Craig Jones

Well I’ve knocked myself about at Mallory Park running in the engine for WSBK. I was running at a steady pace, about 1.5 seconds off normal race pace, we think that liquid was on the track from either the sidecars or vintage machines which sent the R1 into a low slide which then snapped into a high side when the rear caught traction.

This ripped me off the bike and into a 540 through the air before I hit the track head first, ( no damage there then). I wrenched my left knee, right ankle and damaged my left hand and have been sitting with frozen peas on my joints. I’m pretty battered at the moment and hobble along like an old man but I don’t intend not keeping my appointment with WSBK.

Best wishes

#17 Simon (Battered but getting better)

Oulton Park July

I’m sorry that I never had time to update my blog over the Oulton Park weekend but I was unable to get any email connections, I hope to have that problem sorted soon.

It was a great weekend and I had my best results to date, the racing was loads of fun and with the later start I had time to meet lots of nice people.

Thank you for the many kind comments and best wishes for the World Superbikes at Brands Hatch on 3 August

Thank you all very much, #17 Si.

Another tough day at the office but we managed to get some settings in the morning session and started to produce some good times in qualifying. I was on a role and up to sixth place, with a few laps to go, when a marshal thought he saw a problem with my bike and I got my first black flag! I pulled into the pits for a once over but nothing was adrift on the bike so we had a tyre change and I was back out, but the rhythm was lost and I did not have enough time to get back on the pace and finally finished in my lucky thirteenth place.

That actually might be useful for tomorrow’s race because off the start we will be five abreast at Gerrards filtering into single file for the chicane.  The biggest problem for all the riders will be their fitness because the bikes are making so much power and Mallory is such a short circuit and never allows the rider to relax so there will be a lot of tired and sore riders when the racing is over -  trust me!

Si xx

Here we go again with typical British weather for Mallory Park! The morning session started with a three lap tester on the number 1 bike, but was completed on the number two bike. Boy, it was a tough session and I only made fifteenth place! When I got off the bike I was sweating like a man who had just got out of the sauna – it was unbelievable. The afternoon’s session didn’t improve lap times and we did not go out because of the……. Yes more rain! We are ever hopeful that Saturday will bring us a day of fine sunny weather, but don’t hold your breath!

Keep it pinned, Si xxx

Another good day today, this morning we were finished in sixth place with a 1:05:889 and .665 off pole. Qualifying was a little unfortunate because of the rain and when that started I was running in eleventh place with a small data problem, so there was not much point in staying out on a wet track. The boys have worked really hard this weekend and all credit to the team for building the machines that I love to ride. The bikes are not that far away now from being podium machines, I’m looking forward to see what’s happens tomorrow!

See you at Snetterton if your going.

#17 Si xx

I had a good start to the Snetterton meeting today with the new second bike performing extremely well. We are now using two bikes back to back and still have a lot of work to do but the boys are producing a great package for me to ride, the Motec system is producing much harder engine breaking and we are improving with each session. I must admit we have made a big step forward this weekend and the team are intending further improvements. Tomorrow is a key test for the new bike, hopefully we can get a little further up the grid but 0.698 off pole is a good indication of what’s to come.

On a personal note I’ve just taken delivery of my new motor home this week which is brilliant. No more squeezing into a shoe box, somewhere to chill out, put my leathers on without knocking my mess all over the place and a full size bed to relax on with a shower that turns me bright pink with the heat, a podium would top the weekend off nicely!

keep it pinned  

#17 Si xx

The boys got the bike working a little better today and then the rain started. I was getting dialled into the circuit and started to produce quicker lap times but going around Donington without a bike is not the best way to race.  Accelerating up Swance’s the back wheel let go and I was off, fortunately I landed on my head so no damage done, but seriously I’m a little sore and intend spending the next nine hours in bed!

I never got back out again so the early laps were soon eroded by the other riders. I have to start from the worst qualifying position that I’ve had in years, getting into the points will be a real bonus, watch for a very stiff Simon and I’ll see how much I can make up tomorrow.

