Tim Hastings Racing #50

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2 April 2008 - Successful pre-season test bodes well for 2008 season

Falkirk's Tim Hastings had an early opportunity to get to know his 2008 bike when the KRP 125GP team headed for France and Spain in early March.

While Britain continued to shiver in sub zero temperatures, the team headed for the relative warmth of the Ledenon circuit in the South of France. As this was the first time that Tim (or any of the KRP riders present), had been to this circuit, the first day was all about learning the track and getting used to being back on a bike after the long winter break. Tim's first impressions of the new KRP bike were all positive - with handling, power delivery and top end speed all coming together in a very impressive package. Tim was delighted with progress at Ledenon, commenting: "The bike really holds a line well and inspires confidence, I can't wait for the 2008 season to start"

The test also afforded Tim an opportunity to get to know the team and his fellow riders a little better and everybody gelled really well during the foreign testing. The team has a long tradition of success in the British 125GP Championship and is committed to winning, but the emphasis is also on enjoying themselves both on and off the track.

After a successful three days of testing in France, the team packed up and headed west to Barcelona for a three day race meeting at the Catalunya circuit, again a first time experience for Tim and his team mates.

The lack of experience at the circuit and a steep learning curve with the bike meant that Tim was down in 41st place after the first qualifying session, and with only 44 riders allowed onto the grid, some extra pace was required for second qualifying. A team talk headed by boss Mark Keen seemed to produce the required effect as Tim went a full 2 seconds quicker than in the first session and improved his grid position to 27th.

On race day, Tim was in confident mood and translated that into a quite fantastic start. By the time the bikes had reached the end of Catalunya's 1km long start-finish straight, Tim had moved up to an amazing 9th place! As the rest of the pack picked up the pace, Tim found himself 15th at the end of the first lap and crossed the line in 17th after lap two. On lap three Tim committed to an overtaking move for 16th place but made a slight error, collided with another rider, and ended up running off track and into the gravel. He managed to keep the bike upright and after receiving help from the marshals, he was able to re-join the race, albeit in 41st and last place. It soon became clear though that the bike had sustained some minor damage in the collision, and after three further laps Tim decided not to take any chances and retired from the race.

Although it wasn't an ideal way to end his Tim's Catalunya debut, the race result was the only disappointment in what was a highly successful six days of testing. The team can therefore approach the first round of the British 125GP Championship at Brands Hatch on April 6th with real confidence for the season ahead.

4 November 2007 - Nevis Marketing confirm product support for 2008 season.

Tim will again benefit from the support of Nevis Marketing for the 2008 campaign, wearing SHARK helmets, Oxtar Boots and Richa Gloves. Top of the range gear for comfort and protection! A continuation of the relationship forged in 2005, TeamTwister is proud to be associated with such a top quality company promoting market leading products.

25 September 2007

Tim will be competing at the KDMC, Jock Taylor Memorial, event at Knockhill on 30/09/07 Tim will race his Banks Racing Honda RS125 in this the final round of the Scottish championship. The team are keen to try out a few new engine parts before the final round of the British championship at Brands Hatch on the 12th, 13th & 14th of October.

5 September 2007
Grampian Motorcycle Convention, Sunday 9th September

Team Twister will be at the Grampian Motorcycle Convention on Sunday 9th September as guests of racing sponsors Digby Brown. Digby Brown, Scotland's motorcycle accident specialists, are also the main event sponsors for the GMC.

As well Tim Hastings, Robbie Stewart, another rising star of the UK motorcycle racing scene will be in attendance. Completing the group is John Macdonald of Pro-Scot, former Scottish road racing champion.

Pro-Scot and Digby Brown are key sponosrs of both riders.

The GMC takes place at the Grampian Transport Museum, Main Street, Alford, Aberdeenshire, AB33 8AE between 11.00am and 5pm

Latest news 3/4/07 - The Final Countdown

With the first race of this year's BSB 125GP Championship Cup only days away, Team Twister took advantage of some fine weekend weather to have one final test ahead of the Easter trip to Brands Hatch.

Resisting the temptation to compete in the first round of the Scottish Championships, Tim took to the track for two practice sessions at a sunny Knockhill on Saturday afternoon. With his BSB machine receiving its final preparation in the capable hands of Pete Banks, Tim rode his own Honda for what was in fact his first outing on a GP bike at the Fife circuit.

Tim was quickly on the pace during the first 16 lap session, and his previous fastest lap of 1.01.28 (on an Aprilia) was soon bettered by a 59.5 second lap on the Honda. Even though there was limited track time and few opportunities to experiment with the bike's set up, Tim adapted quickly to riding the GP machine and was pleased with his initial performance. A second session late in the afternoon saw him continue to reduce his lap times and, despite falling temperatures, he ended the day with a highly impressive best time of 57.9 seconds.

Although fitted to his own machine, the Knockhill test was also the first time the distinctive "Green Machine" livery of Tim's race bike was seen on track. The Applied Sweepers colours were always going to be hard to miss, but it was heartening to hear many people comment on how good the race set up looked. There will certainly be no difficulty in spotting Tim on track during the thirteen round BSB series.

Overall Team Twister was very happy with the progress made during the final test and is now looking forward to the season opener at Brands Hatch in Kent on Easter Monday.