William Dunlop and MSS Colchester Kawasaki enjoyed a successful first outing at Cartagena in Spain this week, as they continue their preparations for the ‘Roads’ and selected National Superstock rounds.

The experienced Northern Irish rider worked through a number of engine, chassis and tyre evaluations on the all new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R over 130 laps at the circuit. Most impressively Dunlop logged his fastest ever time round the track, despite the bike being at the very start of its development cycle and cool track temperatures.

Also present at the test was tyre company Metzeler who support the rider and team in their Roads efforts. Metzeler Racing Manager Jason Griffiths was in attendance bringing tyres and helping to analyse edge grip, feel and durability with the team. As part of MSS’s Team Green technical support, the bike was also tested in standard trim giving valuable data for Team Green and Kawasaki Motors UK.

William will be riding the Superstock Kawasaki at the Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy, North West 200 and the Ulster GP along with Irish National road races. He will also be campaigning in selected National Superstock races at the MCE British Superbike Championship to work on his race pace.

William Dunlop commented:

“It was a really positive test and important to get a good run of track time on what basically started out as a road bike with some suspension on it. I would never have imagined to make my fastest ever laps around Cartagena on such a bike and to do that even with making changes and getting over small issues is a testament to the team.”

He continued:

“Nick and Jeb have so much experience on what makes the bike work that they made the job easy and enjoyable for me. As everyone knows if you’re enjoying riding you go fast. It’s quite funny as that was the first time I’d actually properly met Nick!
It was also great to have the support of Jason and Metzeler out there, it gives me so much confidence having worked the tyres so hard. I’m happy and looking forward to the next test.”

MSS Owner Nick Morgan added:

“I’ll be honest we approached the test not really knowing what to expect as we weren’t looking for an outright fast circuit lap, which is what made the result so satisfying. It exceeded my expectations, we got through so much testing and information while William is so methodical and professional to work with it was a pleasure.”

He continued:

“We managed to maximise the available track time and No Limits were very supportive in that respect and worked on edge grip, throttle connection throughout the whole powerband plus the new ‘fly by wire’ on the 2016 ZX-10R. William had never ridden a ZX-10R so it was acclimatisation but we soon realised that we were into proper testing territory and it was great to see him achieve his fastest ever time round there, perfect!”

SUCCESSFUL FIRST TEST FOR WILLIAM DUNLOP WITH MSS COLCHESTER KAWASAKI - Credit Photography to Pete Wileman 

Haynes International Motor Museum is delighted to announce the appointment of Christopher Haynes as CEO. Following a recruitment process and subsequent approval by the Independent Trustees of the Charitable Trust, Christopher assumed responsibility at the end of 2015. He succeeds Marc Haynes who has stepped down to concentrate on his private motorsport business.

Trustee Neville Sanders commented “It is marvellous that the museum has been able to recruit Christopher to the role of CEO; it provides continuity and strong leadership at this important time. His experience, dedication and proven track record speak for themselves.”

Christopher Haynes commented; “I am obviously delighted to be appointed CEO of the Haynes International Motor Museum. We are experiencing an exciting period of sustained growth for the museum, the like of which has never been seen before and reflects the huge contribution and legacy that Marc Haynes created. We have several projects for the short and medium term that, together with a focus on our core charitable objectives, will help cement our reputation as a leading global motor museum. I would like to thank the Trustees for their vote of confidence in my abilities and I look forward to working with them, the senior management, staff and volunteers.”

Christopher has an unparalleled understanding of the museum; having worked in every department and at all levels of seniority from Apprentice to Director. In 2008 he became a Trustee on the Charitable Trust that runs the museum. It was in this position that Christopher played a significant role as part of the project management team that completed the extensive £6m development of the museum, which opened in 2014.

Mike Penn, Founding Curator and Trustee, commented; “Chris’s heart is intrinsically linked to the museum and the skills and leadership that he demonstrated during the development proved that he is the ideal person to lead the museum”.

Antonio Maeso, the Spanish Road Racer, who had a serious accident at the 2013 Isle of Man TT Races, has announced that he will return to road racing this season.

Following the accident that shattered his right leg, doctors in Liverpool decided not to amputate only because of the character of the young man and spent 12 hours of surgery to rebuild his leg. After a miraculous, arduous and very painful recovery Maeso will return to the roads next May 10th in the International North West 200, one of the best international meetings, that runs in the famous triangle circuit in Northern Ireland.

