2012 Motorpoint British Supersport Championship – Round 1 – Brands Hatch

Motorcycle Law Scotland's sponsored rider David Paton getting ready to race at Brands Hatch

It’s no secret that Brands Hatch BSB was a bad meeting, not only for the team, but also for the event organisers.

It was very cold and wet all bank holiday weekend. As I said in my previous blog, I had expected this round to be difficult for a number of reasons but surprisingly I managed to get off to a reasonable start.

Free practice was our only fully dry session and it became clear right from the start that tyre wear would be a problem. Due to the extreme cold and the nature of the Indy circuit, the right hand side of the tyres would only last a handful of laps! It was a large grid so I accepted our qualifying position of 21st on Row 8 about 1.7 secs off pole.

Our Sunday sprint race was run in mixed conditions. This seemed to suit me as I made my way up 4 places to 17th and was catching the next group (points). Unfortunately, on the penultimate lap, whilst pushing on, I crashed at Graham Hill bend. Luckily the bike seemed in reasonable condition and I was uninjured but I was annoyed at myself.

On to our Monday feature race and again the weather was terrible. The day had been full of crashes from many of the riders. The track seemed very greasy and of course soaking wet… All seemed OK going out for the 26 lap race but then my bike developed an electrical fault, most likely as a result of the crash the previous day. I was gutted to say the least that I was unable to start.

The team are now looking forward to BSB round two at Thruxton this weekend where we are hoping for better fortune.

I would just like to thank all my sponsors Double M Racing, Motorcycle Law Scotland, Mitchell Marketing & Media, Web, Dummond Motor Co, EBC Brakes, KBC Helmets, Daytona Boots, Fife Auto-Centre, and Allan McDougall Property

Motorcycle Law Scotland's sponsored rider, David Paton, racing at Brands Hatch

BSB – Round 8 at Brands Hatch with a newly tuned engine

The long journey from Edinburgh to Brands Hatch in Kent has begun…

This weekend’s racing is on the Brands Hatch ‘GP’ circuit rather than the shorter ‘Indy’ circuit.

Obviously, it is very difficult for us to get any testing at this circuit before the event with it being such a long journey! This for me is not ideal as I’ve never ridden a Supersport bike here which leaves us very little time to achieve a good bike set up before the first race on Saturday evening… creating yet more challenges for the team. This aside, I am desperate to get out there and begin lapping the 2.6 mile circuit as it is up there as one of my favourite circuits.

Let’s hope for some nice August weather and exciting racing!

The Double ‘M’ Racing R6 looks great, so watch out for coverage on ‘British Eurosport’ on Sunday and also snapshots at www.davidpatonracing.co.uk. Thanks to all my sponsors as always especially Motorcycle Law Scotland, Charlie Johnston, Horsetiger , EBC Brakes UK and my mechanics.

Rain cancels the racing at BSB Rd 7 at Oulton Park – July 2011

I think  most of the racers at this weekend’s Oulton Park BSB will be very disappointed. The weather forecast was bad but I don’t think anyone expected the rain to be so bad that the event would have to be cancelled! 

We had our new engine and paintwork for this meeting which made the bike look great and go better too. Unfortunately, I didnt get to use it to its full potential this weekend.

We did however complete our sprint race on Saturday evening… in the dry. I had qualified 23rd and 2nd in the Supersport Cup. With this I was happy but in the race I got frustrated and was unable to settle into the race and make much progress. I finished 22nd and had slipped back to fourth in the Cup but not far back. I have maintained 2nd in the Cup Championship.

There is now a small break until the next round at Brands Hatch in three weeks time. My plan until then is to keep on top of my physical fitness but also to stay focused on upping my pace at the next outing.

