17 year old Motorcycle racer Alex Gault has finalised plans for the coming race season, it will see Gault take to the track in the much anticipated and hotly contested National Super Stock 600 Championships aboard the Official Kawasaki entry with team ASTRO Kawasaki. The National Super Sport Championship runs as a support race to British Super Bikes, the 12 round championship takes place at premier circuits throughout the UK, such as Knockhill in Scotland, Brands Hatch in Kent and the fantastic woodland circuit, Oulton Park in Cheshire.
The Kawasaki Gault is to use is 2008 ZX6R Machine, 600cc and hoped to be around 123 BHP with a top speed around the 155 Mph mark. The engine has been prepared by YPE Power in Edinburgh.
With Alex’ trophy stash already stacking up nicely, Alex is relishing the opportunity for his first full assault in the British Championship:
“This Championship’s so tough and so competitive it forces you to lift your game. I rode in the British 125GP Championship in 2005 and learned a huge amount. I realised then it was where I needed to be if I wanted to make it in this sport so I’m over the moon to be riding in Junior SuperStock for ASTRO Kawasaki Racing this year, especially on the ZX-6 – I rode one last year at Knockhill and loved it. It wasn’t the most powerful bike out there but was easily the best handling”.
The ASTRO Team will be made up of 3 riders all contending different championships in “the National Super Stock 1000cc” will be 21 year old Kenny Gilbertson, the other member Sean Winfield the 15 year old will contest the British 125 Gp championship.
Looking to the coming season, team manager Stuart Tromans is very happy with the way his team’s developing and explained the reasons behind the team’s youthful make up:
“I wholeheartedly believe in young blood in this sport because if we ignore the younger riders out there this country’s never going to have another Barry Sheene. That’s why I’ve always had a policy of encouraging newer riders, which is exactly what we’re doing here with Alex and Sean. Kenny’s a young fresh talent too, but having worked with him for so long I already know he’s got enormous potential and I know we can challenge for some real results this season.”
Alex Gault Racing and EDZ Performance clothing
EDZ Performance Clothing based in Cumbria was established in 1995. Specialising in functional performance garments for both Outdoor activities and Motorcycle riders. While EDZ are perhaps best known for their "all season under suits" for motorcycle racers; which when worn with race leathers stop the riders' skin sticking to the lining of the race suit. The ever growing range EDZ Performance Clothing caters for a wide variety of activities.
Alex used the suits with great success in 2007 and is very happy to add EDZ to his list of partners and looks forward to helping increase awareness of the brand and utilising the clothing in the coming year. The full range of EDZ products can be seen at www.edz.biz
MAGSPORT Confirm Continued Support
“Magsport” the racing team of Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), will continue to support Alex for the 5th consecutive year.
MAG Sport Racing has come a very long way since Allen Burton started MAG Sport in 1994.The intention was and remains, to diversify MAG's recruitment drive and target sports bike/race rep riders and other non-committed leisure orientated members of the biking community to join MAG and support their racers.
MAG Sport Racing consists of a group of individual riders, all of whom are MAG members, who will be competing at various championship levels throughout the UK The team in 2008 will be made up of Alex Gault, Mark Castle, MPS Racing and MAG Sport Minimoto Racing Juniors (an initiative in Norfolk aimed at 13 to 16 year olds). For more information on the Motorcyclists Action Group visit their web site at http://www.magsport.com/index.htm
Specialised Coatings who have sponsored Alex since 2003 were established in 1990, since then, Specialised Coatings has become one of the leaders in the market for the application of protective coatings. Specialists in Powder Coating, Shot Blasting and Wet Spray and Pre-treatment. The Wet paint shop division have just completed a makeover of the team’s vehicles into this years colours and a fantastic job they did too! More details on Specialised Coatings can be found at http://www.specialisedcoatings.co.uk/
2007 Awards and Alex Cleans Up
Alex “Cleaned-Up” at the KDMC award presentation held at the weekend in Kirkcaldy in front of around 300 distinguished guests including Scottish Road Race, TT & BSB legend Jim Moodie, Alex picked up no fewer than 7 of top honours which came as a complete surprise to him.
Gault knew he was there to pick-up the Niall Mackenzie trophy which he had won at “The Jock Taylor” meeting held at Knockhill, what he didn’t know was he also had a few more accolades to receive.
