PARKALGAR HONDA’S Eugene Laverty won his second race of the season in commanding style at the fourth round of the World Supersport Championship at Assen in Holland – his second win at the circuit in two-years.

Miguel Praia lifted his game from 15th on the grid to finish a well-deserved 10th by the chequered flag. The next race is at Monza in Italy in two weeks time on Sunday, 9th May. Follow the progress of Eugene  on www.eugenelaverty.com

Eugene: “That was a fantastic race for me; I did not expect to ride away with it. As the race went on my lap times came down and my Parkalgar Honda got better and better. Whenever Joan passed me I hit straight back and was able to ride away, which made for an easier last lap compared to when I won here last year. Thank you to everyone in the Parkalgar Honda team, they have done a fantastic job with my bike at the workshops and here at the track, we have got more out of the bike and that is what has given us victory.”

Miguel: “At the end of the day 10th is not such a bad result. In warm up we changed the bike to the same setting as Parkalgar after I had been struggling through the fast corners and immediately felt more comfortable. I was able to lap consistently which is what we wanted and knew we could be in contention for the top 10. I simply got in my rhythm and my Parkalgar Honda bike and team were fantastic. It has helped my Championship position and with two weeks before the next race I will have time to totally heal my wrist and ankle and will be stronger at Monza.”

Simon Buckmaster, Parkalgar Honda Team Manager: “That was a great day for Parkalgar Honda and just what we needed after two tough rounds. Eugene was brilliant and did his fastest time on the penultimate lap which is impressive. Miguel came through in the race after a hard couple of days practice and qualifying and it is good that he got a top 10 finish. He has got some of his fight back and looks better for it. A brilliant team effort from Parkalgar Honda and we will go from here with plenty of optimism for the coming rounds.”

Race Result

1 50 Laverty E. (IRL) PARKALGAR HONDA CBR600RR 34′45.753 (164,629 kph)
2 26 Lascorz J. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX-6R 2.796
3 54 Sofuoglu K. (TUR) Honda CBR600RR 2.962
4 7 Davies C. (GBR) Triumph Daytona 675 23.040
5 14 Lagrive M. (FRA) Triumph Daytona 675 26.338
6 127 Harms R. (DEN) Honda CBR600RR 32.544
7 4 Rea G. (GBR) Honda CBR600RR 36.591
8 37 Fujiwara K. (JPN) Kawasaki ZX-6R 36.697
9 55 Roccoli M. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR 36.879
10 117 Praia M. (POR) PARKALGAR HONDA CBR600RR 47.288

Championship Positions (after four of 13 rounds)

1: Lascorz 85

2: Sofuoglu 77

3: Laverty PARKALGAR HONDA 66

4: Davies 46

5: Harms 35

6: Rea 33

7: Salom 32

8: Foret 28

9: Roccoli 24

10: Fujiwara 23

13: Praia PARKALGAR HONDA 17

PARKALGAR HONDA’S Eugene Laverty slashed his lap time from yesterday to take second place on the grid for tomorrow’s fourth round of the World Supersport Championship at Assen in Holland.

 Pole position went to Honda’s Kenan Sofuoglu at his team’s home track. The race starts tomorrow, Sunday 25th April at 1330 CET and for a full report and pictures from Parkalgar Honda visit www.eugenelaverty.com.

Eugene: “On my last run I was on my best combination of front and rear tyre and when I did my fastest lap I knew it was good enough for the front row but decided to stay out rather than come in and try a new tyre. I did six laps in the 1m 38s and despite Kenan crashing at the end he is the strongest rider at the moment and I’ll be doing all I can to beat him tomorrow. Last year in qualification Cal was untouchable and we beat him so I am positive about the race. I am actually happier in second than on pole position because after the last two poles I have had two disastrous races. Last year we only had one pole and it didn’t hurt us so I am very happy in second and know what I’ve got to do.”

Miguel: “That could have been better…we definitely struggled and didn’t expect to be 15th. All session we couldn’t find grip so at the end we reverted to the morning’s settings and immediately I was quicker; but it was late and we couldn’t make any big strides forward. We need to have a deep look at our settings and try to improve – we need to go faster and understand why we didn’t do so in qualification.”

