Race win for Beowulf at Valencia
22-03-2008
There's been further success for Beowulf Racing during the second day of their four-day test at Valencia. Today's session took on a race format with free practice in the morning, timed qualifying in the afternoon and a 14-lap open-class race in the afternoon. Running against a number of full-specification Superbike machines, the YZF-R6's of Beowulf riders Gino Rea and Dan Linfoot held their own and finished in first and second position respectively. With rain starting to spit down at the half-way point, teammate Pat McDougall decided to retire from the proceedings early. It proved to be a wise decision - the race was red-flagged on lap nine when the shower turned into a monsoon.
Although the team is under no illusions about the race not being a truly competitive affair, there are many positive points to come out of today's performance:
Firstly, the lap times set today by Gino Rea and Dan Linfoot at 1:40.84 and 1:40.85, are well within the circuits Superstock 600 lap record of 1:42.628, although it should be borne in mind that better tyre compounds are permitted now than when the record was set.
Secondly, Rea and Linfoot crossed the finishing line only a couple of wheel lengths apart which is a sure sign of a competitive, yet fair, rivalry within the team when the season starts next month.
Next, the fourth, sixth and eighth place qualifying positions of Rea, Linfoot and McDougall ensured they were the top three 600cc machines on the grid.
Finally, although the Superbike machines all were running on slick tyres and thus had to retire as soon as the rain began, they were all entered by professional European race teams. The Beowulf riders more than held their own against the larger-capacity machines during the opening laps.
Tomorrow's sessions will follow the same format as today's but the race will be purely for 600cc machines. With the 1:40 lap target now comfortably achieved, the goal is now to push forwards again into the 1:39 zone.
Promising start to final test at Valencia
21-03-2008
The signs are looking very, very good for Beowulf Racing as they complete the first of four days at Valencia today for what will be the squad's final test session before their season starts in April. All three riders confirmed themselves happy with their progress around the 2.5-mile Ricardo Tomo circuit despite having to deal with large remnants of oil still lying around the track following an engine blow-up by another rider yesterday.
Dan Linfoot (European Superstock 600) has continued to fine-tune the suspension settings of his machine following earlier progress at Cartagena last month. Additional work is being done to the electronics of his YZF-R6 Yamaha this evening.
Gino Rea (European Superstock 600) is delighted to already be lapping 1.5 seconds faster than he managed in last year's podium-finishing race. The fact that he had to use his number two machine today has only added to his confidence.
Pat McDougall (British Supersport Cup) described his day as "Brilliant" after lopping 1.5 seconds from his lap times during today's three sessions. He will be testing new brakes pads tomorrow to cure a problem with chatter which he experienced today.
All three riders are currently lapping in the 1.43 and 1.42-second zone. They are chasing lap records of 1.42.628 in the Superstock class and 1.38.644 in the Supersport category (this was unofficially bettered in a WSB-backed test session at the track last week). Even the threat of rain tomorrow has failed to dampen their spirits - all three are hoping it will wash the last remnants of oil from the circuit.
Two FREE Brands Hatch BSB passes available
19-03-2008
Hot on the heels of our Valencia prize draw comes our companion ticket offer for the first round of the British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch between 4th-6th April. This will be your first chance to see Beowulf rider Pat McDougall battle it out in the British Supersport Cup.
To enter, simply select the "Contact" option along the above menu bar of this website and enter your name and email details along with "Brands Hatch BSB Pass Offer" in the comments section. This last point is VERY IMPORTANT - without it we won't know if you want to enter this particular draw, our Valencia offer or are simply registering with the website.
The draw will close at midnight, Wednesday 26th March. All the entries will go into the hat on Thursday 27th March and a name will be selected at random for the passes. Everyone will be notified if they have won or not and the winner will be asked to provide contact details so we can get the passes to him or her.
Please note - anyone who has already registered with the site and wishes to enter this draw must still send a message, your name will NOT be added to this draw automatically.
All applicants will be added to the Beowulf Racing email list and will receive regular notices and bulletins relating to the team's progress. Please inform us when you enter the draw if you do not wish to receive these updates.
Good luck everybody - and keep your eyes peeled for more offers from www.beowulf-racing.com coming up soon!
Sponsors
Team Beowulf Racing.
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.
