Gearlink Kawasaki News

The final round of the Dickies British Supersport Championship took place at the Brands Hatch GP Circuit. It was a great result for the team with Ben Currie confirmed as runner-up in the Championship despite finishing 22nd in the first race, due to a jump start, and was forced to retire in the second race. James Westmoreland finished in fourth position in race one and had a fantastic win in the second race to take third spot in the Championship.

Ben rode well all weekend in every session and qualified in second position for race one. Part way into the race it was red flagged but on the re-start Ben was a bit too eager and was judged to have had a jump start. He was given a ride-through penalty but was unable to make up the time in the short race, finishing 22nd.

For race two he started from second on the grid got a good start and was away with the front runners. He was leading the race when he was forced to retire with a technical problem. 

James came into the weekend fourth in the Championship and was determined to get that third spot. He had a solid qualifying session and started from fourth position on the grid for race one and finished in fourth. Importantly he finished ahead of his rival, James Rispoli, for the third Championship place to reduce the points deficit. 

He started from fifth place on the grid for race two and in the wet conditions got a good start and was amongst the leaders in the hunt for a podium place. He was determined to get to the front and despite challenges from the new Champion, Jack Kennedy, was able to take his first win of the season and in doing so sealed third place in the Championship.

Ben Currie - "It's been a tough season and we gave everything to win the Championship but it just wasn't to be. I can't thank the Gearlink team enough for their dedication and hard work over the last few years and i have learnt so much which i hope to carry forwards. The team is one of the best you can be in and Michael and the late lovely Norma put everything in to help young riders like myself and hopefully establish a career in racing."

The weekend did not go exactly to plan but it was good to finish second in the Championship following my third position last year. Thank you to all the team and my personal sponsors that have made this all possible.

James Westmoreland - " That second race was an amazing way for me to finish the season and i have waited 23 races to get that win.  I won the race that every rider thinks about going into the winter period! I knew that morning when it was raining i would have a good chance of a win as i wanted to put everything in and secure that third spot in the Championship for my fantastic team. 

Thank you to everyone who has supported me all season and the team has meant the world to me. It has been a tough year so to finish like that was very satisfying. Two Kawasaki's in the top three in the Championship and Ben in second spot was a special day."

In the Bennetts British Superbike class Fraser Rogers was riding well and set some good times but three relatively big crashes hindered his progress. Riding with an injured hand he started from 21st position for race one but crashed out on the opening lap. He started from 27th position for race two and as the rain came down he moved swiftly through the pack to get to ninth place before crashing heavily forcing him out for the remainder of the meeting.

Fraser Rogers - "It has been a tough and frustrating weekend as we were making good progress but unfortunately those crashes put paid to some decent results. I'm sorry to the team as i really wanted to end the season on a high note. I can't thank them enough for giving me the opportunity to race with them for the second half of the season and it has been a pleasure to part of such a great team."

Team Manager Michael de Bidaph - "Both Supersport riders were strong all weekend. Race one was unfortunate for Ben but James had a solid race. I really wanted to end the season with a win and I'm delighted that Westy managed to work so hard to take a well deserved victory, unfortunately Ben was forced to retire with a problem.

We knew that the Championship was pretty much over before we came here but to finish second and third two years running is a fantastic achievement. Norma and myself weren't just here to win races but took great pride in improving young riders and help them fulfil their dreams, to help them make the step up to Superbikes and we hope we have achieved that with previous riders and now with up and coming star Ben Currie.

Fraser was on the pace all weekend but results sadly did not show this, he was riding so well that his time in the second race would have placed him sixth on the grid for the final race. The damage to the bike was quite extensive and he was really hurting so we decide not to contest the last race.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our loyal product sponsors for their continued support. Also to thank everyone in the BSB paddock and the fans for their support in what has been without any doubt my hardest ever year, it has been so nice and reassuring to hear all the stories about my Norma.

Most importantly i would like to thank, race director, Stuart Higgs for his continued support throught the race season and allowing us to present the Norma de Bidaph trophy, which is absolutely stunning.  He has been a huge help to me and i really appreciate it."