Simon Buckmaster, Parkalgar Honda Team Manager: “Eugene was impressive with six fast laps in succession at the end on his race set-up and tyres. Kenan crashing shows just how hard he was pushing as well and that means Parkalgar Honda has a chance at the top honours in the race. Miguel should be better than his qualification position and we will be looking at how we can help him as a rider improve. Well done to the team for their hard work on the dyno and preparation for this event, our Parkalgar Honda is one of the quickest out there after we found more horsepower last week and I am proud of the effort everyone is putting in to keep us at the front.”

Final Qualification

1 54 Sofuoglu K. (TUR) Honda CBR600RR 1′37.908
2 50 Laverty E. (IRL) PARKALGAR HONDA CBR600RR 1′38.421
3 51 Pirro M. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR 1′38.567
4 26 Lascorz J. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX-6R 1′38.660
5 99 Foret F. (FRA) Kawasaki ZX-6R 1′38.780
6 14 Lagrive M. (FRA) Triumph Daytona 675 1′38.961
7 37 Fujiwara K. (JPN) Kawasaki ZX-6R 1′39.087
8 25 Salom D. (ESP) Triumph Daytona 675 1′39.143
9 7 Davies C. (GBR) Triumph Daytona 675 1′39.202
10 127 Harms R. (DEN) Honda CBR600RR 1′39.327

PARKALGAR HONDA ace Eugene Laverty took fourth place and a provisional front row start during first qualification for Sunday’s fourth round of the World Supersport Championship at Assen in Holland.

The race takes place at 1330 on Sunday, 25th April at the historic Assen circuit in North Holland. Follow the action over the weekend on www.eugenelaverty.com.

Eugene: “I ended up on the front row which is what I wanted as it could always rain here tomorrow. I put a lot of laps on a tyre and worked on my race settings and we have got some rear grip and will continue to improve things. The Parkalgar Honda chassis is working well and I have a lot of confidence in the front end and can push hard. There is more to come from me on this bike. I also really like the new section, it is ballsy and you need to be committed.”

Simon Buckmaster, Parkalgar Honda Team Manager: “I am happy that Eugene is on the front row and looking at his lap times he is strong over race distance. Sofuoglu is the danger rider here at Ten Kate’s home track and is riding well – he’s a good target for us to aim for tomorrow. Miguel has more work to do on changing direction through the fast sections and we will be working with him to help him.”

First Qualifying

1 54 Sofuoglu K. (TUR) Honda CBR600RR 1′38.250
2 51 Pirro M. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR 1′38.567
3 99 Foret F. (FRA) Kawasaki ZX-6R 1′38.780
4 50 Laverty E. (IRL) PARKALGAR HONDA CBR600RR 1′39.002
5 25 Salom D. (ESP) Triumph Daytona 675 1′39.143
6 14 Lagrive M. (FRA) Triumph Daytona 675 1′39.405
7 37 Fujiwara K. (JPN) Kawasaki ZX-6R 1′39.638
8 26 Lascorz J. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX-6R 1′39.785
9 7 Davies C. (GBR) Triumph Daytona 675 1′39.822
10 4 Rea G. (GBR) Honda CBR600RR 1′40.092
12 117 Praia M. (POR) PARKALGAR HONDA CBR600RR 1′40.720

PARKALGAR HONDA goes to the fourth round of the World Supersport Championship at Assen in Holland fully aware it has not performed to its own high expectations at the last two rounds and a turnaround in results is needed for Eugene Laverty and Miguel Praia.

The race takes place at 1330 CET on Sunday April 25th. On Friday and Saturday there are practice and qualifying sessions. To keep up-to-date with Parkalgar Honda, visit www.parkalgarhonda.com.

Simon Buckmaster, Parkalgar Honda Team Manager: “The fact is we are coming off two frustrating rounds that have not delivered the points we expect or deserve. Eugene has scored two pole positions but that has not resulted in race success. He has the bike and the ability to beat anyone and as a team Parkalgar Honda will be doing everything to get back to winning ways at Assen with him. Miguel has shown promise this season and he has another opportunity this weekend to score his best ever result - we expect that from him when he takes to the track and Parkalgar Honda is doing everything it can to help him achieve it. It is turnaround time for Parkalgar Honda.”

Miguel: “I am receiving physiotherapy twice a day to work on the wrist and ankle injuries I received in my qualifying crash at Valencia. I am not 100 per cent fit as I would like to be but I will not let it hold me back when I get on track. I will give maximum effort and really want to get a points scoring finish at Assen which is something I have never achieved before. I am coming back and my Parkalgar Honda team has worked hard to support me and deserves a good result.”

