Considering this time last year I hadn’t scored a single point in British Supersport, I’m pretty pleased to say that I’m snapping at the heels of the top ten British Supersport riders.

I can’t say that I’m not disappointed not to have finished a bit higher up in these opening races, but that’s just in my nature. British Supersport is as tough as ever this season and to start breaking into the top six this year is no easy task, but it is definitely my goal when we return from this short break.

I had a good opening practice session at Oulton Park last weekend with tenth place. I was confident I could improve on this in qualifying but it wasn’t to be. I found myself trying way too hard and the key to going fast at Oulton Park is being as smooth as possible.

I was gutted to end the session in 16th place, only going 0.1sec faster than the day before, but I realised my mistake though and knew that I could improve in the race. I got a good start in the race and found myself in a dice for eleventh place. I wasn’t able to do anything with them though so I finished thirteenth and a bit frustrated to say the least.

I knew I was still over riding the bike everywhere, so I went out with a completely different frame of mind in the morning warm up and it seemed to do the trick! I ended warm-up in seventh place and went half a second faster than I had all weekend. I also set my personal best lap time round Oulton Park. Starting fifteenth on the grid for the second race I knew a good start was key.

I did just that and managed to work my way up to eighth place, before running on at the chicane and dropping to thirteenth. Eventually I fought my way right back up to ninth on the last lap, narrowly missing out on eighth at the chequered flag. I went faster again in the race and left Oulton Park a lot more confident in myself.

Knockhill can’t come quick enough for me. I’m aware I need to make some small improvements with my riding and I’m sure it won’t be long until I find myself in battles for the top six. As always I have to say a massive thank you to Danny, Derek, Philip Neill and the whole of the Tyco Suzuki crew. They certainly bring out the best in me and my GSX-R 600.

Although there is now a five-week break until the next race at Knockhill, it’s certainly not going to be a rest period for me, as I seem to be working here there and everywhere. I’ll be instructing at race schools and selling the RST leathers and AGV helmets that I wear, but it keeps me busy and I enjoy being involved.

I’ll not be at the North West 200 next week but will certainly be at the TT cheering on our riders Josh Brookes and Guy Martin. It’s an awesome place but I think I much prefer watching from the sidelines, although I’m sure the guys will do Tyco and Suzuki and all our other sponsors proud.

Bye for now!

TMAC

Tyco Suzuki rider Brookes battled to third place in race one but was disappointed at having to drop off the front-running pace in the final stages with a lack of rear drive grip, and had to settle for third.

A shrewd set-up change from his crew for race two allowed the Aussie to run right at the sharp end for the duration of the 18-lap encounter, and second place gave him his fourth podium from the opening six races this season.

He said, “We ran with the best of the new settings we tried for race one, but I ran out of grip after about five laps, even though the tyre looked brand new at the end of the race.

“The guys made a suspension set-up change for race two and big credit to them as it improved the bike and gave me a tyre to challenge Shakey and Alex at the front.

“I enjoyed the race and although we could do with a couple of wins, we’ve made progress and I’m happy with that.”

Oulton Park was the first circuit on the calendar that PJ Jacobsen had any prior experience at, albeit on the Superstock machine.

The young American impressed with an eighth in race, but unfortunately suffered a mechanic issue in race two and had to retire while running in the same position.

He commented, “It was a difficult weekend. The first session was rained off and we only got one free practice in FP2 as we got a mechanical in FP3, then in qualifying we suffered another problem.

“But I went into race one with a good attitude and eighth was a great result, my best ever in BSB. In race two I was looking for a whole lot more but we were forced to retire, which is a pity, as I believe I could have challenged Chris Walker for sixth.”

Taylor Mackenzie took 12th in the first supersport encounter of the weekend on his Tyco Suzuki GSX-R600, before taking a solid top 10 finish with ninth in Sunday’s race.

Philip Neill, Tyco Suzuki Team Manager, added, “Another typical Oulton Park weekend with success but a little bit of frustration.

“Josh and his crew worked hard to find a setting that allowed him to challenge stronger for the win in race two, but two BSB podiums is not something we should ever be disappointed with and keeps us well in the hunt.

“What can I say for PJ, apart from when the lad has bad luck, he really has bad luck. Taking the positives: he showed a great attitude and got stuck in and is gaining confidence and more experience all the time.”

Brookes took second in Saturday’s race. After running strongly at the front, he was forced on to the grass and lost some time, but he managed to regroup and still battle for that second podium spot.

