The summer sunshine delivered more than just sunglasses and smiles for Team WD-40 as young racer Joe Francis claimed his first race win of the season.

The 15-year-old, from Backford near Chester, produced a stunning ride in the Monster Energy Motostar race at Oulton Park to claim his first win of 2013 and close the gap to current championship leader Tarran MacKenzie to just five points.

Indeed such is the intensity of the rivalry between Joe and Tarran, that the two battled for the lead in the closing stages of the race, before Joe pulled out a fantastic overtake on the last lap and held on for victory by a mere 0.055 seconds.

This was the first victory of the season for Team WD-40 and with Joe’s team–mates, Jon Railton and Tommy Aquino in the National Superstock 1000 riders continuing to improve, it probably won’t be the last.

“Oulton Park is my home track, so to win here on a packed day in front of many family and friends is extra special,” said Joe.

“The fact I was able to perform the final overtaking manoeuvre on the last lap has given me a real boost and I’m now focusing all my efforts on the next race and continuing my challenge for the championship title.

“This victory has been down to a team effort that involves my family and everyone associated with Team WD-40 and GR Motosport.”

The race itself turned into one of the best spectacles of the British Superbike season as four bikes swapped places up to five times a lap, before Joe emerged with the win.

Such was the crowd excitement that Joe was mobbed by fans at Team WD-40’s base after the race, with many having their picture taken with the youngster.

Joe added: “I couldn’t believe the amount of people who came to congratulate me after the race; it was very humbling to think people go out of their way to do that.

“I just want to win races and if I can entertain the crowds at the same time then I’ll be very happy.”

In Superstock 1000, Tommy qualified 16^th and Jon 29^th on the grid, and both riders progressed up the field during the race as they tried out new set-ups on the bikes.

Jon climbed up the field to finish in 24^th place as he continued to improve his pace throughout the weekend and he’s confident of continuing his progress.

“We tried different set-ups throughout event and they worked as we got more pace out of the bike all weekend,” said Jon.

“The new tyre brought in for this season has meant the set-up I used on the bike last year doesn’t deliver enough pace, so I’ve been trying new ones to give me the pace I know the bike is capable of.

“I’m taking many positives from the weekend as our times improved and we made up some good places during the race.

“Now I need to test a couple of new set-ups, particularly around the suspension, and hopefully be further up the field at one of my favourite race tracks, Donington Park, next time out.

“As a team we’re improving things all the time and the atmosphere around the garage all weekend has been fantastic, particularly so when my team mate Joe won his race.

“It spurs all of us on to try and achieve even greater things as the season progresses.”

Tommy had only ridden about 40 laps on the Oulton Park circuit before, so he was giving away a great deal of knowledge and experience of the track to nearly all the other riders. His 14^th place finish and more points for the championship made his ride even more impressive.

He said: “I’m pleased that I got some championship points, but I was frustrated not to make any more places during the race.

“Team WD-40’s manager, Brent Gladwin, keeps reminding me that I’m not only competing in a new championship, but I have to learn every race track that I’m currently going to.

“It’s a steep learning curve and one I’m enjoying, although I’m desperate to get in to the top ten and continue my progress up the championship table.”

Team WD-40’s manager, Brent, said: “I’m very proud of all three riders and delighted with the form they showed throughout the weekend.

“Joe’s victory was simply brilliant and it is something the whole team can take pride in. It could be the catalyst we need to get all bikes racing for podium places.

“He may only be 15-years-old, but Joe is proving himself as a rider who can achieve even greater things. We hope he continues his form throughout the season.

“Jon and Tommy are competing in probably the most competitive race series in the UK, so their performances this season have been very good.

“Both are trying new things with their bikes and I’m sure they’ll be terrorising the top ten before long.

“Overall Oulton Park was a fantastic weekend and something everyone associated with the team can be pleased with.”

