017 Isle of Man TT can see a replica of the 100 mph lap Gilera, complete with accurate, period Speedmaster and GP racing tyres fitted.

Away from the 60th anniversary celebrations, the Isle of Man's Mountain Course will once again ring to the sound of full-bore superbikes and sidecars over the amazing two-week festival of road-racing.

Bob McIntyre rode this for the 100mph lap

 Avon will be offering a full support service to its solo and sidecar riders. The three-wheeled classes in particular look to be on a knife edge, with no less than seven top rider/passenger teams in possible contention for a win. The 2016 Race 1 winner, John Holden, is running his Silicone Engineering outfit with a new passenger, Lee Cain. Conrad Harrison and Andy Winkle, five times World Champion Tim Reeves with rookie passenger Mark Wilkes, and Peter Founds/Jevan Walmsley are amongst the top teams to look out for in the sidecar races.

Last year’s sidecar Race 2 winners, and current lap record holders, Ben and Tom Birchall will be the favourites for victory again this year. However, Manxmen Dave Molyneux and Dan Sayle will be trying everything to add to their considerable tally of TT victories.

On the solo front, flamboyant French rider Timothee Monot will be racing on Avon's Xtreme racing rubber in the Supertwin, Supersport 600 and TT Zero classes.

For further information on Avon Tyres, visit www.avon-tyres.co.uk.

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Will White 47 Racing

An introduction to Will White 47 Racing

Lap record: 1.25.226, source - thundersportgb.com

That moment you realise that the emotion you experience behind the bars of a superbike on a racing circuit is what you crave all day, every day, is the moment which opens your eyes to a whole new future. 

This is exactly what our good friend has experienced and we want you to get to know him. His name is William White. Wearing number 47, riding a Triumph 675R, Will is emerging as one of the best riders in the Thundersport Elite championship for 2017. 

Will getting ready to practice at Donington Park - March 2017

Coming 1st/2nd and 3rd in 2016, Will has more power than ever before to be on the podium for the championship – he's also a genuinely good lad. We met up with him over a soft drink to find out more about what drives his love for riding and racing. 

"I’m Will White of Will White Racing #47, I’m 25 and racing in the Thundersport 600 elite. It all started at the age of five my parents bought me a motocross bike and from there it all began. 

In 2004 I entered my first race on an 85cc supermoto and finished mid table, learning a lot and realising this was something I really had a passion for. I spent a few years between motocross and supermotos entering races and doing quite well with the odd podium finish. 

It wasn’t until 2008 I had my first experience on a road bike which just so happened to be on track, my first ever track day…I was on a 2006 Triumph Daytona 675 and thoroughly enjoyed the speed, and thrill of it all. 

2009 saw me getting my ACU license on the same 675 I’d ridden the previous year which quickly saw me entering my first races. In 2010 at Mallory Park with New Era, my first race I finished third, something I’m really proud of and still owed a trophy! 

My next race at Snetterton saw me finish 4th or 5th. I really enjoyed it all and so I got the bug from there. In 2011 I really started racing, I entered the HotTrax Club on my 675 super sport, 2011 was a year of learning. I crashed a lot but always got back up knowing I still had lots to learn and it was my drive and passion that kept me going. 

In 2012 I entered the Michelin power cup which actually saw me stay there for two seasons with some achievements I’m proud of. In 2012 I averaged a 4th or 5th finish with three podiums. In 2013 I had won every race until three quarters of the way through the season I broke my leg at work. 

With my leg healed I entered the Thundersport in 2014, which was to be a painful year. I was averaging a 4th place finish through the season until I crashed again due to oil on the track, another broken leg. 2015 was filled with ups and downs in Thundersport. 

I was really excited to be offered a ride on a Ducati 1198, being offered to race such an exquisite machine is enough to fill anyone with joy but it didn’t all go to plan. The first race of the season the bike wouldn’t run and the fuel pump packed up on the spare bike so I pulled the trusty Triumph out the van and rode that all weekend. 

Will working on the 675R at Donington Park - March 2017

The second round I was back on the Ducati but had a bad crash in practice, towards the end of the start finish straight either the engine seized or the brakes completely locked and threw me off the bike. This was a big knock for my confidence. It was after this I was also made redundant. Looking back I believe this helped me get to where I am now though, and I’m proud of that. 

Between the second half of 2015 and the start of 2016 I spent a lot of time riding motocross and I even entered some endurance races. One that springs to mind was a 10 hour endurance race and the team I was riding with finished 8th out of over 80 teams! That was awesome. 2016 saw me back in Thundersport, this time in the elite class on my 2013 Triumph Daytona 675R, which was supposed to be my dad’s track bike – thanks dad! I really struggled in the first few rounds and didn’t score any points, everything was a learning curve which is something I really enjoyed."

Will's Triumph Daytona 675R waiting to be unleashed at Donington Park - March 2017

Close ups of Will's 675R

Close ups of Will's 675R

Close ups of Will's 675R

Close ups of Will's 675R

After learning more about the bike and improving his race craft, Will finished 3rd by the end of the season. It was this season he achieved a new 600cc lap record for Rockingham, and still holds it! 

Will White 47 attacking Donington Park - March 2017

"Getting the lap record meant so much to me, I couldn’t stop smiling for days, even now it brings a smile just thinking about it" says Will.

"For the 2017 I’m still on board my 675R, and my aim is to win the Thundersport Elite 600 Championship. For me it’s not about chasing trophies though, it’s the pure thrill that reinforces why I do it.

Will's 675R posing for a photoshoot in the paddock at Donington Park - March 2017

Will White 47 Racing has several sponsorship opportunities available and we’re working with him to help achieve the best he possibly can. If you, your business or anyone you know would be interested in helping Will and promote their company at the same time – please get in touch with us via email and share this amazing opportunity for the 2017 race season.

Our email address is: birotaruk@gmail.com 

We’re helping Will secure sponsorship by the end of April 2017. So be quick!

Keep an eye out for an insight to his racing season here: 

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