The KDMC is steeped in history with some awards dating back to 1949, Alex was honoured to receive along side the inaugural year of
The Niall Mackenzie Tribute Cup,
The Lord Hutchison of Montrose Challenge Trophy
KDMC Super Sport Champion
Alex being presented with ‘The Lord of Montrose Challenge Trophy’ by Jim Moodie
The Fidelity Challenge Trophy
Best Super Sport rider at the Scottish Road Races
The Carol Miller Memorial Trophy
Combined winner of the Scottish Super Sport Championship races at The Jock Taylor
The James Thompson Trophy
Fastest Super Sport Lap by a KDMC member at The Jock Taylor
The Grahame Fothringham Memorial Salver
Best Performance by an under 21 over the 2007 season
The ARAI Helmets “Young Rider of the Year”
Alex With his haul of silverware from the evening
We would like to thank the organisers of the evening and indeed all the Officials, Marshals, Medical Staff and the people who make these races happen over the full season, it certainly has been one to remember
Another Video
Back in June, Alex got his first go aboard a 180 HP, 180 mph, Super Stock Bike, the TMR Kawasaki ZX10R at a test day round Donington Park, well he final got round to making the file a decent size (it was 20min long) and edited it down to a few laps. Remember when watching it; this was only his second session out on the bike, he had been warned if he “threw it up the road” (Crashed) he’d get a kick up the arse J and not be able go to Misano; as the money would have to be spent repairing the damage. He did go better toward the end of the day. Thanks go out to Craig D for giving us the loan of the TMR bike (sorry for the over rev J) and as you’ll see Alex loved it!
Lincoln Electric support White Lightning!
Lincoln Electric an American company founded back in 1895 by John C Lincoln making Electric motors of his own design and by the turn of the century their product range also included “Battery chargers for electric cars” (and I thought electric cars were a new thing! Brought about by the congestion charge in London J ).
Alex with Michael Chalmers outside Lincoln Electrics UK Base
In the states Lincoln Electric have a huge motor sport programme, Involved in Major Drag Racing, NASCAR, Truck Racing and Tractor Pulling this has led to Lincoln Electric becoming the first choice for the motor sports Professional. In this country Lincoln were behind motorcycle road racer Karl Nicholson. Who had some good results in 2003. 2007 sees a tentative return to the UK motorcycle race scene and although Lincoln Electric joined us at the beginning of the year this was the first time we had the chance to meet up at their UK head quarters.
The “White Lighting” comes from some one inside the company who by their own admission knows Zilch about racing but after seeing a few pictures of Alex, nicknamed him!
To-day “Lincoln Electric” are a multinational and world leaders in the design, development and manufacture of Welding Equipment, Their European operation is based in Sheffield and their fantastic Product range can be seen at www.lincolnelectric.co.uk
On Board Videos at Donington Park
A few months ago on a test day at Donington Park Alex was prating about with his phone Duck taped to the front of his bike. The first video comes from aboard his own GSXR 600 in fairly standard trim.
Suzuki GSXR 600
Alex back on the European trail!
Since we lost the GSXR Cup ride we have been searching for a route to take, Mike Edwards of Mist Suzuki tried very hard to have Alex riding for him in the European STK600 class but we could not raise the necessary funds in time, Mike has now signed Young South African Chris Leeson who is also contending the South African Championship. Due to date clashes Chris will miss 3 European rounds. We have quickly seized the opening and agreed a deal which will see Alex standing in for Chris in his absence,
Alex will contend the rounds at Misano (San Marino, June 15/16/17) Brands Hatch (England, August 3/4/5) and Vallelunga (Italy, September 28/29/30), Now this will end up more expensive per round but I do think it’s a very good compromise (without breaking the bank (as much)), Alex will fulfil his ambition to ride in a European championship and it will let him see the level of riding he has to attain. It will also allow me to keep my word to you, his supporters; that he would be in Europe this year……….Oh I’ve also been told these races are televised, don’t know when they go out but will let you know, when I do. They are also web cast (if that’s the correct term?) it means you can watch all the World Super Bike Racing on your computer for around £2.50p per meeting. Will again, let you know about links etc, nearer the time.
