It has been another busy season for the staff at Motocomp and the Gimoto riders in 2011. The season has seen highs and lows for various riders the highlights for being the stunning rides from British Supersport rider Ben Wilson who has worn the Gimoto leathers all year. Ben was unlucky to miss out on winning the Championship by one single point and having stood on the podium 18 times from 24 races the Lincolnshire man has to be proud of himself.
Richard Cooper wearing Gimoto leathers riding for Buildbase BMW lifted the National Superstock 1000 Championship at the penultimate round at Silverstone, he achieved six podiums from 11 races and finished a huge 46.5 points ahead of fellow Gimoto wearer Danny Buchan. Buchan had a stunning year considering it was his first year in the Championship after stepping up from the Superstock 600 class last year, Danny will continue to race in Stock 1000's in 2012.
Another Gimoto rider who had a very close season that went down to the wire at Brands Hatch was 125 rider Wayne Ryan. He scored seven podiums over the year including a fantastic win at the final round but it just wasn't enough for the youngster to clinch the title and Kyle Ryde just did enough to come in third place in the final race which stole the title from Ryan by just two points. Praise must also go the youngster Lee Jackson also wearing Gimoto the cheerful rider pushed hard all season in what is one of the most competitive Championships to finish in a solid fifth place overall.
In the National Superstock 600 Championship Gimoto wearer Connor Behan had a great season and managed to take a fantastic third place in the Championship after battling hard all season with the 40 plus strong and competitive field he gained three podiums over the season. The 600 class and the BSB Paddock was saddened by the news of the death of Ben Gautrey, Ben who wore Gimoto was a lovely kind hearted rider and was involved in a serious incident at Cadwell Park where he sadly lost his life.
The Gimoto Superbike riders also had a tough season and it has been a bad year for serious injuries. Gimoto wearer John Laverty had been struggling with his season but suffered a huge crash at Oulton Park when he hit the pit wall in July and sustained multiple injuries to his legs, arms and ribs. John is also recuperating back in Ireland and is making steady progress.
Simon Andrews crashed at high speed at the Snetterton 300 circuit after hitting oil at one of the fastest parts of the track and colliding with Steve Brogan in the process. Simon's leg was run over by a stray bike and he suffered a serious leg injury to his tibia and fibula, Simon has an external fixator fitted and is healing well.
Barry Burrell for the Buildbase BMW team finished in 3rd place in the Evo Championship standings and Gary Mason finished 10th in the overall BSB Championship Standings.
