MAGsport
For the fast ones
Alex Wins
MAGSPORT Racer Alex Gault has had an eventful few weeks in the run up to the start of the 2007 racing season. Alex had entered 'The GSXR Factor' a competition run by SuperBike Magazine for a ride in the 2007 European GSXR CUP. This runs at World Super Bikes Championship at six rounds when the series visits Europe. I must admit Alex had entered slightly 'tongue in cheek' as the bikes they use are 750cc and Alex has only ever had one go on a 600cc machine but 'nothing ventured, nothing gained' as they say.
On hearing Alex had made it through to the next round of the selection process; mild concern hit us about the lack of track time he has had since testing for a seat on the MKW team in BSB Super Sport Cup back in December...... He had exactly........ None.
We had bought a Suzuki GSXR 600 K6 which we intended to use as a practice bike for the National Motostar GSXR Trophy, however News that Yamaha were to introduce a Junior R6 CUP, proved to be very interesting and the team turned their attention to that series, putting his Suzuki, which had been sitting up in YPE's workshop in Edinburgh over the winter, up for sale.
Then the news that Alex had made the finals and was to test for the ride on GSXR 750's in Spain on the 2nd March, turned mild concern into PANIC.
We got his bike back from YPE and as it was his prelim exams at School the only track day we could get him on was taking place at Rockingham on Sunday the 25th February. It was all planned, we loaded up the van, final cup of tea and I checked my e-mails before setting off.
First disbelief, read it again, no still don't believe it...... an e-mail from the track day company to say the Rockingham test day is cancelled, my heart sank. When I told him, Alex's heart sank, Panic, disappointment, worry, all good fix-inducing emotions that make you know your alive, yes the blood was pumping but that wasn't going to help Alex.I searched the internet for track days taking place before we left for Spain. I also phoned the 3 nearest circuits to us begging for some track time.........no chance.
Well if you remember, last year Alex went out winning his first race and braking the lap record at Knockhill after very little time on the 400...Come on guys I'm grasping at straws here! Trying to find something to give us hope that this very important test would not be a complete disaster.
Oh and it gets better. We then learned that Alex was up against 18 year old Alex Camier who just returned from a season in the Japanese Super Bike Championship and 20 year old Jimmy Storrar who contended last year's Super Stock CUP at British Super Bikes.
We flew out to Almeria in Spain from Stanstead airport after being introduced to everyone (Including Rizla Suzuki's John Reynolds, Suzuki GB's Promotions people, The Editor of Super Bike Magazine and some very prominent photographers and mechanics.) That night after dinner Alex had an early night for his big day, while I engaged in conversation (well it isn't every day you have a meal with such important people).
Friday morning and although concerned, Alex seemed to be taking everything in his stride, which was more than could be said for me. Why have I got so many grey hairs? Worry, Worry, Worry, Worry.
The test was to take place on the newly refurbished and stunning Guadix track which is situated about 120 Km North of Almeria. The track was at that time being used as a test facility for British Super Bike teams. We hadn't realised it would be at the same time as Alex would be out.
How many 16 year old kids can say they have been on the same track at the same time as super bikes being ridden by Kiyonari (The British Super Bike Champion) Shakey Byrne, Jonny Rae, Chris Walker, Cal Crutchlow, Leon Camier, and Tom Sykes, to name a few. In fact I think the only riders missing were Lavia and Haslam. Alex had the chance to speak to some of them and the opportunity of some direction from John Reynolds! Fantastic experience for Alex, he enjoyed every minute, loved the track and the bikes. He said,
"It has been Brilliant and I'd like to Thank Super Bike Magazine and Suzuki GB for giving me this opportunity, to John (Yes, he's now on first name terms with Mr Reynolds) and the rest of the lads for making this such a fantastic experience."
It was a very fair test. Two bikes, three riders, each rider got the use of both bikes, everyone spoke to everyone else, every one in attendance was very kind, helpful and polite and I did not see one instance of any bias or partiality. Before it started John Reynolds took both bikes out for a shake down and had them adjusted to be as close to one another as possible. In fact a piece of Duct Tape on one of the headlights was the only means of telling the two bikes apart (well, for a while anyway, read on).
Alex Camier was first out on track followed by Jimmy Storrar, then Alex's, the three riders alternating between the two bikes all day, each rider having similar time aboard both bikes.
Now I must say my concern for Alex's lack of practice was unjustified. By mid day he was looking very good, even when you consider the company he was keeping. Until he crashed their bike.............. Alex said,
"I was going round the turn and heard a Super Bike behind me, I drifted a bit wide to let him overtake me, he came inside and stayed there for a moment.....It's SHAKY BYRNE...I took my eye off where it should be and drifted out onto the dirty bit of the track and the bike just slid away from me, Stupid mistake!"
So how did it end up? It was a story you'd read in a comic book, you know 'Roy of the Rovers' stuff; with no practice beforehand Alex took to the track aboard the GSXR 750 and posted times faster than any one else, lapping within 8 seconds of the Super Bike times. However he had made one of their bikes look somewhat 'previously enjoyed.'
We heard a few days later he'd won the ride, so now it's all about preparing for this amazing opportunity. Alex would like to express his gratitude to everyone who has helped him in the past and at present. Without their help he knows this could not have happened.
Keep up with Alex at www.minimotoracer.com.
^top