As ever I am very gratefull to all my supporters. I would esspecially like to say thanks to Mark and Libby (Double ‘M’ Racing) for providing me with the new engine for this weekend. Thank you also to Motorcycle Law Scotland, Charlie Johnston, Horsetiger and my mechanics Alan, Peter and Jimmy.  Thanks to Ian at bikesportpics for these photos

BSB Rd 6 from Snetterton – July 2011

Snetterton was the first weekend we have had so far without any rain. It was perfect conditions. The weekend got off to a worrying start when after 4 laps of free practice 1, the bike just stopped… I had to sit the remainder of the 30 minute session out and watch the competition getting faster and faster… very frustrating. However, when we got the bike back it was a quick fix for my techs, Alan and Peter. It was an electrical fault. 2nd free practice went without a hitch and I was able to get some valuable testing on the all new Snetterton 300 circuit. I am told the circuit is called this as it is 2.99 miles long.

I struggled a little in qualifying to get a lap clear of any traffic and in the end settled for 24th which was 4th in Supersport cup.

Race 1 and I got off to a great start. I was running 2nd in the cup for a large part of the 10 lap sprint race. I was caught up by 3 other cuppers and we had a great fight for the podium positions. Unfortunately I could only manage 4th but still happy with the points.

Race two was better. Another good start and I was running 3rd. This race was the 15 lap feature race. Although I was pushing hard to keep the podium spot, I was passed on lap 9. The leaders began to drop me but I did not give up. I clawed back during the closing laps and made a pass on the last lap for third place! On the podium and happy. It was a hard race in the heat.

I am now looking forward to using my new engine at the next BSB round at Oulton Park, round 7.

I would like to say a massive thanks to my team for their efforts in getting the bike ready for Snetterton. Also a big thanks to my sponsors, Double ‘M’ racing, Motorcycle Law Scotland, Charlie Johnston, Horsetiger and Drummond motor co.

Heading to Snetterton for Rd 6 of the Fuchs/Silcolene British Supersport Championship

I’ve had another busy week on the run up to round 6 of the Fuchs/Silcolene British Supersport Championship.

After a huge crash at the previous round, the bike had taken a knock and in order to return it to it’s former glory, a lot of work was required. I have been juggling my full time job with the sourcing of parts, collecting/delivering and fixing;  it feels like I have not stopped!

I have to hand it to ‘my old man’… Never off the phone, whether it be arranging logistics, ordering fuel/tyres etc,  so much to be done as a privateer team but the team seem committed and determined to succeed and for that I am very grateful.

Of course it is all very necessary… and now we are ready.

I had planned to fit my new improved engine this week but bad luck has struck again… one of the mechanics had his foot run over by a taxi, so we were unable to have the engine fitted! What are the odds!? I will persist with my current engine and push hard to rack up the points.

Snetterton has a new layout which looks very interesting and I’m really looking forward to getting the first practice under way. This season we have been unlucky to have had a lot of rain and wet sessions but this weekends forecast looks good so we should be able to concentrate on some good fast racing!

Lady luck didn’t shine at BSB round at Knockhill

Well I can definitely say that ‘lady luck’ was not on my side over the weekend at Knockhill although things did get off to a good start!

Our two sessions on Friday were free practice as usual. These were very wet, with rain all day! I was able to finish both sessions in the top 3 in the main championship class. This obviously had my confidence high going into the Saturday qualifying session which again was wet. The session was going well up until lap 8 when I had a huge highside at turn 3, crashing out and damaging the bike. I had been in p3 but ultimately slipped down to p8 after sitting the remainder of the 40 minute session out. I had qualified 1st in the ‘Cup’.

The team worked very hard and were able to get the bike back together for the Saturday sprint race, albeit a little battle scared. The rain stuck around and the 18 lap race was wet. My confidence knocked and feeling a little stiff, I managed 11th and 1st in the ‘Cup’. I was a little disappointed but content as this is my best result to date!

The feature race the following day was a very difficult race. Minutes before there were rain showers and it was unclear if they would stick around. The race was declared a wet race even although it was fairly dry. I made a gamble and fitted the wet front tyre, expecting more showers. Unfortunately, it was completely dry for the duration and I slipped back and then further back until my front tyre was in such bad condition that I had to pull in. A massive disappointment, especially as it was my home race but I look to move on and concentrate on winning at the next race.

 I would like to say a massive thanks to my team for their efforts in rebuilding the bike for the race! Also a big thanks to my sponsors, Double ‘M’ racing, Motorcycle Law Scotland, Charlie Johnston, Horsetiger and Drummond motor co. It was great to see so many people around showing their support over the weekend too.

