Sheffield, UK – September 2, 2014 – This past weekend Scottish-born / Canadian resident Ben Young earned his first points of the British Superbike (BSB) Pirelli National Superstock 1000 Championship season. He finished 12th with a inspired ride aboard his #40 GR Motosport’s Team WD-40 ZX10 at Silverstone, UK.
This past weekend MotoGP, the World’s premier road racing championship, visited the historic Silverstone circuit, one of the fastest tracks on the MotoGP calendar. The British Superbike (BSB) Pirelli National Superstock 1000 Championship was included as a support class of this prestigious event.
Heading into Silverstone Young’s highest Superstock finish to-date was a hard-fought 16th place which he achieved after an incredible start from 30th at Brands Hatch.
Challenged with finding a balance between riding style and suspension setup, Young was delighted to hear that Jon Cornwell from Ohlins Canada was flying over to assist Young and team. Having worked with Young in his AMA championship exploits, Cornwell was there to assist Young secure points which had eluded him in the first half of the BSB Pirelli National Superstock 1000 season.
Arriving on the Thursday Young and Team WD-40’s crew got to work quickly getting their garage at Silverstone sorted for Friday’s Free Practice session that saw Young earn 28th quickest of the session. With room for improvement, Team WD-40’s crew and their guest Ohlins suspension specialist quickly got to work.
“My first practice started out okay. I didn’t push too hard as I was initially focused on learning the track. When I came in to the pits I found out where I ended up and was quite pleased.” said Young
In the first of the two qualifying sessions Young gradually improved his times achieving 22nd in the session.
Team WD-40’s Superstock 1000 pilot added: “In Q1 we made some changes to the gearing to help my straightaway speed. In Q2 we made another gearing change as well as suspension changes. I came in halfway through the session with my steering damper coming off. The team managed to quickly get that fixed and got me back out.”
On the final qualifying lap Young was up in his first sector but down on his second. He gained .5 of a second in the final half lap achieving his fast lap of the session earning him 19th on the grid for Sunday’s BSB Pirelli National Superstock 1000 Championship race.
Team WD-40’s Superstock pilot got off the line well but got pushed out wide in the first corner. Getting his tires up to temperature Young chose to play it safe for the first lap.
Confident in his set up Young began his charge forward and began to battle with Johnny Blackshaw. Now in front of Blackshaw Young managed to catch and eventually pass Victor Cox.
Closing in on Dom Usher the safety car came triggering a restart. On the restart Usher managed to make a few passes and get ahead of Young. Making a pass on Gavin Hunt with two laps to go and ahead of Cox by a bike length, Young would cross the finish line in 12th earning his first Superstock 1000 points of the season for Team WD-40.
“I’m over the moon about my results as well as for my team and sponsors. I’m focused on keeping the momentum going as we roll into Donington Park this coming weekend. I want to thank good friends Zach Herrin, Moto2 rider Josh Herrin, his fiancé Teesha Kitterman and Jon Cornwell for their incredible support this weekend!” said Young.
To stay up to date with Team WD-40 this season visit: www.teamwd40.com, and connect with the team via Twitter: @GRMotoSport and on Facebook: search ‘GR Motosport’
To connect with Ben Young visit: www.fogi.us , on Twitter: @bcyoung86 , and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BenYoungRacing
Ben Young is proud to represent; Tim Hortons (Sudbury), Scot-Build Developments Inc., AXO and Arai Helmets
Team Partners: Stauff UK, Cargolink Express, L&A Reinforcements, Tim Hortons, Scot-Build Developments Inc., Lexelle, Amtech, Optimum Fleet Management, F&G Commercials, 3 Squared, Signsxtra
Technical Partners: Dymag Wheels, Kawasaki, Scorpion Red Power, R&G, Dynojet UK, Swinton Motorcycles, PPG Paint, Goodridge, Pipercross, Robby Moto, NG Brake Discs, Solo Motorcycle products, Super B, STIHL, 3 Squared, Ohlins
About Team WD-40 / GR Motosport: GR Motosport Ltd was formed in 1995 from the sponsor/rider relationship of Tony Robinson and Brent Gladwin with the goals of is to continue the strategy of developing young talent, with riders in the British MotoStar and Superstock Championships while delivering the needs and fantastic exposure for their sponsors.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Ben Young: Scott Young, 1-705-888-2759 • benyoungracing@hotmail.com
GR Motosport Ltd, Managing Director: Brent Gladwin, +44 7957-424-580 • brent@grmotosport.co.uk
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