On Sunday, Brookes took a second and a third, which gives him valuable points and valuable podium credits.

The Australian battled to third in the final race with a broken screen and dented tank, as he miraculously saved what appeared to be a certain highside.

He said, “When Michael Laverty went down in race one I was unsighted, so when Shakey lifted to avoid him I got bumped onto the grass.

“That let Tommy get away at the front but I worked my way back onto Shakey’s back wheel, but the only place I felt strong enough to make the pass was the final corner at Lodge. Fortunately all went to plan.

“I got quicker as the weekend went on. I was never out of the top three and better than the last time we were at Oulton.

“In that last race I tried everything I knew to stay with Tommy as I knew if he got away there would be no pulling him back, but I came out of the chicane and high-sided. I had my hands off the bars and feet flapping and I literally fell back onto the bike.

“I just worked my way back up through the pack then. I gave it everything to stay with Haga and Shakey after that.

“I think Nori possibly went to sleep a little on the last lap, maybe settling for third, but he didn’t cover the line into Lodge and I was able to get in and take my third podium.”

Alastair Seeley had a tough weekend starting with a retirement in Saturday’s opener when his back brake locked solid whilst challenging in the top six.

In Sunday’s two races he took eleven points in eighth and 13th.

He said, “I’ve plenty of luck here at Oulton… just a pity it’s bad luck. I made a decent start on Saturday, stayed out of trouble and when I got into a rhythm the front group was coming back to me a bit, especially Nori.

“I thought they’d maybe start to have some tyre issues late in the race so I was confident of pushing through and maybe challenging for top three or four.

“I came into Druids and thought I’d gone back a gear too many as the bike was backing in; then the same thing happened only worse at Lodge. I looked down and saw the back brake disk glowing red hot, so that was my race run.

“In the second race I picked them off to go sixth then towards the end the bike was moving around and sliding a bit and I dropped to eighth.

“In the third race I got beat up on the first lap and dropped off the group and to be honest the set up changes we made didn’t help. We need to regroup and give it another go at Brands.”

PJ Jacobsen impressed on his National 1000cc Superstock debut with a strong seventh place from his fourth row grid position, on one of the most challenging circuits on the calendar.

He was in a six rider train all challenging for the lower podium positions when the race was red flagged at two thirds distance.

He said, “That’s the craziest track I’ve ever ridden with blind corners that you really need to be on the gas with if you want to be putting in the lap times.

“I got caught out by the safety car going in, as I’ve never raced in that situation before but I loved the experience riding the Tyco Suzuki and I’d like to thank Philip and the boys for the opportunity.

“Hopefully we can do it again.”

Team Manager, Philip Neill, added, “That was a positive weekend all round. Josh continued what is turning into a superb season, increasing his podium tally to nine.

“It’s important to keep adding podium credits if you want to be a championship contender and Josh has more than confirmed he will be just that.

“Alastair had a strong qualifying and some steady results, but unfortunately what looked like being his best result on Saturday was spoiled by a rear brake problem, which was not his fault but these things can happen at times in racing.

“Reaching the all important top six is a big task now but I still believe Alastair can do it with some good tracks coming up for him.

“PJ has impressed us this weekend both on and off the track.

“To jump on a bike he had never ridden before, on one of the most difficult BSB tracks in the series for the very first time and finish seventh is testimony to the lad’s ability on a motorcycle.

“This was a one off ride but we would relish the chance to work with him again should the opportunity arise.”

After a decent showing at Knockhill, Josh Brookes will looking to elevate himself back to the top of the championship standings, and his first win Oulton Park.

He said, “I’m looking forward to the three race programme at Oulton as it always adds a bit of excitement.

“I’ve had some good battles there in the past and also earlier in the season.

“I haven’t won at Oulton before so that’s a good incentive, but then I’ll be looking for wins at all the tracks from here on in.”

Alastair Seeley bounced back at Knockhill after struggling at Snetterton, and will be looking to force his way into the all-important top six.

He said, “It’s all been positive for me since our last outing at Knockhill.

“We’ve tested at Kirkistown and ironed a few things out, so I’m in good shape and also in a good frame of mind coming into Oulton.

“My consistency at Knockhill has got me within striking distance of the top six, so hopefully when we come out of this triple header I’ll be in there with Josh and the boys.”

Also flying the Tyco Suzuki flag at Oulton will be American PJ Jacobsen, who will be riding the team’s GSX-R1000 Superstock machine.

