Dedicated to the art of cornering, teaching skills applicable to both road and track, students will be able to choose from three different track configurations at Silverstone, with the school opening the year at the International circuit on 19th and 20th March, with further opportunities to attend on 21st and 22nd May.

Stowe-based courses will be available on 5th-6th April, 2nd-3rd May, 8th June, 12th-13th July, August 10th-11th and 11th-12th September. There will also be an opportunity to learn on the 1.6-mile International circuit, taking in the northern section of Grand Prix track, on 21st June.

Courses are open to anyone with a full motorcycle or recognised race licence. Students are assigned a qualified riding coach for the day and have five technical classroom sessions, each followed by a track session, to put theory into practice. Prices start at £399, which includes tea, coffee, biscuits water and fruit. Riders can bring their own bike or there is the option to hire a Yamaha R6 with the latest Dunlop rubber. Alpinestars two-piece leathers are also available to hire.

Full details can be found at superbikeschool.co.uk or telephone 08700 671 061.

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SMR Performance rider Ian Hutchinson has been back on track for the first time since the British Supersport accident at Silverstone that broke his left leg so badly he was forced to watch from the sidelines all year, missing the 2011 TT Races after his historic five victories in 2010.

The eight-time Isle of Man TT winner rode a Swan Yamaha R1 with a specially constructed gear-shift system, which allows the him to use a right foot gear change. The system, built by SMR Performance, uses a shaft from the right side of the bike, which goes through the swingarm pivot and connects to a knuckle, which then joins the left-mounted quickshifter as usual. Hutchinson had no problem with it but had the left-mounted rear brake disconnected while he waits for a thumb-brake to be installed. Now that’s determination for you.

“I was so excited last night, I couldn’t sleep and I was watching the footage from Le Mans at gone midnight. Being on the track felt surprisingly good to be honest. It’s a bit strange but after a couple of laps you’re soon back into it,” said Hutchinson.

“It wasn’t like I expected to be missing apexes or anything like that and you don’t forget what you’ve spent all that time learning. Obviously, I’m not pushing hard and getting on the throttle early but I’ve got some good lines and really enjoying being back out there.

The gearbox is quite easy actually, it’s still in race-shift and I’ve not got it wrong yet but I did go for the back brake over the mountain but then remembered it isn’t there. I need to get a thumb brake on it as I am used to that on a Superbike, which will stop me thinking about it.

“My leg feels really good, I’ve got another operation on it later this week to try and release some scar tissue to get my ankle working again. I’m still having physio but it’s looking good for Macau in November. We will swap the gearshift back if the operation is a success but I’m not going to stop racing because I have to use the right side to change gears.”

Go Hutchy!

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The dates available are 22nd and 23rd August (from £429 per day), and 12th and 13th September (from £399 per day).  Simply call the team on 08700 671 061, and quote FBCSS10 to redeem 10% off the booking price! you can check out more detail about the days on the CSS website.

If you’re not sure about doing the school, or don’t know what it is/how it’ll benefit you – have a gander at these:

California Superbike School

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On arrival to Silverstone I merely had to point at the ‘Kawasaki Riders Club’ pass stuck to my screen to be removed from the plethora of queuing bikes at general parking and directed straight to the main gate, hooked a right and rode slowly down to Stowe. The Pirelli Bridge was the entrance to what had become a ‘Green Island’, the mixture of subtle branding and rows of all types of Kwakkers in the secure parking meant I already felt part of something before I had even turned off my ignition.

I went into the Stowe complex and registered, here I got my green band denoting free tea, coffee and snacks all day – what was to be an excellent lunch and the ‘goody bag’. Inside the itinerary for the racing, the many VIP opportunities as part of KRC and £7 worth of official programme, absolutely free.