Eugene: “I didn’t expect to win at Assen in 2009 but we came away with top honours. I went for it then and I’ll be doing the same this weekend for a repeat performance. Assen suits the Parkalgar Honda and I enjoy it. A new corner on the back straight should make the track faster and I like that as well. I want and need to bounce back from the last two rounds with a win.”

I’ve just arrived back in Fuschl, Austria having spent the weekend with my friends Ariane and Barry in Vienna. I flew to Austria after Valencia to spend some time at the Red Bull Diagnostics and Training Center and I plan to leave here in a plane for Assen in three days time. I say ‘plan’ because while that’s what I’d like to do this Icelandic volcano seems to have other ideas! I could be in for a LONG train journey from Salzburg to Amsterdam.

Two races have passed since I last stopped by and things haven’t ran so smoothly. After a great start at Phillip Island it seems that Sunday just hasn’t been my day lately! I enjoyed two pole positions at Rounds Two and Three but disastrous races have followed. I want to make amends at Round Four with another victory at the venue where I scored my best victory last year. As I expected Lascorz and Sofuoglu are proving to be my two main threats for the title, however, Chaz is really starting to look the part on the Triumph. Who know, we could have a four-way fight for the title which would make things interesting!

I’ve had a great week so far at the Red Bull DTC with just one focus and no other distractions. In the evenings I’ve been taking it easy and just catching up on all the action from the 2010 AMA Supercross Championship. I really like the way Ryan Dungey rides, you can tell he’s not the most naturally gifted rider but he’s worked damn hard to go round in circles fast. He’s broken it all down and sussed the job out with the help of Ricky Carmichael, who had to do the same towards the end of his career in order to keep the amazing talent of James Stewart at bay. It really annoys me when people talk about naturally gifted riders because nine times out of ten they get it all wrong. They always think that the guy who is making it look easy is the naturally gifted one, whereas it’s usually the opposite.

The restaurant is now open so I’m off to indulge. I’ll stop by again after Assen be it good news or bad!

Eugene

EUGENE LAVERTY finished fifth scoring hard-earned points for Parkalgar Honda in the hotly-contested third round of the World Supersport Championship at Valencia in Spain.

Pole sitter Laverty is a clear third in the Championship while Praia is 14^th. The fourth round of the Championship is at Assen in Holland in two-week’s time on 25^th April. For more information on Eugene visit www.eugenelaverty.com .

Eugene: “I struggled for rear grip for the entire race. I choose the same tyre that worked yesterday but it was warmer today. This tyre and setting are good for me as it gives feel and for one-lap it is great, hence our two pole positions but for racing it is not performing. I am going to have to go back to settings that are not quite as good for feel but give more grip over a race distance. We have been here before and we know what to do. I was nursing my tyre right to the end – I had so many moments both front and rear. The result is better than Portugal and we will be back at Assen stronger than ever, that I promise.”

Simon Buckmaster, Parkalgar Honda Team Manager: “Eugene struggled for grip through the race right from the start. We know what changes he needs to make to his Parkalgar Honda in order to get the grip back and that is the direction we will go for the next round. I told Miguel at the start he needed just to finish and get some points in light of his injuries. With Assen two weeks away it will allow us to refocus our aim for Miguel to finish top 10 in the Championship.”

Race Result

1 26 Lascorz J. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX-6R 37′32.610 (147,213 kph)
2 54 Sofuoglu K. (TUR) Honda CBR600RR 3.193
3 7 Davies C. (GBR) Triumph Daytona 675 5.417
4 25 Salom D. (ESP) Triumph Daytona 675 8.317
5 50 Laverty E. (IRL) PARKALGAR HONDA CBR600RR 10.757
6 4 Rea G. (GBR) Honda CBR600RR 38.866
7 14 Lagrive M. (FRA) Triumph Daytona 675 38.926
8 5 Lundh A. (SWE) Honda CBR600RR 50.902
9 127 Harms R. (DEN) Honda CBR600RR 56.653
10 99 Foret F. (FRA) Kawasaki ZX-6R 1′01.495
11 51 Pirro M. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR 1′06.573
12 117 Praia M. (POR) PARKALGAR HONDA CBR600RR 1′18.142

Championship Positions (after three of 13 races)

1: Lascorz 65

2: Sofuoglu 61

3: Laverty PARKALGAR HONDA 41

4: Davies 33

5: Salom 32

Eugene Laverty helped out his fellow Ulsterman by giving the rookie a couple of tips.
Eugene “ Josh is a very talented rider, he has a lot of ability on the bike. For such a young rider from Northern Ireland to get the chance to race for a good privateer team (Racedays Honda) in such competitive class is really great to see. I’m going to try and support Josh in any way I can to see that he goes far in the sport”.