#17 Si xx

Another tough day, no matter what we tried I can’t get the quicker times that I’m looking to produce. I gave the No2 bike a test run and although this machine has had several hours on the dyno it decided to produce a fault on the third lap which resulted in the loss of electrics and unfortunately for Martin Jessopp a very close visit to the back of my bike. The team will be burning the midnight oil tonight and for once I’m looking forward to the rain!

#17 Si xx

Brands Hatch Saturday 10th May

A really tough day today at Brands Hatch with a two day meeting certainly focusing the mind, its also a little strange being back with the club boys again but fun with a capital “F” they certainly know how to enjoy themselves and some produce some good racing.

In the first session I only got in six laps before I lost the front wheel at Dingle dell but I managed to hold on to the bike over the astro turf, almost getting it back up again, but it had just gone too far, so not much information gained in that session.

In the second session we were working hard to find that extra half second but it eluded us, so the boys have a long night in front of them tonight making changes.

It’s due to be warm tomorrow and the bikes will struggle in the warmer air and this will make much hotter track, tyre choice will be a major factor tomorrow but I’ll have to wait to test the changes in the morning before any call can be made by Bertie, my tyre man, who is not usually too far away with his choice on what we should use.

All the best #17 Si xx

What a tough day at the track today, it rained this morning so all we could do is find a wet set up, and qualifying was a real nightmare, just staying on the bike was a major task, a lot of the boys had big crashes.

It was raining at the start of qualifying and when the wet stuff stopped I changed to an intermediate tyre. I was pushing hard into the first bend at the end of the start finish straight and for the first time ever, when I hit the brakes hard, the rear wheel was almost 90 degrees to me and then just to make life interesting, the front wheel let go!

The bike started to go into a low slide and as I put my knee down the rear took hold and flicked me up into a high side and my life flashed before me! When I finally man handled the bike back under me I was soon on the gas and then the chicane gave me one of the biggest drifts on two wheels that I have ever had. I must admit it was almost as much fun as in the drift car.

I’ll settle for tenth on today’s performance, I don’t think Bernie’s nerves could have taken much more. Tomorrow will be interesting and hopeful it will be dry, the R1 just keeps getting better and better!

#17 Si xx

I was pleased with the start of the weekend in the first free practice at Oulton Park. We found a good race tyre in session one but in session two we had a couple of minor problems which the team will be having a look at tonight.

I am really pleased with the way the team has gelled together and everything is slotting into place as though we have been working together for years.  I‘m really pleased with the bike and it is working well at the moment I not having to push hard and the times are coming.  We will be concentrating on set up tomorrow for qualifying and with a little luck the weather will be kind to us. 

#17 Si

Good day today, we have a good wet set up and a good dry set up, may have a slight problem if it’s down to intermediates. I qualified in lucky thirteenth on the outside of the grid and in one of my favourite spots on the grid.

Tomorrow will be about getting a good start and protecting the tyres, keep an eye on the front runners in the last few laps. Thruxtons track surface is really brutal on tyres and the winner will be the one who preserves his grip, I’ll be surprised if tyres survive the punishment dished out tomorrow with the BHP these bikes are producing!

#17 Si xx

Well let’s try again. “Round 1” or is it 2 of the British Superbikes, weather cold and typically British,  sunny periods with showers forecast for testing and rain for Sundays race,  this time I taken my Wake Board.

I’m looking forward to getting the season started with a couple of solid races under my belt even with the cold that I picked up at Brands, I think Bernie (team manager) passed it to me on purpose!

#17 Si

Windy and ruthless on tyres that’s Thruxton and on a bright note it hasn’t rained yet, that’s for Sunday.

Two interesting sessions today but with a low air and track temperature the problems I had was getting the rubber to stick to the tarmac, this caused me one hell of a exciting ride, more like bucking bronco.com at one point. Thruxton is the fastest circuit in the series so it’s back to chassis set-up again in the morning chasing another one a half seconds, lets see what we can do tomorrow!

