Hunter Su Claims First Points For Team China In Spain
Hunter Su became the first ever Chinese rider to score points in a Spanish domestic championship yesterday after racing to two 12th place finishes at Alcarras, Spain in the second round of the Copa Honda CBR250RR series.
Su, who is riding under the Team China banner in 2015, has relocated to Spain in his quest to hone his racing skills, a choice that seems to be paying dividends after the 18 year old qualified an impressive 10th before achieving two encouraging race results, improving his lap times with each on track session.
After qualifying inside the top 10 for the first time in his career, Su was confident of two solid races, and after race long duals that saw him narrowly miss out on the top ten in both encounters the delight on the faces of all concerned was clear to see, with Hunter especially elated with his achievement.
The results were even more impressive given the conditions, with light rain falling in the opening race, making things tricky.
Hunter Su – Team China: “It was great to be racing on the circuit that I’ve practiced a lot on in Spain! The weekend started amazingly well, I kept improving my personal best lap time during the practice sessions, the team was really happy with my progression, and I really enjoyed every lap I rode. Qualifying was really interesting, the track was cold and it started to rain half way through the session so I was happy with 10th place on the grid – it was such a big step forward from round one. I had a great start in race one and was battling with another rider for 11th for the whole race, but I made a small mistake and he passed me at the last corner of the last lap. For race 2, we made some gearing changes and some small tuning on the suspension. The track was now dry, and it was super sunny. After hanging out with some of the the riders, I was way less nervous – they don’t speak too much English, but it was still lots of fun to be around them. I was using rear brake every single corner and the bike was dancing everywhere, I guess racing Supermoto for a year is paying off. It was a great fight for 10th and although I finished 12th place again it was a really successful weekend. I’m learning more about how to get myself mentally ready and be a happy and chilled guy. I cannot wait for the next round!”
The next round of the championship takes Hunter and Team China to Valencia next weekend.
More, from another press release issued by Michael Hill Promotions:
Uribe Races To Double Top Ten Finish In France
Talented youngster Jayson Uribe became the first American in the history of the FSBK series to score points in the Superstock 600cc category, overcoming tricky conditions at the Nogaro circuit to claim 4th and 9th place finishes in Sunday’s two races, narrowly missing out on a podium finish in the first encounter.
In both races Jayson was embroiled in a titanic fight, battling hard for a podium finish in race one and for a top 6 result in race two after being almost last on the opening lap of the race because of a start procedure issue.
After the disappointment of round one, where Uribe came away empty handed after falling twice, Nogaro was much more rewarding, as less than half a second separated the hard charging teen from a debut French podium in race one. Race two was equally as impressive with Jayson’s determination resulting in a solid top ten finish after another race long dual.
Jayson also spent a lot of time with the young fans who posed for photos with him, sitting on the Race School display machine in the paddock as well as chilling with his new team mates.
Jayson Uribe – Race Experience Junior Team: “I qualified well, being 6th in my class in Q1 and 4th in Q2. I improved every session and by race one I had a great feeling and a good set up for the dry. I scared myself at the start with a HUGE wheelie but still improved a few positions on the first lap. I slowly made my way through the field and was battling for 2nd in my class by the end of the race. I finished 4th after an incredible last lap fight. Race 2 was more difficult. Not because of the wet conditions, but because of the technical problem at the start. The lights went out, then came back on, then out again. Thankfully I didn’t jump the start as many other riders did, but I ended up almost last by turn 1. My team mate Hugo Casadesus and I clawed our way back through the field in tricky conditions and we both scored some good points. I learned a lot about how to ride the CBR600rr fast this weekend which gives me confidence ahead of the next race. Thanks to the entire Race Experience Junior team for all of their hard work, and thanks to my sponsors for their support.”
The results at Nogaro elevate Jayson to 12th in the overall standings, a mere 14 points behind the top 6 contenders.
Special thanks to: Cavallari Motorbike, Motul, Good Angel, ISavemylife, AFAM, Robby, GB Racing, Tournay Distribution, Tecnoglobe and Furygan.
More, from a press release issued by Jimmy Merck’s publicist:
JIMMY MERCK – WERA @ TALLADEGA Regional/National
Atlanta, GA’s Jimmy Merck competed this past weekend at the Talladega GP track in Alabama with the WERA National Challenge series. After missing the first round this year, this was Jimmy’s first race on his Mountain Motorsports sponsored Suzuki GSXR 600. With two podium results in as many starts Jimmy is well poised for continued results this year.
The weather forecast showed a 100% chance of rain on Saturday, so the plan was to do a full day of practice on Friday for a spot-on setup for Sunday’s National races. With plenty of practice time on Friday and a great bike setup, Jimmy was poised for battle on Sunday.
Sunday’s weather was gorgeous for the final day of competition and the National Challenge Series. First race up was 600 Superstock Expert. With a grid of 15 riders for this 16 lap event, and a fifth row start, Jimmy had some work to do. With some of the fastest lap times among the 600 Superstock riders and some fabulous racing, Jimmy finished 2nd running consistent :59 second lap times. 750 Superstock Expert was the final race of the day for Jimmy, and shortened to 12 laps. Again starting from the back of the grid, a better launch than race one saw Jimmy in the lead by the end of lap one. Running consistent :59’s Jimmy checked out for the win by 21 seconds!
Jimmy is proud to work with Max and Martin at Traxxion Dynamics, Vesrah, Mountain Motorsports, Dunlop and Race Tire Services (especially Paul Von Dunlop), Livengood, Silkolene Oils, Shoei Helmets, Vortex Sprockets, Pit Bull, Cycle Gear, Lee Fields with Active Shooter Photography, and his father Jimmy SR,.