Promising start for Beowulf Racing at Cartagena
28-02-2008
Beowulf Racing have just completed the first day of their pre-season test at the Spanish circuit of Cartagena. Although all three of the team's riders, Dan Linfoot, Gino Rea and Pat McDougall, became progressively faster aboard their Yamaha YZF-R6's as the day wore on, the Somerset-based squad sensibly decided to concentrate on machinery set-up rather than chasing lap times around the 2.2-mile track. A light afternoon shower provided a slight hiatus to the day's proceedings, but the team ended the practice sessions comfortably on the pace alongside the other British Supersport teams which are present.
Andy Stone, Team Owner:
"All three riders are on very similar lap times but we're here to work on testing and set-up, we've another month to go before we race. I've been working mainly on the Ohlins suspension for Pat and Gino's bikes today and I'm very happy with what we've achieved. Dan's running White Power shocks on his machine so he's been working directly with his own mechanic, John Preston. Pat's Supersport engine is bedding in well and is easily a match for the other British championship teams which are here."
Pat McDougall, British Supersport Cup:
"I'm still getting used to the R6, but I'm very happy with the engine - it's got plenty of power. We've experimented a lot with suspension today, putting in harder springs at the front and making rebound changes at the back. We'll go softer at the front tonight and maybe harder at the rear and then see what tomorrow brings. It's more a case of making lots of little changes than one big change."
Gino Rea, European Superstock 600 Championship:
"I started the day on my number two bike and then switched to my number one bike later on. The number one bike definitely felt better. I'd like to have gone faster but we've been using old tyres which was a little frustrating. Overall I'm happy. We're making some overnight suspension changes and with fresh rubber tomorrow I should get to where I want to be."
Dan Linfoot, European Superstock 600 Championship
"It's a shame it rained today as it brought a slight halt to our progress. We went backwards and forwards on our settings for the WP suspension this morning but we found a good baseline in the afternoon after we popped in a new tyre. I've been working on the bike I'll be using at the faster circuits today and I'll move onto my other bike, which we'll use at the majority of the races this year, tomorrow."
Beowulf Racing back at Cartagena
27-02-2008
Alongside a horde of teams from the BSB championship, Beowulf Racing have returned to the Spanish circuit of Cartagena and are now preparing for a three-day test. The bikes are prepped, the riders are ready and we take to the track tomorrow. Stay tuned for a feast of photos, videos and reports direct from the circuit.
Beowulf Racing switch to Yamaha
23-02-2008
Suzuki-based since 1997, Beowulf Racing has decided to switch to Yamaha for their 2008 UK and European campaigns. The reason behind the change largely comes down to machinery availability, as Joint Team Owner and Technical Head Andy Stone explains:
"We've undertaken a major winter testing programme during the off-season this year, he says, with four sessions already completed in Spain and the UK, and another five or six still to come. Two of our riders, Dan Linfoot and Geo Rea, were granted a brief test ride aboard the Virgin Media Supersport Yamaha R6's at Barcelona during November and from that we knew the bike would be competitive. With the new R6 being available ahead of the 2008 Suzuki, the benefit to our testing programme was clear so it made sense to make the switch."
"I am already very impressed with the racing division set-up at Yamaha in the short time we have been working with them", he added. "They have provided a lot of support so I do not foresee any major problems with changing manufacturer and I am confident that we will be bang on the pace by the start of the season."
The first batch of the squads six new machines were ridden in anger for the first time at Brands Hatch last weekend. Following further development, another test is set to take place at Oulton Park in two weeks time.
The opening races of the Somerset-based squads 2008 European and UK campaigns take place on the first weekend of April at Valencia and Brands Hatch respectively.
Sponsors
Team StoneBaker.
The great race at the new Portimao circuit brings an end to our season in World Superbike Superstock 600, with riders Gino Rea and Dan Linfoot.
The season has been a success with Gino third and Dan fifth in the championship standings following three victories and five additional podiums in total. The results have also acted as a stepping stone to the riders for next season, with both securing high profile, career progressing rides for 2009.
Thank you for all of the emails, calls, texts and visits throughout the year. It has been much appreciated.