#17 Si xx

The bike handling is a lot better which reflected the 7^th place in qualifying.

We’re all pretty close with only tenths of a second splitting the top few riders, there is still more yet to come, it was a pretty relaxed session with no pressure to chase times, this years bike is a totally different beast! Tomorrow will depend on what the weather decides to do, if it’s sunny I’m going for a podium, if its wet, I’m going for a podium, If it’s snowing I’m off, I’ve got my snowboard!

Si….xx

Interesting first day, once we stopped the bike shaking its head and worked on the balance and chassis it stopped handling like a sack of spuds.

The setting and data collected from Guadix was not really any use and I guess it will be useless until the temperature hits 20c plus.

The tyres are spinning loads, which was a good laugh, but it did cause a couple interesting moments, but I guess that’s the same for everyone.

The team worked really hard today because we needed to go back to the beginning with all our setting before we could move forward, but once the bike became better balanced I got quicker. There is still more work to do tomorrow, and if we can get that right I think that I can get an extra second faster.  

Si, xx

Well, this is it, after the winter break (which I had hoped was over) the talking is over, let battle commence! I had hoped for some better weather but it looks like it could be a repeat of Snetterton so keep a close watch on all the team’s tyre selection and expect a certain amount of cold tear.

After Snetterton the decision was made to spend time to finish the Superbikes and try to catch up from winter meaning that I had to miss Mondello Park and Knockhill! (not a bad thing as not fond of these tracks).

Its been 6 weeks since I last rode I've been busy going to different races like the Northwest 200 and the Isle of Man (not a chance), went to support my friends at Mondello park also busy with training to make sure im at my peak for the second half of the season which is where it actually starts for me with the new 07 Yamaha's.

Busy with Death Industries at the moment designing my new logo for clothing etc that we will be selling in the near future though this site. Here is a sneak peak of two

Decided to give wakeboarding a try which Ive had more painfull crashes than racing this year! Didnt realise how hard water can be! Always manage to wake up saw the next morning but I am seriously addicted now!

Working with my awesome sponsor Vale Vehichle movements in designing a wrap for the new Mitsubishi that they provide me, looks crazy but will look amazing which you all should be able to at the race meetings.

So as you can ive just about managed to keep myself busy, next up is Fraisers dealer open day on the 7/7/07 hopefully will see a few of you there.

Have fun

January is here and its time to start training again!

Even though I dont stop training through the winter I do slow down and train only when I feel like doing some.

This is one of my favourite cycle routes with no cars no noise and no people - just countryside. During the the summer its full of colour, blossom and animals, but for the moment I have to endure the rain coming at me sideways! Debris and a small river alongside me on the left, flows from the top of the hill that im about to cycle up.

Just around the corner and im still smiling because, ive been able to stop and take a picture! Been up here over a hundred times and first time I have stopped!

Not the best of pictures but from my mobile but its the best I can do! 50mins from leaving my house and were nearly at the top and just getting above the rain and cloud! Not smiling anymore!

Another smile as i've reach the top! Only a short road as far as the eye can see to recover then we start the rapid decent which is the most fun of the entire route! Chasing cars down the 40mph decent on my race bike is quicker than most of the cars as they navigate the twisty steep S bends all the way down before the final into the next village.

The view of what im about to go down - still pretty though.

This is 1 of 3 cycle rides I do every week but they all vary and take from 90mins to 180mins, with 3 sessions in the week with my personal trainer - which is alot worse!!! Running and swimming finish off the week!

Hopefully this gives you a little insight into what we put ourselves through as professional motorbike racers and all this before we even get on to the race track!

More to come!

Have fun

Si

THE sixth annual Belfast International supercross race   took place at the Odyssey Arena

Wow what a weekend! its a really rare treat for me to ride bikes without pressure from myself and just enjoy riding!