That said, we now have a direction to go, up till now it’s been very disappointing and very frustrating”. We had nothing to chase. Now with opportunity presenting itself to us we are going back to our original plan we were going to use for the GSXR ride. and practice toward the European rounds; it will mean rather than contend one championship, we will pick races and test days on international class tracks, looking rather at the bigger picture and to the future!
We are also considering running Alex in 3 or 4 rounds of the British Championship in the Super Sport 600 Class, Now do not expect anything from this other than Alex getting time on good tracks, Alex’ bike is not up to the high standard off the bikes used in this class of racing nor is he used to racing in such stiff opposition. If you look at the BSB calendar it is very busy and we will have to pick the rounds very carefully. But things are looking up!
VCS Vic’s Courier Service to the rescue
Vic Ives has been a long time follower of motorcycle racing and long time follower of Alex; despite a standing offer of help; this was the first time we have had to opportunity to call his bluff! Vic had always said he’s transport anything for us and funnily enough the thing he ended up transporting had nothing to do with Alex’ racing!.......... Yes there is a story!
At the tail end of last year I took an Aprillia Millie RSV in as part exchange for Alex’ 125 Gp bike. Now winter is not the time to sell a sports bike; so we were going to hold onto it till Spring time, a few weeks ago it had been absolutely gorgeous weather for some days and after pottering about with nothing to do, I wondered into the garage and remembered about the Millie J Happy face! “I’d take it out for a blatt, that would cheer me up and give the bike a shake down before putting it up for sale!”
I put on my old motorbike jacket, pulled Alex’ helmet on………THAT WAS TIGHT! Sounded like Darth Vader inside it!.......... Anyway off I went, really happy, enjoying the thrill and the purr of the V twin, got to the next town and stalled the engine at the traffic lights……… OK no one noticed………. Until till I tried to start it with the horn!.........Oppss…… still OK helmet had a dark visor !
He! He! J Happy Face inside the helmet.
That was until out off the corner of my eye, I caught my reflection in a shop window.
My jacket had ridden up too my second rib, my jeans were down at the seat and my BIG GREEN PANTS were over my hips…………….HOW COOL DID I LOOK J
Any way to cut a long story short I headed off and had a run up the motorway just as I reached my slip road the engine seized, a oil pipe had come off and as well as running the engine dry instantly had spread oil all over the back tyre, Bad enough but how bad could it have been? As the slip road led to a fast twisting country lane………might have been more than my pride hurt.
That’s where Vic’s Courier Service came in, Vic not only brought up a replacement engine to us that I had bought down in Essex but also donated “CASH” to the cause! Vic’s Courier service is second to none, need something picked up or delivered?
Give Vic a call on 07702 751 956
Suzuki withdraw European GSXR ride!
Alex will not contend the European Gsxr Cup. Regrettably in the UK you need to be 17 to race anything over 675cc although in any other country in the EU the age is 15. After an appeal was made by Suzuki GB to the ACU (the sports governing body in this country) for dispensation to allow Alex to race in this European Championship, Permission was refused with no reasons given other than his age. Although Alex had secured the permission from another UK Federation to race in this championship; Suzuki GB could not be seen to be in conflict with the ACU and withdrew the ride. As you will appreciate we are devastated by this news, we are only days away from when Alex should have been sitting on the grid at Valencia, we have already started down the road to preparing for this championship and this will have a grave affect on what we are capable off this year.
Due to these events which were totally out with our control. We have to reconsider what the future holds for Alex.
Alex Gets Protection!!!!!!
We are please to announce R&G Racing Products are to come on board this year, supplying the team with their extensive range of innovative motorcycle accessories. After Alex’ recent run of bad luck in the opening races this year; the team were very surprised how well the R&G Bobbins which they had already fitted to the bike had worked. After contacting R&G Directly, International Sales Director Simon Hughes offered his companies assistance which was very gratefully accepted.
R&G Racing design and manufacture a growing range of ground-breaking bolt-on motorcycle accessories, the core of the business being crash protectors. They have extensive and fast growing dealer networks in many countries. This is complemented by the updated on-line shopping web site at www.rg-racing.com .
R&G Racing Utilise modern CNC machining and aircraft-grade materials in the production of their world leading products and set the standard in the crash protector business, as well as that of WSB toe guards, paddock stand bobbins, soft tie-downs etc. as well as offering new products such as fork / swing arm protectors and an improved version of their famous exhaust protector.