David Whittome, UK marketing manager for team sponsors WD-40 Specialist, said: “Joe thoroughly deserves the praise given to him after such a fantastic win. Everyone at WD-40 Company is very proud of his achievement at Oulton Park.

“We’re also delighted at the continued progress of Jon and Tommy, as talk of Team WD-40 increases before, during and after races.”

WD-40 is the new title sponsor of GR Motosport. The company has just launched seven new products specifically for use on motorbikes, under its recently launched WD-40 Specialist Motorbike brand.

www.wd40specialistmotorbike.co.uk/

www.teamwd40.com

Team Partners

Cargolink Express, L&A Reinforcements, Carrino access flooring, The Air Con Experts, F&G Commercials, Bennetts Motorcycle Insurance, Kent Holiday Cottages, RS Components, 3 Squared, Signsxtra

Technical Partners

Kawasaki, Scorpion Red Power, Dynojet UK, Swinton Motorcycles, R&G racing, PPG Paint, Goodridge, Pipercross, Solo Motorcycle products, Super B, MG Competition, Dellorto

The second round of the British Superbikes at Thruxton looked to be threatened with rain, but the sun made a welcome appearance on race day giving Team WD-40 riders Joe Francis, Jon Railton and Tommy Aquino the chance to show what they were made of.

The second round of the National Superstock 1000 and the Monster Energy Motostar British Championships at Thruxton race circuit delivered­­­­­ some excellent results, including another podium position.

Joe, from Backford (Chester), secured his second trophy with a well deserved second place in the Motostar race. After qualifying second on the grid, the 15-year-old was again battling with leader, Tarran Mackenzie, both riders pulled away from the rest and Joe managed to nip past Tarran at one point towards the middle of the race.

A mistake by Joe at the Campbell-Cobb sector of the track meant Tarran was able to pull away and passed the chequered flag five seconds ahead. Both riders completed the race over 20 seconds ahead of their nearest rivals.

Joe said: “I’m happy with the way the race went but also disappointed that I couldn’t catch the leader again. My tyres were a bit too soft for the track and I made a couple of silly mistakes which I can learn from. Over the next few weeks I’ll be working with the team to get the bike in the best possible shape for Oulton Park and hopefully I can bring home that first win.”

In the Superstock 1000 Tommy Aquino put in a superb performance making up 13 places, from 23^rd on the grid to a very credible tenth position. He passed the chequered flag just eight seconds behind the leader.

Jon had a disappointing race and struggled from the beginning. After putting in a great performance at qualifying despite some front suspension problems , starting 11^th on the grid, he found it hard to make up positions with the continued small problems. He held on in the first half, but a lack of confidence in the bike with the front suspension saw Jon come a respectable 18^th place. A crash meant the race was red flagged, with Jon only just missing the debris, which left both riders feeling frustrated that they couldn’t make up places.

Tommy, who had never raced or tested in the UK until three weeks ago said: “I met my goal which was to get in the top ten so I’m extremely pleased and it’s great that I’ve collected points for the team. The bike performed brilliantly and feels much more settled now compared to last weeks’ race and I felt comfortable with the way it handled.

It was frustrating that the race got red flagged as I think I could have taken a couple more places but overall I was really happy with my performance. My focus now is to be in the top five and I’m very confident that by round four I could make it – I’m looking forward to getting on the track at Oulton Park on May 6th.”

Jon said: “I was disappointed with the race and struggled to get going from the beginning. It’s frustrating as I wanted to improve on last weeks’ success but I just didn’t feel comfortable with the bike from the start. We had made some changes to the bike but I wasn’t able to get used to them as the track was never dry for testing. The fact that the race was stopped with six laps to go didn’t help either as I think I could have made up a few more places. Tommy put in a brilliant race though and it’s fantastic he’s collected points. I’m really looking forward to Oulton and I’m sure Team WD-40 will have podiums to celebrate in the Superstock 1000 championship very soon.”

