Co-ordit Racing will make the short trip from its Leicester base to Donington Park to contest the fourth round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship over the Spring Bank Holiday this weekend (24-26 May). Dean Ellison (BSB) and Phil Bevan (National Superstock) will be joined by Richard Cooper on the Co-ordit Racing R1 Cup entry machine.
Dean Ellison makes a welcome return to the grid for his home round after sitting out the re-scheduled opening round at Brands Hatch two weeks ago. The Leicester-based rider fell victim to another rider’s crash at Oulton Park and has had to endure a frustrating three-week recovery period.
The team is high on confidence after collecting its first silverware last weekend at the Hottrax HMRC Endurance event at Snetterton. Taking part in both the 2hr Junior and 6hr Senior endurance events, the weekend offered the opportunity of extra track time for National Superstock rider Phil Bevan. Newcomer to the team, Richard Cooper gathered his first taste of the Co-ordit Yamaha YZF-R1 before he steps into the deep end this weekend, taking over the reins of the Co-ordit Henderson Yamaha R1 Cup machine. The 25-year old has a wealth of racing experience, most recently in World Endurance with BMW Motorrad, and will need to call upon this as he starts from the back of the grid for the first of two R1 Cup 12-lap races. It will all be to play for as race results will determine grid positions for the second 12-lapper.
Phil Bevan will look to build upon his first points of the season, scored his first points of the season at Brands Hatch, onboard the Co-ordit Racing Metzeler National Superstock Yamaha R1. The 38-year old Welshman showed his mettle as he held off the constant advances during the closing stages, taking the chequered flag in 14th and two valuable points. Another solid performance is on the cards as he lines up for the final 15-lap race of the day around the 2.5 mile Leicestershire circuit.
Dean Ellison: “I can't wait to get back to racing to the paddock atmosphere, I have only been out for 2 weeks but it feels like 2 months and to be coming back at Donington is a real bonus for me. I have taken advice from the most experienced people I know, Toby Branfoot and his medical team have given me an air cast for my leg to keep the muscles active and work on moving the ankle ligaments, also I have had the use of an ice boot to help bring down the swelling. Judith Pitt-Brooke at East Midlands Physiotherapy has helped with massage, ultrasound and general manipulation and my leg has improved dramatically! Along with the painful swimming sessions I have taken a course of Chinese medicine that my brother brought down for me before Brands that seems to have helped speed up recovery.”
Phil Bevan: “The team has suffered with a run of bad luck this season, what with Dean and myself being collected by other riders’ crashes. Our spirits have been lifted by Brands Hatch and the result in the Endurance, so we’re all looking for strong results at Donington - the team deserves it for all its hard work.”
Richard Cooper: “After receiving the call from Pete I’ve been really looking forward to Donington. I hope that I can make the most of the opportunity as the Co-ordit team are a great bunch of guys and it would! Nice to think I would get asked to ride again if everything went well. I have set myself a couple of targets for the weekend and will be pushing hard to achieve them.”
Pete Bradshaw, Team Owner: “After the big hit Dean and the team had at Oulton the Endurance race has given the team our first win. We are all fired up now for top 10 finishes and maybe even a podium this weekend.”
The action begins on Saturday with Free Practice for Superbike and Superstock, with Qualifying on Sunday. The Henderson Yamaha R1 Cup will receive two Free Practice sessions on Sunday. Race day begins at 10.55 with the first Cup race, followed by Pit Walk. The afternoon action will be televised live on British Eurosport, as the lights go out on the first 20-lap Superbike race at 13.00 (26 May).