My first experience was a few laps of Stowe on my ZX-6R, there were other 6’s available to use but I wanted to run what I had brung. Focused events were running the track and road elements of the day and they had Chris ‘Stalker’ Walker on track with us which was pretty humbling, he was out with every group giving hints and tips and on occasion opening it up, showing how it’s really done. Each session was 15 minutes and when I came in I signed up for a second session immediately, and was not the only one. Though having been round again I had to stop myself signing up for a third, there was racing to be watched and more – though a couple of my fellow members could not get enough of it and if that’s all they did all day, then fair play to them.

The first race was the Superstock 1000’s which I watched from one of two grandstands offered to Club members. Between this and the first WSBK race I managed my 2nd track session before making my way once more to one of the exclusive grandstands. Lunch followed and then Kawasaki’s stunt rider Craig Jones appears and just blew the crowd away with what he can do with Kawasaki’s range of bikes.

As Craig finished Tom Sykes arrived, a scheduled Q&A which was able to run on a little due to him not racing via an accident the day before in qualifying. We would all have preferred to see him race but as it was he made himself available to club members for most of the afternoon.

The only thing I didn’t fit in was to go on one of the rideouts. The choice of ZX-10R, ER6-F&N, Z750-R, Z1000 SX, ZX-6R among others was taken up by most of the attendees, a steady line of bikes streamed in and out all day. I really wanted to get on the ZX-10R but will have to tap Moby up for his staff bike for an afternoon when he is distracted enough to say yes. (Good luck with that wait – Moby)

As Checa took the top step of the podium for the second time the day was drawing to a close, with enough time to go and pick up photographs from Alex James, who had been documenting the day. This was a great memento of the day, and reasonably priced – in the end it was all you had to pay for.

There were no negatives – you got a prime location to watch the racing (Best race was World Supersport -  Chaz ‘you’re the man’ by the way), some great entertainment, incredible opportunities and really welcoming and friendly Silverstone, Focussed Events and Kawasaki staff on hand for you all day.

The cost for all this to members was just £30. Consider that to get through the gate on race day was £50 and that was before your programme (supplied), refreshments (supplied), grandstand seating (supplied) its just brilliant value. Don’t just take my word for it though check out the club site, the benefits are all year round, but even it was for just this one day – it just has to be worth it.

Kawasaki Riders Club

Charlie

All images - ALEX JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY

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“Andy is undergoing intensive rehab and the physios are struggling to keep up with setting him new targets.  It’s a long steep hill that Andy has to climb, but he’s jogged up the Brecon Beacons with a heavy pack on his back before now, so we’re confident that he’ll continue to tackle this challenge with dogged determination.  “The family would like to thank everyone for their support – friends, colleagues, students, suppliers, sponsors – everyone has rallied round and we really appreciate it” says Donna Ibbott.  “Andy’s been amazed by all the cards and messages – he can’t see what all the fuss is about!.”

Even though you’ll miss Andy’s cutting wit on the schools at the moment, a day at CSS is still one of the most rewarding things you can do on your bike – book yourself on now: California Superbike School

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In addition to Silverstone’s ‘kids go free’ policy for all three days of the World Superbike event, the Silverstone Paddock will be open on Thursday afternoon from 13.00hrs to all members of the public, free of charge.

Tickets for Silverstone’s round of the FIM Superbike World Championship are available from £20 in advance. Children aged 15 and under go free*.  For further information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.silverstone.co.uk or call 0844 3728 260.

To purchase Paddock and / or Pit Walk Passes, available from £10 in advance, call 0844 3728 260.

* Child tickets are for children aged 15 years and under at the time of the Event. Children using a child ticket must be accompanied by a full paying adult. Each full paying adult may bring up to a maximum of four children.

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The 2007, 200bhp special edition is based on the MV Agusta F4, with MV Agusta managing director Claudio Castiglioni personally overseeing the project and giving it his ‘CC’ initials, to create ‘something magnificent, just for the sake of it’.

This unregistered bike (number 10 of 100) uses the technology and expertise of MV Agusta’s racing department. Over 90% of the components are tailor-made, including the racing suspension and frame components, with features including carbon fibre fairings, titanium meshes on intakes and outlets, four titanium racing exhausts, a new timing system, brake and clutch levers that ‘fold’ in the event of a fall, customised instrument panel graphics and Alcantara saddle.