Team WD-40’s owner, Brent, said: “I’m extremely proud of Team WD-40 and what they have achieved this weekend – after Brands we found that we had a real speed problem with the Moto3 over the KTM but Danny put in 3 really long hard days before Thruxton to reduce that which showed. The lads put in superb performances and built on their achievements from last week and made special thanks to Danny, DK, Ash and Rob. Yet another podium finish for Joe is a dream come true. He’s such a fantastic young talent and will be one to watch this season.

Tommy put in a stunning performance to be in the top ten and I’m very proud of him, and Jon performed really well despite having problems with his bike. The team can now build on what we have learnt from these last two races and with the weather brightening up we will have the opportunity to test and improve. A very special Thanks this week has to go to Clare and Sam  who overcame some real difficulties to look after the Team and our guests ”

David Whittome, UK marketing manager for team sponsors WD-40 Specialist, said: “I am delighted with Team WD-40 and the way they built on their performances from last week. We’re still in the early stages of the season and with the weather hampering practice sessions, the team haven’t been able get on the track as much as they would have liked. I’m in no doubt the guys will go from strength to strength in the next rounds. Jon, Tommy and Joe are very talented young riders and we’re all now looking forward to see how they perform at Oulton Park in May.”

WD-40 is the new title sponsor of GR Motosport. The company has just launched seven new products specifically for use on motorbikes, under its recently launched WD-40 Specialist Motorbike brand.

www.wd40specialistmotorbike.co.uk/

www.teamwd40.com

Team Partners

Cargolink Express, L&A Reinforcements, Carrino access flooring, The Air Con Experts, F&G Commercials, Bennetts Motorcycle Insurance, Kent Holiday Cottages, RS Components, 3 Squared, Signsxtra

Technical Partners

Kawasaki, Scorpion Red Power, Dynojet UK, Swinton Motorcycles, R&G racing, PPG Paint, Goodridge, Pipercross, Solo Motorcycle products, Super B, MG Competition, Dellorto

Images by Barry Clay

TEAM WD-40 BEGIN SEASON IN STYLE WITH PODIUM

As spring finally began to show itself, the 2013 season got off to a flying start for Team WD-40 and riders Joe Francis, Jon Railton and Tommy Aquino at Brands Hatch.

The opening rounds of the National Superstock 1000 and the Monster Energy Motostar British Championships delivered­­­­­ some excellent results, including a first podium and trophy of the season.

Joe, from Backford (Chester), secured second place in the Motostar race to get his season off to a flying start.

After qualifying second on the grid, the 15-year-old was always on the tail of the leader, Tarran Mackenzie, as both riders pulled away from the rest.

A red flag on lap two, shortly after Joe had briefly taken the lead, meant a delay; the restart was from original grid positions and both riders battled hard throughout the 19 laps as they fought for the lead.

They reached the chequered flag over 11 seconds ahead of their nearest rival and are set to renew the battle at Thruxton this weekend.

“This was a great way to start the season and while it was frustrating not to win, the points from this race could be vital at the end of the year,” said Joe.

“My bike was brilliant and I can’t thank the lads in Team WD-40 enough for getting everything ready, Thruxton can’t come quick enough and I’m ready to race again for a podium place – this time the top one!”

In Superstock 1000, In a very close qualifying where 65 riders were split by just 3 seconds, Jon did a fantastic job qualifying on the front row, fourth on the grid. Tommy, who had never raced or tested in the UK until two weeks ago, put in a brilliant performance to be just one second off the leaders yet such is the competition in the British Superstock he was on the ninth row.

Both Jon and Tommy made great starts to the race, Tommy picking up places and Jon running with the leaders. After 24 growling laps where both riders suffered brake problems towards the end of the race, Jon finished a frustrating ninth, while Tommy made up 12 places to pass the chequered flag in a creditable 23^rd place.

