Ben Young is looking for a strong second half in British Superstock Championship. (Photo-Londonbiker Snappers)
Sheffield, United Kingdom - With seven of the 12-round British Superbike (BSB) 1000cc Superstock Championship under his belt Scottish-born / Canadian resident Ben Young has had to learn how to acclimatize quickly as GR Motosport's Team WD-40's new Pirelli National Superstock 1000 Championship pilot.
Heading to Cadwell Park this weekend Young is still in the hunt for his first points of the season. Young's highest Superstock finish to-date was 16th place which he achieved after an incredible start from 30th on the grid at Brands Hatch.
Ben Young (Photo-Mike Rice/Infinet Motorsports) |
Cautious about setting unrealistic goals in his inaugural Superstock season Young knew this new chapter in his racing career in the BSB series was going to be about putting all the pieces together and consistent progress.
"I knew this season was going to be extremely competitive and that it certainly wasn't going be a walk in the park." said Young
In addition stepping-up to this high level of competition, Young has had to learn each track within a single 20 minute prequalifying practice session. Piloting the Kawasaki ZX-10R required him to modify his riding style and to be more aggressive with the extra power at hand.
"It was mega tough showing up to Brands Hatch with 60 bikes trying to make a 38 rider grid. At first I was questioning myself but after I got more confidant on the bike I now feel I deserve to be there." added Young
Each track has presented its own challenges however the Team WD-40 Superstock rider is continually humbled by just getting to ride all the remarkable tracks on the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship circuit.
Although consistent qualifying results have eluded him so far, he's continually had his fastest laps of the weekend coming during the races.
His impressive charge in the race at Outlon Park two weekends ago earned him Fred Clarke's Pirelli 'Merit Award'.
Tim Hortons backed Young's goals for the second half of the BSB Superstock 1000 season are to grab his first points for Team WD-40 by the Donington Park round. Bike set-up and sharpening his qualifying results should put him within striking distance of consistent top 15 finishes.
The Team WD-40 Superstock pilot recently enjoyed some well earned time off: "We had last weekend off which I spent with family in Scotland. I'm really looking forward to Cadwell Park this coming weekend as I have done a few laps around there and love the track!"
When Young competed in the US-based AMA Pro Road Racing Sportbike Championship he ran as a privateer with often only family members assisting him trackside. Now he is not only surrounded by a very supportive and dedicated crew as well as receiving encouragement and guidance from team-mates Barry Burrell and Tarran Mackenzie,
"I can't thank Team WD-40 enough for this opportunity and their support as well as Tim Hortons (Sudbury), Scot-Build Developments Inc., AXO and Arai Helmets for come along with me for this incredible adventure." the rider from Thornbury Ontario, Canada added.
To stay up to date with Team WD-40 this season visit:www.teamwd40.com, and connect with the team via Twitter: @GRMotoSport and on Facebook: search 'GR Motosport'
To connect with Ben Young visit: www.fogi.us , on Twitter:@bcyoung86 , and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BenYoungRacing
Team Partners
Stauff UK, Cargolink Express, L&A Reinforcements, Tim Hortons, Scot-Build Developments Inc., Lexelle, Amtech, Optimum Fleet Management, F&G Commercials, 3 Squared, Signsxtra
Technical Partners
Dymag Wheels, Kawasaki, Scorpion Red Power, R&G, Dynojet UK, Swinton Motorcycles, PPG Paint, Goodridge, Pipercross, Robby Moto, NG Brake Discs,
Solo Motorcycle products, Super B, STIHL, 3 Squared, Ohlins