The 18 year-old New Yorker joins the 2010 Superstock title-winning team with a wealth of experience, including podium finishes in the AMA SportBike Championship and a championship win in the AMA Pro Road Race 125cc class.

He is also the first American to score a podium in the Spanish CEV 125 Championship and he now he is turning his attention to the British Championship.

Jacobsen said, “I tested the team’s GSX-R1000 Superstock bike at Kirkistown in less than perfect conditions, but was very pleased to get down to 56-second lap times.

“This will be my first visit to Oulton and although I can’t expect too much, getting into the points would be a bonus.”

Philip Neill, Team Manager, added, ”

“It’s nice to be able to help PJ out after he explained he’d been let down with another ride. It certainly wasn’t planned, but as he was staying locally with a friend of the team, it wasn’t a difficult decision to make.

“I had spoken to him earlier in the year about a potential Superstock package for this season, but it was a bit late in the day, although I’m sure he’ll enjoy his Oulton experience.

“In BSB we’re obviously looking to continue our consistent run of form with Josh Brookes and pick up on the information we derived from our first visit to Oulton earlier in the season. Those improvements will hopefully see Josh fighting inside the top three all weekend.

“And Alastair showed a return to form at Knockhill and was unlucky not to qualify further up the grid, but he rode well and it helped his championship chase.

“Oulton should be a stronger circuit for him, which should see him challenging his way into the top six.”

Josh Brookes came away from Oulton Park with two thirds and a fourth to cement himself in second in the championship, while Alastair Seeley also had a positive weekend, coming away with a brace of sixths and an eleventh, as he continues to work on his dry setting. The Wee Wizard also cemented sixth in the championship.

See the video below.

Brookes finished third in Sunday’s race, a rerun from the cancelled race from the opening round at Brands Hatch, after leading the early stages. However, a red flag meant it was restarted as an eight lap sprint, and the Australian had to settle for third.

In Monday’s first race Brookes added another third to his weekend’s tally. He had sat second for the most part, before being caught by eventual winner Chris Walker.

After an exciting dice, Brookes had to make way and settle for third.

He missed out on a hat-trick of podiums in the final race, but came away with a good points haul in fourth, keeping himself well in the hunt for the championship.

He said after the weekend, “I’m happy with the podiums this weekend but obviously a little disappointed not to get my first win at Oulton.

“It was a tough weekend with changeable weather conditions and we’ve come away with solid points; that’s always a bonus.

“We led the championship briefly after race two but we’re still within striking distance. We’re in the right place and if I can keep racking up podiums and credits then I’ll be a in a good position come the cut off.”

Alastair Seeley recovered from a high-speed crash at Cascades during qualifying to run at the front in the opening race on Sunday, eventually finishing sixth. In Monday’s two races he took fifteen points for his efforts in sixth and eleventh.

He said, “It was good to be back up at the sharp end in that first race, especially after the crash in qualifying.

“We’re finding our feet again with the Superbike and scored enough points to get ourselves into that all-important top six.

“I think we maybe could have scored some more points in that last race, but overall a decent enough weekend.”

Team Manager Philip Neill added, “To be honest that was a pretty tough weekend with mixed weather, cold temperatures and a three race schedule keeping everyone on their toes.

“After being right on the pace all weekend we probably were hoping for a little more, however for one reason or another we didn’t quite have a winning package this weekend, although the new GSX-R1000 still performed extremely well and we can be very satisfied with what was a solid weekend for Josh.

“Alastair also showed a return to form setting him up nicely for our next event, the North West 200. I think it’s clear already that this is going to be a very close season with multiple race winners and with that in mind consistency will certainly be key.

“With five podium finishes from six race starts, our guys can justifiably feel proud at this point of the year. Although it is very early days, we currently have both inside the all important tip six, so that’s another positive.”

The Tyco Suzuki rider qualified in third, and after sitting second for most of the race, he had to settle for the bottom step of the podium after a charge through the field from Chris Walker.

The Australian said after the race, “I’m happy with that to be fair.

“At the start of the race I didn’t want to go too hard because I knew the track was going to dry up more.

“Shakey [Shane Byrne] was riding well and then Chris [Walker] came by me riding better than Shakey.

“I knew if I tried too hard I was going to crash and thought, ‘what’s the point in trying too hard to go with Chris?’

“I’m happy enough with that, I hope the team are too, so we’ll see how we fare in the next one.”

Teammate Alastair Seeley put in a strong performance in the damp conditions, coming through the field to secure sixth position.

Brookes heads the championship going into race two.

