The Be Wiser Kawasaki team had a strong start to their season campaign at the opening round of the Championship at Brands Hatch this weekend. In the Pirelli Superstock 600 class Joe Collier picked up the team's first podium of the season finishing in third place and his team-mate Nick Anderson finished in the points in 12th. In the Superstock 1000 class Josh Day worked hard to get in the points and also finish in 12th place.
Josh Day rode a fantastic race in the Pirelli National Superstock 1000 Championships at Brands. With a lack of dry set up and only one dry qualifying session Josh was only able to put the Be Wiser Kawasaki in 18th place on the grid. He got a good start and was 17th after the opening lap before the race was red flagged on lap two to see to an injured rider.
On the re-start from their original grid positions Josh secured a good start and pushed hard from the off to move up to 11th after the opening lap. For the remainder of the race he was locked in an eight bike battle for tenth place. Swapping places on each lap Josh rode fantastically well and held off the challenges from those behind him to finish in a strong 12th place and in the points.
Josh Day - "Everything is all good, in the first start I got away really well but on the re-start it wasn't as good. I knew I had to be aggressive in the opening laps to defend my place and I wanted to ensure I was able to run in a strong position. I was up to 11th and after around lap eight I started to struggle with a grip problem so had to adjust how I was riding slightly and get used to it. I knew I was involved in a freight train of riders and I tried to make myself as big as possible in the closing stages of the races as I didn't want to lose out on any positions. We lost a bit of time with set up this weekend but I am happy and know where we have to go for the rest of the season to make sure things are right."
In the Pirelli National Superstock 600 Championship it was an opening podium for Joe Collier and the Be Wiser Kawasaki team, the youngster fought hard to the end and secured a solid third place. His team-mate Nick Anderson also rode a strong race at the opening round of the Championship and finished in 12th place.
Joe Collier - "I'm over the moon to take a podium on my debut appearance with the Be Wiser Kawasaki team, things have been difficult over the weekend with the weather but I knew I had a good race pace. It's a competitive class again this year and I knew I had to be on my game, I qualified in seventh place but luckily got a good start during the race and on the re-start. I pushed hard and worked my way through the pack and had the front runners in my sights. It's tough to pass round such a small circuit but I knew my times were quite good. I was close with Andy Reid on the final lap but I had the inside line and pushed for the podium. I'm really pleased with the result at the first round and hope the rest of the season will go well. I'd like to thank Be Wiser and also all my personal sponsors for their support and glad I can repay them with a podium. I'm looking forward to getting to Oulton Park in a couple of weeks' time."
Nick Anderson - "I'm a little disappointed with myself for not being further up in the results as I really wanted to be in the top ten this weekend. With the times being so close and only one dry qualifying session it was difficult to get things right straight away. The Be Wiser team worked really hard and I know we have more to come in the next races so I am looking forward to that now and taking all the positives from here and we'll work on any negatives. Thanks again to everyone for their help."
Team Owner/Manager Alan Greig - "It's been a long winter of preparation and new developments with Be Wiser and Tommy Hill but this year is all about the Superstock 600 and 1000 Championships.
With the mixed weather over the weekend for us this limited our time for testing new components and ensuring everything was perfect but it was the same for everyone and I'm really pleased with the results the riders have achieved this weekend.
Josh Day had a good start in the race and worked his way up, he set himself a target this weekend of top 12 and that is what he got. I'm sure at each round the target will move but he rode very well today, aggressively and confidentially which paid off and he gained some good solid points.
We took on a new team member this year with Joe Collier, he had high expectations over the winter for himself and he fought an epic battle today to take third place and our first Be Wiser Kawasaki podium of the year, a huge congratulations go to all the team for the hard work they have put into achieving that this weekend.
Nick was locked in a good battle for 10th place and a few mistakes towards the end of the race saw him slip back to 12th place at the chequered flag. It's only the first round and sure they all have plenty more to come as the season moves forward
We also took on Andy White from Kais Suspension over the winter and he has played a huge part in the development of the bikes and getting the correct set up so we must thank him. Tommy Hill played a big role over the weekend at Brands Hatch and helped the riders with his knowledge and experience and it paid dividends and the results have shown.
All three riders have done mega and it's a good confidence for all the team for the rest of the season. I must thank all our loyal sponsors for their continued support and we look forward to working with you again this year."
2014 Sponsors
Be Wiser Insurance - Kais Ohlins - Kawasaki Motors UK - B&C Express - Renthal - Britool Expert - Dickies - Activ 8 - Anglia Interiors - Cups Direct - Eazi Grip - Foulger Transport - Garnell Nutrition - GR Race Graphics - GB Racing - HM Quickshifter - HM Racing - University of Lincoln - No Limits Track Days - PR Trackbike Hire - Samco - Sani Clad - Tanker & General - The Shires Inn - Venhill - Direct Distribition - SBS - Saville - Jarbtech