15 year old rookie Josh Elliott had a strong race at the Spanish round of the European Superstock 600 in Valencia despite a challenging start to the weekend. After getting a great start from 11th position on the grid, Elliott was battling for 6th place within the first lap.

Josh, “I didn’t have the best start to the weekend, right from the off we struggled to get the right setting for this circuit. We continued to work hard and made some progress to qualify on the third row in 11th position. The race itself went really well as I got a good start and found myself in 7th position after a few others slipped off at turn two. Towards the end of the race I found myself in a three-way battle for 4th and I was unlucky to miss out at the end of the race. Nevertheless 6th position is a big step from where we finished at Portimao and two solid results is just the start I needed to my season.”

Gerry Bryce Team Manager “ Josh has stepped up to the challenge of the Superstock 600 championship very well. He rode with the commitment required in this very tough class and was in a 3 way battle for fourth throughout the race. We are still lacking top speed due to an electronic glitch with our new motor, and we are having to use last years engine. Hopefully we will have this resolved for Assen. All things considered 6th place is an exceptional result and shows how talented Josh is.”

Next round for the RaceDays team and Josh will be Assen on the 23ed April.

PARKALGAR HONDA’S Eugene Laverty smashed the circuit best ever lap for a Supersport bike on his way to pole position at the third round of the World Championship at Valencia in Spain.

Eugene: “It was nice to get pole as it wasn’t expected. I thought I could do a 35:8 and that would keep me on the front row so I made sure I did that and when I looked at my dash it said 35:6 and I knew it was a decent lap. In morning warm-up I’ll be looking to do more laps on the rear tyre I favour to ensure it is good for the race distance. We had to go back a bit today as we worked on the rear grip of my Parkalgar Honda and to get it right is a small window so we will need to keep on top of that. I used to think of Valencia as my bogey circuit but I have worked hard on that and believe all tracks are the same, simply corners and straights and there is no reason I cannot do well here.”

Simon Buckmaster, Parkalgar Honda Team Manager: “That was an incredible ride by Eugene; he only used two tyres the entire session. It shows his level of confidence in his Parkalgar Honda and himself; on a worn tyre he put in some fast race laps and then switched to a new tyre. He had time for two quick laps but instead he held back for a gap in traffic and just completed one and that was all he needed. He’s in good shape for the race. Miguel is trying very hard this weekend and it is not coming together for him yet. He was up on time on his last lap but crashed in sector three which was a shame. He will be working with his crew to find something in morning warm-up and we will do all we can to support him.”

Final Qualification

1 50 Laverty E. (IRL) PARKALGAR HONDA CBR600RR 1′35.658
2 26 Lascorz J. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX-6R 1′35.740
3 54 Sofuoglu K. (TUR) Honda CBR600RR 1′36.002
4 37 Fujiwara K. (JPN) Kawasaki ZX-6R 1′36.015
5 25 Salom D. (ESP) Triumph Daytona 675 1′36.252
6 7 Davies C. (GBR) Triumph Daytona 675 1′36.291
7 99 Foret F. (FRA) Kawasaki ZX-6R 1′36.346
8 51 Pirro M. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR 1′36.593
9 40 DiSalvo J. (USA) Triumph Daytona 675 1′36.968
10 127 Harms R. (DEN) Honda CBR600RR 1′37.064
14 117 Praia M. (POR) PARKALGAR HONDA CBR600RR 1′38.027.

The race takes place tomorrow, Sunday 11th April at 1330 CET at the stadium circuit on the east coast of Spain. To keep updated Eugene’s progress go to www.eugenelaverty.com

PARKALGAR HONDA racers Eugene Laverty and Miguel Praia got off to a confident start in first qualifying for the third round of the World Supersport Championship at Valencia in Spain, taking fourth and 12th places respectively.

In good weather, the two riders gradually built their pace and tried out various settings on their Parkalgar Honda race bikes during practice and qualification and ended the day in positive mood for the rest of the weekend. There is another practice and qualifying session tomorrow before the race at 1330 CET on Sunday, April 11th. Keep up-to-date with Eugene on www.eugenelaverty.com.

