Season pivot point for EP supported teams
Edging close to halfway through the 2023 British Superbikes Championship, Evotech Performance-supported BeerMonster Ducati and their MY23-spec V4R bike top the leaderboard with rider Tommy Bridewell on 163 points and team-mate Glenn Irwin in third with 152 points. Working his boots off to effectively split the Ducati duo with 155 points is 25-year-old rising star Kyle Ryde onboard a LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha R1, which is also fitted with numerous EP parts. Then chasing the frontrunners is EP-supported FHO Racing BMW Motorrad with 40-year-old Josh Brookes who sits at fourth place in the standings with 136 points.
However, there are no plans for any celebrations for these teams just yet – anybody who believes these teams and riders will remain at the top for the rest of the season could be in for a shock…
With each round and in between, every team works overtime to advance their bikes’ performance. Not specifically engine output or power delivery, but the latest generation of electronics for fuelling and rider safety aids. Let’s not forget the chassis and chassis components; frame, suspension, brakes and more are continually scrutinised and adjusted/revised to get the best from them. Basically, anything that can be done to gain an edge on the competition is order of the day.
Don’t just think it’s the team bikes that are continually worked on either. The riders also undergo a constant health check regime. The days of downing a beer and smoking a cigarette between races and race weekends are long gone! Riders are now akin to professional athletes; rigorous gym workouts and mind health sessions are a necessity to remain focussed throughout a race season.
All in all, British Superbikes and the equally all-action support races is still a jewel for all to view for domestic superbike racing. The intensity of racing and level of support for this race series makes for a great spectator spectacle. With Cadwell Park race circuit in Lincolnshire, it’s Evotech Performance’s local circuit. See you there?