HONEYBOURNE-based team Jones Dorling Racing and their rider Ashley Beech travelled to Cartagena in Spain for four days of testing ahead of this year’s National Superstock 1,000cc Championship, which starts on April 6 at Donington Park.
The 2.3-mile circuit in the Spanish province of Murcia is a track that Beech is familiar with having tested there many times in his career.
The team have worked closely with leading engine builders MSS Kawasaki during the winter and pre-season testing is an opportunity to test new parts and make sure everything is functioning to its full potential.
Before posting fast lap times, the first two days were spent trying different settings on suspension, gearing and other components but, on day three in warm and sunny conditions, Beech felt comfortable with the bike and started to quicken his pace.
He improved his times in every session and by the end of the day he had lapped within one tenth of the Superstock lap record. His performance certainly attracted attention and in particular with factory-backed teams who were standing on the pit wall timing his laps with great interest.
The final day was spent testing tyres, running with a full tank of fuel, and simulating race distances.
Team manager Chris Jones said: “I think we showed our potential in 2014. Ashley improved his lap times by over one second at every circuit and finished the season with a fourth place at Brands Hatch, less than one second behind the factory Honda.
“We are aiming to build on this and I am confident we have the team, rider and bike capable of being a regular feature on the podium.”
Jones Dorling Racing are holding a fund-raising race night in preparation for the 2015 National Superstock Season on March 28 at Evesham United Football Club which is open to all.
You can come along and meet Ashley and the team and have a great evening. There will also be the chance to see the bike in its new colour scheme as well as leaving with something special!
Entry is from 7.30pm and there is a bar and food available throughout the evening.