The Australian led the pack through the opening stages, until a red flag came out for a crash involving John Kirkham.

After the restart Brookes hit the front again, but was unable to fend off Tommy Hill and Noriuki Haga, and had to settle for third, with teammate Alastair Seeley fourth.

Brookes said, “For the restart there wasn’t a strategy, we just had to go for it!

“I gave it everything and I think maybe being aggressive with the power gave me a few spins but it is another podium for us and that is what is important.

“Tommy and Nori did a good race and I had tried everything but it wasn’t enough today, but third is a good result and more points for the championship.”

Brookes is currently second in the championship with two more races today.

The season’s now in full swing and it’s just Oulton Park this coming Bank Holiday weekend for the triple header then back home to try and add to my tally at the North West 200, and get the Tyco Suzukis on the podium… but despite what people think, it isn’t going to be easy.

I’d like to just forget about Thruxton BSB at this stage, I suppose we all have to face up to difficult weekends in racing and hopefully Thruxton will be one of very few I have this year.

The races were tough for me as you could probably see. I was struggling in both races for entry feel, and on the exit, the tyre was really spinning up on me and pumping out of the turns. It was disappointing and I didn’t even take my helmet off after the second race. I just marched back to the motor home with my bottom lip out!

We’ve since looked at the data and apart from a few things we can change, I think I have to accept I’m probably still riding the Superbike a bit like a 600: carrying too much lean angle and being too aggressive on the throttle. It’s something I’ll have to work on and I’ve been thinking about adapting my riding style a little to overcome this.

I haven’t just got that front-end feel yet to lash it into the corner, but again it will come. In the wet we are bang on; we are actually mint with that set-up, which brings us to Brands.

We knew from the first race at Brands, where we just lost out on giving Tyco, our new titles sponsor their first win, we needed to get a bit more weight on the rear of the bike for more grip entering the turns and over the bumps and ripples in race two. The temperature had dropped at Brands and as much as I was disappointed that race two didn’t run [as I thought I could win it], there definitely would have been more crashes. So postponing it on safety grounds was the right thing to do.

The new rules have already shown that there will probably be quite a few race winners this year. Kirkham and Lowry are both good riders, but no one would have expected either of them to win so early in the year, or probably me if I’d won at Brands. It’s good for the championship that other riders are coming through and pushing the likes of Hill, Brookes, Laverty and Byrne.

The new GSX-R1000 definitely has winning potential as Josh proved at Thruxton. I just need to get my bike working that bit better now. If you don’t feel the bike is well planted and has enough grip then the likes of Thruxton is character building to say the least.

After testing and especially coming away from Kirkistown, where I was doing consistent 54 second laps and matched my best ever time around there – I sort of thought we’d nailed it. But when you get to Brands and different circuits it always throws up a few other things that need ironed out. I lost a bit of confidence at Thruxton and it just magnifies the problems. I really just couldn’t get my head into it.

Oulton Park is next up, and as I say, we have three races there. I like Oulton. I was watching the Superbike races from there in 2010 where I qualified fifth. I was running top five but missed a gear on the last lap and John Laverty nipped in to take his first podium.

One positive from Brands and Thruxton is how fit I feel. I’ve been training at the Sports Institute for Northern Ireland [SINI] and I’m a lot stronger than I was. I can chuck the bike about and I hardly broke sweat on it at Thruxton, so there are no problems physically.

After Oulton it’s off to the North West 200 and I’ve always had a crap round before the NW200, so I’ll not be panicking or letting it creep into my mind. Last year I had a bad weekend at Croft on the Supersport bike before it, but this year I’m fully focused on the BSB races and the NW200 can’t be taking up my thoughts until we get there.

I need to be getting some decent results at Oulton, as it’ll work both ways. If I do well there I’ll be back in the hunt in BSB, and it will give me confidence for the North West, even though we’re back onto the full FIM specification Superbike there.

It’s all about having a good Tuesday practice at the North West. I know how I prepared last year and also in 2010, so we can build it up on Thursday; then we have that Superstock race on the Thursday night.

I heard the other day, unfortunately it’s going to be the coldest May on record. What we don’t want is another race day like last year: cold and wet. We have a good wet set-up so that wont bother me at all but it’s no good for the fans. I think we’d all prefer dry and sunny if we had a choice.

Hopefully between Conor, Guy and myself we can get some wins for our new sponsors Tyco Security Products as they are an enthusiastic bunch and bag a few decent cheques for the back pocket!

Cheers

Alastair #34