BSB @ Knockhill – the build up

Well it’s my home round of the BSB championship this weekend @ Knockhill and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t excited! In the past I haven’t had great luck here but I am determined to break that pattern this time round.

We have not managed to take delivery of our new, more powerful engine, but this was outwith the team’s control unfortunately so we must compete at one final round with the lesser powered engine. I am not too worried about this as I have good track knowledge here so I can hopefully make up for it. 

The weather looks pretty poor and mixed for the 3 days so it could be a matter of some last minute tyre choices over the event. The team are enthusiastic and well up for the challenge ahead.

Of course, my aim is to win both Supersport cup races, but I would be delighted to finish in the top ten in the main championship race also! Be sure to watch out for us on Eurosport on Sunday and follow me to keep updated via twitter @davidpaton65.

I’d like to say a big thanks to mark and Libby Middleton for their efforts from ‘across the pond’.. My thanks Also to Motorcycle Law Scotland, Charlie Johnston, Horsetiger marketing and media and also my mechanics for this weekend, Erich and Peter.

Highs and Lows at Oulton Park – BSB 2nd Round

This weekend was a mixture of highs and lows for myself and the Double ‘m’ team. After missing the first round of the BSB, I was on the back foot right from the word go. It would be easy to beat myself up but the team helped me stay positive and we did make some big steps forward! My lap times were good in the 16 lap feature race and I was able to fight for a podium place in the Supersport Cup!

Unfortunately I made the wrong tyre choice and only half way through I was struggling for grip.

I am not deterred and the whole team are very much looking forward to croft in two weeks time!

Knockhill – 23rd and 24th April – BMW to Yahama R6 the ups and downs

It’s been a week of rebuilding the BMW back up after the crash last weekend. On first inspection the bike didn’t look too bad, although once we started stripping everything it became clear that there was a lot of work to be done. After late nights all week, we almost had it ready for Sunday’s racing but our plans have been scuppered with some unknown electrical faults. Unfortunately, the first opportunity for us to rectify this with the use of the diagnostic equipment is on Tuesday. Clearly this writes off racing it this weekend.

We have have now been able to make the Yamaha R6 available for Sunday’s races. Although I would have liked to use the BMW at Knockhill, this does give me an opportunity to get in some practice before the BSB meeting in June where I will race the R6. It’s been a difficult week with sourcing parts, collecting parts, repairs and unexpected problems but I will be glad to put that all behind me when the flag drops for Sunday’s racing!

I am very grateful to all my sponsors, Motorrad Central Scotland, Charlie Johnston, Brenda Mitchell of Motorcycle Law Scotland, Horsetiger , Alder Enterprises, Paramed UK and my supporters who have provided continued support!

2011 Pre-season

It seems like such a long time since the final round of my 2010 season at Knockhill in October. Since then there has been a lot of preparation and physical training for the forthcoming season. Motocross riding has been a key part to my training this year having completed and won two of the three Scottish Hare and Hound Championship rounds. In my opinion it is the ideal training! Still, I am glad to say that its time to swap the ‘nobblies’ for ‘slicks’.

This season, 2011 I am riding the BMW s1000r in the Scottish Superbike Championship and also a Yamaha R6 in the British Supersport Championship! It’s going to be a packed out year but I am definitely up for the challenge.

The East Fortune practice event was the first outing for me this weekend, and what a day it was! The sun was out which made perfect conditions for a full day of riding. I had one or two new add-ons to try with the BMW this weekend. I had a new ‘quickshifter’ and secondary fuel module which caused some problems as this kind of electrical wizardry can be very difficult to set up… after persisting with it for the first two sessions I finally decided to remove the new add-ons for the time being as they were hindering my riding. This was in order to get some valuable track time in and blow the cobwebs off! I now have time to ensure the add-ons are on and working well for our next ride.

The remaining sessions were perfect and before the end of the day I was back into the swing of riding a bike without sticking my foot out and using my knee instead! All in all a good shakedown and very excited for the next practice at Knockhill Race Circuit this coming Friday where I will ride our new Yamaha R6.