Jon said: “I was in a great position in the leading pack towards the middle of the race, but my brakes started to fade away and I had to reduce speed earlier than normal at the braking areas. This meant I was losing time and instead of challenging for the podium places, I as battling to stay in the top ten. The positives are we’ve collected points and the team and I are more aware of how the bike works, after an almost test free pre-season. I’m really looking forward to Thruxton and I’m sure Team WD-40 will have podiums to celebrate in the Superstock 1000 championship in the near future.”

Tommy’s small chattering problem under hard braking meant he was unable to make up as many places as he had hoped, but he was happy with most aspects of the race.

He said: “I’m pleased that I made up over ten places during the race, but know that I can go faster the front chattering was a little unnerving.

This has been a tough learning curve as I’ve never raced at Brands Hatch or on a 1000cc bike and next time at Thruxton I’m looking to be further up on the grid.”

Team WD-40’s manager, Brent, said: “I’m very proud of all three riders and my whole Team, I am delighted with the form they showed after very little time on the bikes during pre-season with the hideous weather problems we have all encountered. The podium finish from Joe was a superb result and it shows that he is a rider with the talent to continue progress through the ranks of racing. He’s put himself in a superb position to challenge for a championship and we hope he can build on the performance at Brands Hatch this weekend at Thruxton.

Tommy and Jon both suffered small teething problems during the Superstock 1000 race, which hampered their progress, but the results show we’ve got two fast bikes with two committed, determined and fast riders. The season continues very quickly and I’m sure Tommy and Jon will continue to improve on the season’s start.”

David Whittome, UK marketing manager for team sponsors WD-40 Specialist, said: “This was a very good start to the season and was a great way to mark the start of the company’s new WD-40 Specialist Motorbike range of products. Jon, Tommy and Joe showed we have some excellent young riders and we’re all now looking forward to more exciting action at Thruxton this weekend.”

www.wd40specialistmotorbike.co.uk/

 www.teamwd40.com

Team Partners

Cargolink Express, L&A Reinforcements, Carrino access flooring, The Air Con Experts, F&G Commercials, Bennetts Motorcycle Insurance, Kent Holiday Cottages, RS Components, 3 Squared, Signsxtra

Technical Partners

Kawasaki, Scorpion Red Power, Dynojet UK, Swinton Motorcycles, R&G racing, PPG Paint, Goodridge, Pipercross, Solo Motorcycle products, Super B, MG Competition, Dellorto, Geotech.

Aquino joins team-mate Jon Railton in the newly sponsored team, having competed in the 600 Daytona Sport Bike class, and is now eager to build on his experiences as he moves to the 1000cc class.

Aquino said: “It’s going to be a great year of racing and learning with Team WD-40. They are a great group of guys so between Jon and I, we should be very competitive this year.”

Team Owner Brent Gladwin concluded: “We were looking for another great young rider to join Jon and Joe in Team WD40 and we were introduced to Tommy by Geoff Crust and Wayne Rainey. Tommy’s history speaks for itself and the American affinity to WD40 made perfect sense. His arrival from the warmth of California to a very cold UK must have been a shock to the system for him! We can’t wait to see Tommy on a bike as soon as possible and are really looking forward to a great season.”

GR Motorsport have announced a new title sponsorship with lubricants giant WD-40 running a two rider team with Joe Francis in the Monster Energy Motostar British Championship and Jon Railton in the Pirelli National Superstock 1000 Championship. 

Francis, who finished second in last season’s Motostar British Championship Cup will compete in the Moto3 Championship as part of the Monster Energy Motostar races, giving him the chance to win two titles. After finishing ninth in the Superstock Championship last season, Railton is focused on delivering for Team WD-40 and securing some podium finishes in the hard-fought races. 

Francis said: “I’m really excited about this season and can’t wait to get involved in the first race. The new team promises to be one of the places to be in the paddock in 2013 and the wait will soon be over.”

Railton said: “2013 looks to be a good year in which I can prove my ability amongst some top riders. My aim is to be in the leading bunch in the final stages of every race, so I can put myself in with a chance of a regular podium finish.” 