The F4R 1078 cc four-cylinder engine, already tuned in production ‘bikes, has been further modified in the F4CC with an increased bore and weight reduction and in particular an enhanced timing system. Total weight is just 187 kg. Pirelli Dragon Supercorsa Pro tyres sitting on 17” forged aluminium wheels in a special colour assist with unsprung weight and Brembo racing brakes, protected by a second dust cover to reduce wear, are another lightweight addition.
“Whether you want the ultimate head-turning ‘bike for the road, or something very special to add to a collection, this is an incredible opportunity to get hold of an extraordinary MV Agusta,” says Silverstone Auctions auctioneer and MotoGP commentator Toby Moody. “I can’t wait to see who it’s sold to and there will be a lot of interest in this bike. Personally, I wouldn’t be able to resist taking it for a spin. It’s a bike that’s made for riding!”

See the whole entry list as it forms at Silverstone Auctions.

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All Yamaha dealers throughout the country will be holding events to celebrate the anniversary, and there will be demo rides, goodie bags and other exciting activities and displays on the day (see your local dealer for info on what’s going on near you).

Entry to the competition is free and is by completion of the official ’Celebrate 50′ competition entry form only available at the dealership on the day. Prizes will be drawn on the following Friday. Top prize is a unique anniversary YZF-R1, resplendent with Akrapovic pipes and new paint job, lovingly crafted by top painters Altamura Concepts.  Yamaha will also throw in two VIP hospitality passes to the British round of MotoGP, courtesy of the Yamaha Racing Team.

There are two further pairs of VIP hospitality tickets to give away, as well as loads of other great prizes – including 50 items from the new team gear collection and 25 pairs of general admission tickets to Silverstone for the MotoGP!

Full terms, conditions and Yamaha dealers can be found at yamaha-motor.co.uk

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The two-day event gives Ducati riders the chance to a ride three different track configurations at the home of the British MotoGP: the National, International and full MotoGP tracks are all on offer – as is the new ‘Wing Pits’ facility.

Not only will there be stacks of track time, but Fast Bikes’ Masterclass partners, the world-renowned California Superbike School, will be on hand to help owners get the best out of their Ducati in the corners. On the first day the School provides a full day of training (to those who choose this option) consisting of five track and three classroom sessions specifically tailored to the requirements of the Ducati rider. School riders will then be able to practice their new techniques the following day on the full Moto GP circuit when CSS tutors will be on available for additional tuition if required.

For those who choose not to taking the training option they will also be able to ride both national and international circuits on day 1 and full the MotoGP on day 2.

It’s not just about the track though – all this will be going on too:

•    Three track configurations (National, International and MotoGP) over two days at one of the World’s premier circuits.

•    Training from California Superbike School

•    A full days track time on the MotoGP circuit

•    Free bike set up and suspension clinics

•    Attendance of Carlos Checa (subject to change)

•    Attendance of Scott Smart and the Moto Rapido race team

•    Breakfast and lunch both days including refreshments

•    Free Garage Use

•    Trade Stands – including Moto Icons (Ducati Apparel), Ducati Art, Bike Trac, Kiddi Moto, R&G, Dealer stands and many more

•    Guest speakers – To be confirmed

•    Ducati Model Range Display and event truck

•    Helicopter rides (additional cost)

•    Riders For Health Ducati Auction

•    Ducati UK Museum

•    Ducati gift for track and parade lap riders

•    Track side photography

•    And doubtless there’ll be even more by the time May arrives.

Prices for the weekend will be:

•    Rider ticket (choose between Track or Training on Saturday) £495

•    Guest ticket £50

•    Parade Lap ticket (up to three parade laps controlled speed with safety cars) £100

All tickets include breakfast, lunch and two day’s entry.

Tickets for the event can be purchased through any Ducati dealer – find you local one here.

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