Miguel: “It was a hard start to the day in practice and I struggled to get up to speed. Valencia demands a lot of feedback from the front of my Parkalgar Honda and we have changed the position of my handlebars to help put more weight over the front for this. It is a new position for me but this afternoon we made a couple of changes to my chassis and I am much happier now – my lap time is not so bad, especially when you consider that a couple of the other teams tested here last week. We will look through the data and see how we can generally improve the chassis and grip. Now we have a good starting position for tomorrow and I am sure we will go quicker.”

Eugene: “My Parkalgar Honda is really good and I am very happy with today’s performance. We worked on the rear end grip issues that surfaced at the last round and while I won’t say we have completely cured them I will say we are definitely going in the right direction. I am confident for a front row start as my fastest lap was done on the tyre I do not prefer – if we change that I know I can go faster and it’s nice to have a bit in hand. There are no major issues, I am pleased with the bike and team and it is always good when the Championship leader is behind you.”

Simon Buckmaster, Parkalgar Honda Team Manager: “It’s been a good day for the team, a confident start to the weekend. Eugene is comfortable on his bike and set a front row time on the tyre he doesn’t prefer so that is encouraging as there is more to come. Miguel is trying a few things with his bike and they should pay off for him, I am sure he will be able to dig deep tomorrow to challenge for the top 10. A quick mention to CIA Insurance which has joined the team as a partner for the rest of the year – it’s good to have them back with us and anyone who needs bike insurance should give them a call and support companies that support our sport; not to mention their rates for bikes are excellent.”

First Qualification

1 37 Fujiwara K. (JPN) Kawasaki ZX-6R 1′36.319
2 26 Lascorz J. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX-6R 1′36.585
3 51 Pirro M. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR 1′36.709
4 50 Laverty E. (IRL) PARKALGAR HONDA CBR600RR 1′36.778
5 25 Salom D. (ESP) Triumph Daytona 675 1′36.792
6 7 Davies C. (GBR) Triumph Daytona 675 1′36.933
7 54 Sofuoglu K. (TUR) Honda CBR600RR 1′37.532
8 127 Harms R. (DEN) Honda CBR600RR 1′37.541
9 40 DiSalvo J. (USA) Triumph Daytona 675 1′37.658
10 55 Roccoli M. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR 1′38.020
11 99 Foret F. (FRA) Kawasaki ZX-6R 1′38.143
12 117 Praia M. (POR) PARKALGAR HONDA CBR600RR 1′38.355

PARKALGAR HONDA travels to Valencia in Spain this weekend for the third round of the World Supersport Championship with a steely focus to get back to winning ways.

Eugene Laverty is determined to emulate his opening round performance and win while Miguel Praia is smarting from being robbed of a best ever finish by a technical problem at the last round and wanting to put it right in Spain. There are practice and qualifying sessions on Friday and Saturday before the race takes place at 1330 on Sunday 11th April. Keep track of Eugene’s progress on www.eugenelaverty.com.

Eugene: “I am looking forward to Valencia although it will be a bit of a challenge. In 2009 we struggled there before we found the best set-up for the Honda chassis at the following round. I believe that all race circuits are just corners connected by straights and now we know the set-up of my Parkalgar Honda. I expect Lascorz to be strong as it is his home circuit and the Ten Kate bikes will be good after they tested as well. I have learnt an important lesson from the last round at Parkalgar and I am more focussed. Every weekend we are going for the victory regardless of the circuit.”

Miguel: “I am in good form and can’t wait to get racing this weekend. I am disappointed by not finishing at Parkalgar but realistically I was challenging for sixth-seventh and that is my best ever performance. I know I am riding well and the Parkalgar Honda is very strong. I want to continue where I left off and get into the top eight this weekend; we now know it is very possible.”

Simon Buckmaster, Team Manager, Parkalgar Honda: “It is time for Parkalgar Honda to hit back after a below par performance at our home circuit last time – that was our wake up call for the whole team and we will want a big improvement at Valencia. Lascorz and Sofuoglu got it wrong in Australia and we got it wrong in Portugal, it is that simple. One of the things that doesn’t help is that we qualify late in the afternoon and race in the early afternoon – conditions can be dramatically different each day and that doesn’t aid set up. That said it is the same for everyone but it would be nice to factor in some consistency and I have asked the organisers to change the timing for the good of all teams.”