Team WD-40′s manager, Brent Gladwin concluded: “This team has been the culmination of plenty of hard work over the close season and I’m delighted that everything is now in place for us to go racing. Joe is a fantastic young talent and Jon will prove to be another excellent signing for Team WD-40, as we aim for some silverware come the end of the season. This season the riders will be racing Honda Moto3 and Kawasaki ZX10r, and Brent explains why he chose these for 2013. For me the choice was quite easy, the Kawasaki ZX10r in Superstock and the Honda NSF250r in Moto3, offered the best package for our riders.” 

David Whittome, WD-40 Company’s UK marketing manager, said: “The launch of our new range of seven products for the motorbike market is based on feedback from riders and race teams across the UK. We’re introducing the WD-40 Specialist Motorbike range to help owners, racers and enthusiasts keep their machines in excellent condition – on the road, on track and in the garage. 

“Team WD-40 is an exciting development for us as a company and we’re delighted that Joe and Jon are part of the team for 2013 and we are keen to see a successful partnership in the coming season ahead. As always the aim is to be competitive and I’m sure both riders will deliver first class performances throughout the year.”

MCE BSB Series Director Stuart Higgs said: “I’d like to congratulate Brent Gladwin of GR Motorsport for once again assembling a highly professional and exceptionally well presented team and in particular introducing such a prestigious, global brand as WD-40 to our series. The team are well remembered for their European championship success over a decade ago which propelled current MCE BSB rider Karl Harris into the limelight. Team WD-40 are showing a commitment to bringing on rising talent and I wish them a great year ahead and ultimate progression into becoming an MCE BSB class team in future seasons.”

Successive Podiums for WD40 Specialist

Ellesmere Port school boy, Joe Francis took his second podium on the trot on the GR Motosport / WD40 Specialist backed Banks Racing GP 125.

In only his 2^nd ride at Oulton Park, Joe started the weekend well upping the pace from the last event and continuing to improve. The Peter Banks GP125 showed its full potential lurking very close to the top of the speed traps with Joe making the most of it in qualifying to secure 10^th on the grid.

Joe’s race start left a little to be desired dropping to 18^th at the first turn but by the end of the lap he was back with the leading group. At only 14 Joe showed his maturity on live TV by settling into a fantastic rhythm and lapping faster than qualifying to catch the leaders. The last 3 or 4 laps had everyone on the edge of their seats as he battled with the much more experienced riders for the podium places. Down to the last corners and Joe captured 2^nd place an awesome effort.

Jumping from 4^th to 2^nd place in the Cup championship The Banks Team are proud of their achievements and look forward to Brands Hatch.

Our first outing with Hudson Kennaugh at Oulton went very smoothly as he settled back into the Aprilia RSV4, throughout practice and qualifying we made good improvements to the setup but unfortunately were caught out a little in the weather struck weekend so were not able to make the most of the potential. Hudson made a good start to the race but ran into a little trouble with fallen riders as he started to settle into the rhythm the pace car was deployed while the brilliant marshals made repairs to safety fencing as the pace car pulled in Hudson started to move forward only to have the race red flaged with 4 laps to go as he was in sight of the points. 

 “I am very disappointed this is not the result we were looking for but I am sure we will be right up there very soon” Hudson Kennaugh

Brent Gladwin, Managing Director of GR Motosport added: “We expected more from the Superstock 1000 but thing just seemed to work against us all weekend, Hudson did a good job and we know there is much more to come from him. The updated livery looks great! Now we need the results to look the same and we are working hard to make that happen. Young Joe had to overcome quite a few strange things over the weekend but he showed his metal to bring home a stunning result so close to his home town. We are all really looking forward to Brands Hatch and hope to see you al there.

Marshall Neill in what will be his last ride for GR Motosport again stepped up to the mark to put in a great performance on the improving Aprilia RSV4.