Last July Maeso received clearance to race following a medical examination at the Royal Liverpool Hospital, but it was not until recently that he decided to return after making a series of track outings that gradually carried him closer to the level he had before suffering the accident. All this has coincided with improved flexibility in his leg following a long journey of hospitals and rehabilitation.

Maeso never gave up despite the many bad moments not only with the injury but concerning personal affairs that made these two and half years the worst of his life as he admits:
"The truth is that it was very difficult and I did not expect it to be that tough all the time. It is true that I gave everything on the island, chasing a dream of many, but always knew exactly where I was going and doing and, in fact, the stones I clipped where on a corner where nobody usually gets close to. Well, that and all the bad things are behind me now. I have a second chance at life and I'm trying to have fun and develop doing what I do best which is racing a motorcycle."

The Almeria rider, who was named Racer of the Year in 2013 in Spain and awarded the Golden Shield in his home City, has launched a project that will see him race a motorcycle in the Lightweight 650 class at international road races starting with the NW200.

At the rider’s, official website (www.maeso.eu) Maeso provides information about the project and offers the possibility of collaborating with him and supporting him in different ways. The site has a sponsorship dossier and also the “your name on the flag” crowd funding activity where anyone can have their name on Maeso’s fairings for a modest contribution to the Team.

Maeso said:
"I felt compelled because, beyond essential support that I need, I want to open the door many fans and friends who have always supported me in this unique cross-Road Racing career to be part of the team and experience the thrill of road racing."

In the same sense of connection, Maeso announced that his social media network will broadcast regular updates of the progress of the project and preparation of the bike, including the usual Facebook and Twitter channels, but also weekly broadcasting lived on Periscope.

In the coming weeks more details about the project, sponsoring agreements and official Team launch presentation dates are planned and the rider will be announce these through the different media channels.

Maeso himself, as the leading and most proficient Spanish Road Racer in recent years, hopes that this news is greeted with enthusiasm by many Road Racing fans around the world who have followed his career to date.

www.maeso.eu

The British Motor Museum re-opens to the public on Saturday 13 February following a £1.1m refurbishment. Formerly known as the Heritage Motor Centre, the new Museum will be visually more exciting with an immersive display of British motoring history, designed to appeal to both current fans as well as new audiences. Also opening on the 13 February is the new Collections Centre, allowing public access for the first time to an extra 250 cars from the reserve collections of the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust and the Jaguar Heritage Trust.

The Museum will be officially opened by Managing Director, Julie Tew at 10am on the 13 February along with a live broadcast from Touch FM and visitors are encouraged to come along early to join in the celebrations.

Julie Tew, Managing Director said “We are delighted to re-open the Museum to visitors for half term. We have a packed programme of family events and tours and visitors will be impressed with the changes we have made to the Museum.”

Half term will kick off with “Build a British Car Week” from 13 – 21 February.  Everyday children of all ages can test their knowledge with the ‘Family Story’ trail and join one of the workshops in the LEGO® Education Innovation Studio where they can get creative building British cars with LEGO® bricks.

There are a range of different workshops to choose from. How cool is your British car takes place on Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 February where children can build a car in the Studio and see where its placed on the cool wall.  Technic Workshops run from Monday 15 – Thursday 18 February where children can design, build and test their own vehicle using LEGO® technics and become an engineering apprentice for the day. Build a balloon powered car takes place on Friday 19 February where children can see how far their LEGO® brick sports car can travel. Build a rubber band powered car takes place on Saturday 20 February where children can use a rubber band to power their LEGO® brick car and attempt to beat the current British Motor Museum’s record. Finally The 25 Brick Challenge takes place on Sunday 21 February where children can attempt to build a motor car with 25 LEGO® bricks and four wheels. All workshops run from 10am – 3pm.

Tours of both the Museum and the Collections Centre will be available daily and can be booked at no extra charge on arrival, and all half term family activities are also free of charge. Normal Museum entry fees apply: Adults £14, Children £9 (5-16 years) under 5’s free, Concessions £12 & Family £39 (2 adults & up to 3 children). Buy one day and get 12 months free if you Gift Aid your entrance. To find out more information please visit the website at www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk  or call 01926 641188.