AGR look forward to working with R&G and thank them for their support, have a look around their web site at www.rg-racing.com
B & C Express join AGR
We are very pleased to announce B&C Express have offered to assist Alex Gault Racing with discounted products over this coming year. B&C Express one of the countries leading Mail order specialists have an excellent reputation and came highly recommended to us, we have already purchased some HEL Brake lines and we are now to use them to supply a full race “Arrow” exhaust system for our Suzuki GSXR 600 Super Sport Machine. You can see their whole range of products at www.bandcexpress.co.uk
GSXR European Trophy Test
As you may know Alex was in the running for a competition ran by SUPERBIKE Magazine for a ride in this years European GSXR CUP, I must admit we entered Alex, slightly “tongue in cheek” as the bikes they use are 750cc and as most of you will know Alex has only ever had one go on a 600 back in December but “Nothing ventured, Nothing Gained” as they say. Imagine our surprise when news reached us that Alex had made it through to the next round of the selection process …..Surprise????............. More like Horror!!!
As you know he has a GSXR600 which we bought with the intention of racing this year but lately our attentions had turned to the Junior R6 Championship and the GSXR had been sitting up in YPE’s workshop in Edinburgh, “All hands to the pumps” as it were as we had to get Alex some time on a bike.
As after winning the CB Championship last year, we stopped racing in September to save money for this years campaign and the only time he had sat on anything over 70hp was when he tested in December for MKW Racing on James Jacksons’ 1999 Yamaha R6.
The news that Alex had made the finals and was to test for the ride on GSXR 750’s in Spain on the 2nd March, turned mild concern into “PANIC”. We got his bike back from YPE and as it was his prelim exams at School the only track day we could get him on was at Rockingham on Sunday the 25th February. All was planed, we loaded up the van, final cup of tea and I checked my e-mails before setting off.
First disbelief, Read it again, No still don’t believe it…… an e-mail from the track day company to say the Rockingham test day is cancelled, My heart sank When I told him, Alex’s heart sank, Panic, Disappointment, Worry, all good “fix” inducing emotions that make you know your alive…………yes the blood was pumping but that wasn’t going to help Alex. I searched the internet for track days taking place before we left for Spain, I also phoned the 3 nearest circuits to us begging for some track time………no chance!
Well if you remember last year Alex went out winning his first race and braking the lap record at Knockhill after very little time on the 400………….(Come on guys I’m grasping at straws here! Trying to find something to give us hope that this very important test would not be a complete disaster)!
Oh and it gets better……we had learned…….. Alex was up against 18 year old Alex Camier who just returned from a season in the Japanese Super Bike Championship and 20 year old Jimmy Storrer who contended last years Super Stock 1000cc Championship at British Super Bikes.
We met up at the Stanstead airport check in desk and after being introduced to every one (Including Rizla Suzuki’s John Reynolds, Suzuki GB’s Promotions people, The Editor of Super Bike Magazine and some very prominent photographers and mechanics) flew out to Spain, after dinner in the hotel Alex had an early night for his big day tomorrow, while I engaged in conversation (well it isn’t every day you have a meal with such important people).
Friday morning and although concerned Alex seamed to be taking every thing in his stride, More than can be said for me….why have I got so many grey hairs? Worry, Worry, Worry, Worry.
The track was being used as a test facility for The British Super Bikes teams, we hadn’t realised it would be at the same time as Alex would be out??????
How many 16 year old kids can say they have been on the same track at the same time as SUPERBIKES being ridden by Kionari (The British Super Bike Champion) Shakey Byrne, Jonny Rae, Chris Walker, Cal Crutchlow, Leon Camier, Tom Sykes to name a few. In fact I think the only riders missing were Lavia and Haslam. Getting the chance to speak to some of them and getting direction from John Reynolds! Fantastic experience for Alex, he enjoyed every minute, loved the track and the bikes, he said,
“It has been Brilliant and I’d like to Thank Super Bike Magazine and Suzuki GB for giving me this opportunity, to John (Yes, he’s now on first name terms with Mr Reynolds) and the rest of the lads for making this such a fantastic trip”
On track??? Now you know I try not to embellish facts, the truth is the only thing that can’t be argued with, it can be interpreted but facts are facts. If you read my report on the RED BULL test Alex took part in last year you could be mistaken for thinking it tasted of sour grapes as Alex didn’t get picked, that certainly was not the case. I am writing this now as we still do not know if Alex did enough to warrant a place in the team, or if he has been rejected so you will know there are no influences apart for the experience we went through. So here goes…….