The continued development to the RSV4 APRC allowed Marshall to lap almost a second faster than last year again despite his injury restrictions.

The constantly changing conditions in practice and first qualifying left everyone with a lottery where the first 20 on the grid were split by just under a second. Taking the WD40 specialist/CargoLink Express backed Aprilia into 15th on the grid, just 2/10′s of a second would have moved us to 6th..

In an exact repeat of his fantastic start at Snetterton Marshall was immediately challenging the leaders running 8th and in the thick of a great battle, Marshall again lost his rhythm mid race when his knee stiffened dropping him back a little into the 6 rider war for 10th . Marshall’s held 10th until the last corner where a hard but fair move saw him pushed wide to again bring the RSV4 home in 12th and 4 more valuable points.

14 year old Joe Francis from Ellesmere Port on the GR Motosport / WD40 Specialist backed Banks Racing GP 125 took his first podium of the season.

The small Peter Banks run Team continue to make improvements in the highly competitive Monster Energy British Motostar championship which was the starting point for many of the sports past and present stars.

Practice and qualifying went very well as Joe moved forward to secure 10th on the grid. Joe finally got his start perfect to get away with the front runners in what was to be an incident packed race. Joe was in the think of think when the pace car was deployed while the track was cleared

Marshall blasts into the points on his return

The GR Motosport Team have endured a terrible start to the season, and things needed to change. Taylor Knapp at very short notice returned to America!  leaving the door open for Marshall Neill to make a very welcome return to the Team for Snetterton.

On his very first ride on a bike a bike since his horrific accident at Brands Hatch last year there was no pressure, everyone was just looking forward to a fun weekends racing. Things changed on seeing Marshall’s first lap, we knew he was here to try his best as in our hearts we really knew he would.

We had put all the setting we knew worked from last season into the RSV4 and spent time getting Marshall comfortable, his left knee still not fully fit.

Free practice and first qualifying went really well with Marshall easing the WD40 specialist backed Aprilia into 12^th on the grid. Unfortunately we struggled in the second qualifying dropping to 18^th on the grid which unfortunately was our best of the season to date.

A fantastic start saw Marshall immediately challenging the leaders running 8^th and in the thick of a great battle, Marshall lost his rhythm mid race when his knee stiffened dropping him out of the points for a few laps. Marshall’s knee freed off with a third of the race to go and getting his second wind he was back at them using the RSV4 to its best effect to claim a morale boosting 12^th and 4 valuable points

Joe Francis on the GR Motosport / WD40 Specialist backed Banks Racing GP 125 continued to collect points taking 10^th to consolidate his 6^th position the Monster Energy British Motostar championship

Marshall Neill grinned “Brent called me to ask if I was fit and ready to go for Snetterton as he wanted to see me on the bike. I spoke with Marion who said you go ahead, I arrived to see all the smiling faces and felt right at home. We gave it our best shot and I really enjoyed it, the Aprilia flies off the line and at one point I thought I could have been up to 5^th on the first lap. The leg let me down a little mid race but when she freed off again I thought I can have a go back at these boys and 12^th felt good for my first ride back and I have to thank the team for all their hard work especially getting the engine changed after morning warm up ”

Brent Gladwin, Managing Director of GR Motosport added: “The first few races have been very hard to take, if it wasn’t for bad luck we wouldn’t have any at all. We had to change things to get the best from the package we have and while the RSV4 does not have the outright top speed it is a great little package as Marshall proved. We are looking forward to the rest of the season and looking at our rider options for the STK 1000 for Knockhill and on. Young Joe Francis on his Banks Racing GP 125 is continuing to do a good job and now we are looking for him to make the next step forward.”

Double points haul in British Championship debut

Fourteen year old Joe Francis made his debut in the Monster Energy British Motostar championship with two exciting performances at Thruxton.

