The Isilon MSS Discovery Kawasaki team enjoyed a very positive day today at Donington Park, home of the penultimate round of the Bennetts British Superbike championship.
Chassis changes have given Michael Rutter more feedback from his Ninja ZX-10R, enabling the 34-year-old from Kirkby Mallory to be closer to the leaders’ lap-times than previously this season. Meanwhile his young team-mate James Webb continues to impress. The 18-year-old from Kent spent most of the day heading for a front-row start in the MAXXIS British Supersport series before slipping back to a creditable 6th in final qualifying.
Michael Rutter, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R (10th – 1m 31.953s)“It’s been a very positive weekend so far. We were 7th this morning and then finally 10th in qualifying, but only a second off the front, which is closer than we’ve ever been. This is a result of a new suspension linkage and some chassis changes. The bike turns better and now I can pull it in tighter mid-corner. It feels better than ever. Now I just need a good start and see if I can run with the front group.”
James Webb, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R (6th – 1m 35.500s)“I guess that was alright, but I really wanted a front-row start for the team. I was heading for that on my last qualifying lap, but I ran wide at Melbourne. I have to be positive, we’ve moved forward so much since Cadwell Park: the team are learning more about me and I’m learning about them and how they work. I just want to get off line well and try and hang in there. If I’m in with the chance of a podium at the end, I’m going to go for it.”
Jack Valentine, Race Team Manager“It’s been a great day for us, things have been working like clockwork. I know this because I’ve not written anything negative in my little notebook! We’ve made some changes to Michael’s bike: new suspension linkages have enabled us to run a softer rear spring than usual, so he’s getting more ‘feel’ from the bike and that’s improving his confidence and consistency. James continues to do a good job showing real maturity for an 18-year-old. He even admitted his little mistake at The Loop. He’s also got so much enthusiasm, which rubs off on all of us. Fingers crossed for the races now!”
Nick Morgan, Team owner“A second off pole for Michael is very good considering and 10th isn’t bad at all! All-in-all the big bike is working quite well for us here at Donington. All the boys are working hard and things are coming together at last. I do feel for James a bit as he was looking at the front row all weekend – so much so that I think we’re all disappointed he didn’t get there! But let’s not
forget he’s still young, but has shown maturity by admitting to making a mistake on his last qualifying lap. We’re very pleased.”
Alex Brawn, UK Racing Co-ordinator for Kawasaki Motors UK“I think we’ve really moved on with the Ninja ZX-6R and James is keen and hungry to do well which is good to see. He suits the bike and grabs it by the scruff of the neck! Looking at Michael out there today was also interesting. Judging by the times he’s really starting to get to grips with the Ninja ZX-10R and getting more and more consistent laps in, a point proven by the fact that he’s closer to pole than ever before this year.”
Related News