It was a very fair test, two bikes, three riders each rider got the use of both bikes, every one spoke to everyone else, every one in attendance were very kind, helpful and polite and I did not see one instance of any favouritism or impartiality. Before it started John Reynolds took both bikes out for a shake down and had them adjusted to be as close to one and other as possible. In fact a piece of DUCK Tape on one of their headlights was the only means of telling the two bikes apart (well for a while anyway….read on). Alex Camier was first out on track followed by Jimmy Storrer then Alex, the three riders alternating between the two bikes all day, each rider having similar time aboard both bikes.
Now I must say my concern for Alex was unjustified, by mid day he was looking very good, even when you consider the company he was keeping.
Until he crashed their bike………….. He said,
“I was going round the turn and heard a Super Bike behind me, I drifted a bit wide to let him overtake me, he came inside and stayed there for a moment…..It’s SHANE BYRNE…I took my eye off where it should be and drifted out onto the dirty bit of the track and the bike just slid away from me, Stupid mistake!”
So how did it end up?
Alex wins the R Factor!
“Official Suzuki GB Press release”
SUZUKI GB OPTS FOR YOUTH IN GSX-R CUP ASSAULT
Suzuki GB has announced its rider line-up for the 2007 GSX-R European Cup and, with two teenagers in the team, the company has signalled a clear intention to develop younger riders as part of its ongoing racing strategy.
Alex Camier, 18, will be joined by 16-year-old Alex Gault in the three-rider SGB squad that will contest the six-round series in 2007. The team’s third GSX-R750 will be reserved as a wildcard for guest racing journalists.
Now approaching its third season, the GSX-R European Cup gives young riders the opportunity to race on equal terms against riders from other European countries on identical Suzuki GSX-R750 machines. The series is run in conjunction with the World Superbike championship at circuits in Spain, Holland, Italy, Great Britain, Germany and France.
Alex Camier, who won the British 60cc Grasstrack championship at the age of eight, comes to the SGB team after spending last year in the All-Japan Superbike championship, where he achieved top ten finishes towards the end of the season. Alex is the younger brother of British Superbike rider, Leon Camier.
Alex Gault, meanwhile, dominated the New Era CB500 Cup in 2006, taking pole position and the race win at each round. The schoolboy earned his ride by winning a ‘GSX-R Factor’ competition in Superbike magazine, which culminated in a test at Guadix in Spain alongside the Rizla Suzuki British Superbike squad. Gault also enjoyed top level mentoring from three-time BSB champion, John Reynolds.
Reynolds commented on Suzuki’s latest racing recruits, saying: “It was a pleasure to be at the test in Spain and to offer some advice to the youngsters. There’s some really exciting young talent there and I’ll be watching their progress with interest. Of course, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to ride Suzuki’s GSX-R750 in Guadix – just to help the riders, of course!”
Suzuki GB’s sales and marketing director, Nick Palmer, said: “The GSX-R European Cup is a fantastic formula of 750cc racing that allows us to develop some of the superb young racing talent we have in the UK. I’m really looking forward to seeing these two youngsters put the thoroughbred GSX-R750 through its paces this season.”
2007 GSX-R European Cup – Team Suzuki GB Rider Profiles
Alex Camier
Date of birth:18 July 1988
Place of birth:Ashford, Kent
Career:
1996 – British 60cc Grasstrack champion
1997 – British 60cc Grasstrack champion
2001 – Aprilia Superteen championship
2005 – Virgin Yamaha R6 Cup
2006 – All-Japan Superbike championship
Alex Gault
Date of birth:14 December 1990
Place of birth:Lanarkshire, Scotland
Career:
2001 – Junior Minimoto Scottish champion
2002 – ACU National Pocket-bike champion
2003 – JRA Formula 80 champion
2004 – JRA 125 champion
2005 – British 125 championship
2006 – New Era CB500 Cup champion
2007 Suzuki GSX-R European Cup calendar
15 Apr - Valencia, Spain
29 Apr - Assen, Holland
27 May - Silverstone, GB
17 Jun - Misano, Italy
09 Sep - Lausitz, Germany
07 Oct - Magny-Cours, France