With the Brands Hatch round cancelled Joe had to contend with
two rounds at a track he had never seen before and on a totally new type of bike to him but despite more bad weather which hampered him learning the super fast and bumpy Thruxton circuit Joe lined up for the
first race on a dry track.

This was always going to be difficult as he had only had a handful of dry laps during the two days testing. In the first race Joe got away mid pack but was soon racing with the likes of William Dunlop, Taz Mackenzie and Joe Irvine in a six way battle for 6th place.

Taz crashed out splitting up the pack and
Joe finished an excellent 7th place just behind William Dunlop. Race two
saw Joe make a bad start but he was passing two or three riders every lap
and was up to 8th position when the chequered flag fell on the shortened five lap race.

Had the race ran full distance a top six was easily within Joe’s
reach.

Joe is a true rookie this year with no previous experience of the
British 125 Championship or the Honda GP125 race bike.

Despite some terrible weather at the first two rounds we all return home with a very positive attitude and with plenty of data and knowledge to give Joe a very good chance at his home round at Oulton Park in May.

We would like to thank both Joe’s own sponsors and the team’s sponsors for their help in making 2012
possible.

The sponsors lists are currently being updated at the team website www.banksracing125.com
.
Please get in touch if you would like to join the list and be added to the new fairings that will be ready in the near future and any help at all is very much appreciated.

Also special thanks to Roger Marshall for
his help over the last two rounds.

WD-40 Specialist – launched this year – is an innovative range of professional products developed to tackle specific and demanding maintenance and DIY jobs, alongside the familiar WD-40 Multi-Use product.

Kieron Roberts, WD-40 Specialist’s assistant brand manager, said: “We’re very excited to be sponsoring GR Aprilia. The team line-up is looking fantastic and Superstock and GP 125 are the perfect league for us to be connected with as WD-40 Specialist is ideal for looking after all bikes – but especially those straight off the production line which need to be expertly maintained.”

Cargo Link Express is delighted to have agreed a sponsorship deal with GR Motosport Aprilia. The international flavour of the Team fits our comprehensive global network, with offices in Europe, Africa, The Americas, Middle East and Asia, Cargo Link Express can ensures we utilise our local knowledge and experience to deliver cost effective multi modal logistical solutions to our customers across multiple industry fields.

Aidan O’ Hagan, Business Development Director at Cargo Link, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be supporting the GR Motosport team, in association with Aprilia in the forthcoming season. The team will certainly be going places this season, new bike, rider and sponsors, and with the longstanding and continued strong management, is a heady mix for success and we very much look forward to sharing in the spoils!”

24 year old Taylor Knapp from Lapeer, Michigan, former US national champion, competed in a hand full of rides in the 2011 Metzeler national Superstock championship brining him to the attention of GR Motosport as a signing for the 2012 season.

Knapp had his first ride on the Aprilia RSV4 at a very cold Cadwell Park last weekend and now heads into the first race at Brands hatch full of confidence.

Taylor Knapp enthused “it was really cold at Cadwell but really enjoy riding the RSV4 first impressions of the bike and team are really good, I am looking forward to racing the bike I think I can really do something with this package!”

Aprilia Superteen Champion,14 year old Joe Francis of Ellesmere Port will also benefit from support of GR Motosport carrying the Number 40 and
WD 40 Specialist branding on his BANKS racing British Championship GP125

Phil Read – Piaggio Group “Sadly Marshall Neill is still recovering from his injuries. However the young American rider Taylor Knapp spearheads the opening of the season onboard the Aprilia RSV4 Factory. He has a great attitude to his racing craft and we expect he will bring some exciting racing to the series”

Brent Gladwin, Managing Director of GR Motosport added: “We will miss Marshall as he still recovers from the crash at Brands last season, but we are really looking forward to the new season. It is fantastic to have 2 major companies on board and to continue working with Aprilia and the RSV4. Both Taylor and Joe will I am sure do the number 40 justice this season. We will add another Superstock rider to the team but at the moment we are looking at our options”