Started friday morning at 4am with myself collecting Cookie my chief mechanic for all my racing and for once party monster!

Apart from my car breaking down 2 miles from Eastmidlands airport all was going well! we landed and after collecting the hire(destruction derby) car we made our way down to the workshops where the bike   I was be being provided and riding by Arny from Holeshot racing was being kept.

After the introduction to the bike which had every conceivable part we were feeling confident so went for lunch in Belfast! Not a good idea to eat loads before practice!

Practice started at 1pm for 15mins just to play and get an idea of the track which is ALOT bigger when your on a mini dirt bike! needles to say its the hardest riding I have ever done with an instant hit of arm pump i had to stop midlap a few times!

8.30pm was the first race for use and i was already scared as i have   never started from motorcross gates before!

To my surprise i went straight into 2nd place before passing Micheal Laverty for the lead along the back jumps but only for a second as   jumping into the last corner my handle bars pushed all the way forward!   I tried to carry on until hitting the   second whoop section i flew off the side   of the bike landing in the next whoop! and a cheer from the crowd.

As my first weekend off for a long time cookie and I retreated to a chinese restaurant in the other part of the complex the arcing finished by 11pm so we retreated to our hotel for a nice relax which resulted in talking bikes until 2am as everyone from the racing were all staying in the same hotel! 20hr day is   not good!

Saturday morning started with shock for me as i woke at 11.55am and practise had been moved to 12pm with only 5mins to sort all my kit we decided to skip practise and go for breakfast!

With a little luck a few other celebs had to be at a bike show not far away   all morning so they held an extra practice for us at 2pm now that was lucky! and i made it with time to spare.

The race started again at 8.30pm and another great start slotting into 2nd place with wisdom on my side i stayed there for 2 laps until i went for lead over the centre jump! which on a mini bike we go up and down but i somehow landed in the centre missing the down ramp!

After composing myself from hitting my head on the bars i lost all my speed and had to run with my bike up the next jump! before it had enough speed to go i lost a few places but still finished 6th with a huge smile!

After all the racing everybody moved on to the nightclub to party away our bruises before it closed then moving back to the hotel to finish the night off.

What a great weekend! I cant wait for next year! if they invite me again....he he

Off to chill for winter now and catch up with old   friends.

Have fun

Wow what a mental weekend I didnt know for that I was riding Jentins superbike until the tuesday before the race weekend!

I arrived with an open mind and 2 goals! firstly I wanted a top 15 finish which would be a great start considering atleast the top ten were all factory riders! and secondly stay stay on the bugger!

Its funny how when the goal post moves so does your ambitions friday first practise 19th....okish second practise 10th a great finish to the day everybody is really happy..........then it dawns on me im only 1.1sec off pole on my first ever practise day at BSB.

Saturday another hotday and i feel like i've been beaten up over night as im really sore from practise which is nearly 100 laps per day!

We set off steady and built my confidence during the session then towards the end i felt ready to run a soft race tyre to do a few quicklaps on.

The second lap from the end i read my pit board.......P2   -0.2 to Haslam! I came straight back in to check that i had read it right!!! all the team were going crazy a Yamaha R1 which has been sat in a garage for 3 years was now P2 I wish I had a camera in the last minute Kiyonari jumped up and put me 3rd but we were too happy to care!

Race day was crazy with interviews with websites, newspapers and ITV I didnt think poeple would care which made me even more pumped to show what us Supersport racers can do!

Unfortunately the race didnt work to plan a good start with myself going around the outside of everybody was planning on letting everbody settling before I start to work through as we were 5th on race tyres on the second lap Richards past me on the brakes into the esses just as I was peeling into the corner Glen sat up and went down the sliproad taking my race line leave me with only grass at 170mph i coudn't stop and was heading straight back on the track so had to jump off! ouch

Being a privateer team with one bike we never had a chance to fix it for the next race so instead did an interview on the grid.

Not sure if i'll be riding it again as the team need a sponsor but i had the greatest fun.

testing blog page.......