What a weekend it’s been! Our first outing as luxeStar VIP Suzuki in the SportBike class at the British Super Bikes Championship was nothing short of exhilarating. From torrential rain to record-breaking laps, the debut was packed with challenges, triumphs, and unforgettable moments.
A Wet Welcome at Donington Park
We rolled into Donington Park on Thursday under a sky that seemed determined to drown our spirits. The forecast was grim, but thankfully, the weather held off for most of the weekend, allowing us to focus on what really mattered—racing.
Gus Rodio Takes on the Challenge
Our rider, Gus Rodio, flew in from the United States accompanied by his father Kevin Rodio and mechanic Rich Marshall, ready to tackle a weekend of firsts:
- First time racing at Donington Park
- First time riding the Suzuki GSX-8R
- First time on Pirelli tyres
That’s a mountain of new experiences to climb, especially in the ultra-competitive National SportBike class, where every rider is fast and fearless.
Rising to the Occasion
Despite the steep learning curve, Gus adapted quickly. His feedback was sharp, his pace improved with every session, and his determination was palpable. He finished the race in 12th place—but here’s the kicker: his fastest lap came on the final lap of the race, and it was the fastest lap of the entire field. Had the race gone on for just five more laps, Gus would likely have overtaken several riders ahead of him. That’s how strong his pace was.
Back to the States—For Now
As we write this, Gus is boarding a flight back to the U.S. to continue his campaign in the MotoAmerica Series. But we’re already looking ahead to his return at Brands Hatch in mid-October. He’s raced there before, and now that he’s dialed in with the Suzuki, we’re optimistic about what’s to come.
A Huge Thank You
This weekend wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support from our team and partners:
Mats Petersson for providing the bike and infrastructure
John Thornley for his top-tier mechanical expertise
Scott Rehl of luxeStar VIP for unwavering support
Holly the Brolly – Holly Harris – a great racer in her own right.
BigMoto, Classic Team Suzuki, Team GB Racing, HEL Performance, EBC, Envy Racing Apparel and other product suppliers joining us for future rounds
Your contributions have been invaluable.
Spotlight on Asher Durham
Another standout performance came from Asher Durham, also supported by luxeStar VIP and racing for the PowerSlide Suzuki Team. Asher battled fiercely with the leading group and clinched a well-earned 2nd place finish, propelling him to 2nd in the championship standings. We’re proud to play even a small part in his success.
Looking Ahead
This is just the beginning for Luxar VIP Suzuki Racing. With talent like Gus and Asher, and a passionate team behind them, the future looks fast and bright. We’re fired up for the next round and can’t wait to see what unfolds at Brands Hatch.
Until then—keep the throttle open and the passion alive.