Tim Hastings Racing #50

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6 July 2010

Team Twister is pleased to announce that the winner of the framed photo of Tim was won by Martin Towler.

The draw was held at Round One of the BSB Championship at Brands Hatch and Martin's name was drawn by Mark Eilledge, Technical Manager of Shark Helmets.

We've been waiting for an opportunity to award Martin with his prize, and this was done at a recent track event at Knockhill.

Well done Martin.

Team Twister, 6 July 2010

7 March 2010

With little over a month to go until Brands Hatch hosts the opening round of the 2010 BSB series, Tim Hastings has had a busy start to the year as he prepares for his first season in the Metzeler National Superstock 600 Championship.

At the end of January he collected the Dunlop Trophy for the ACU Academy Rider of the Year 2009, the culmination of three tremendously enjoyable seasons in the British 125GP series, and the second year in a row that he has taken this prestigious award.

Tim's move up to four stroke racing came a step closer in early February when Team Twister collected his Kawasaki Ninja ZX6R. Prepared by Gearlink Kawasaki - and resplendent in the familiar Kawasaki Team Green colours - Tim will have his first outing on the bike at Mallory Park this week. Having trained hard all winter, this will be a welcome opportunity for Tim to get back on track and familiarise himself with the bike which will carry him through his debut season in the 600cc class.

The Mallory session will also be followed by a track outing at the MSVR day at Brands Hatch and a day at Santa Pod where Tim will focus on perfecting his starting technique on the ZX6R - so hopefully the lightening starts that were so often a feature of his 125 races will be carried forward to the Superstock series.

In a hectic month, Tim also found time to start a new blog, "Twister Tales", the first instalment of which is on the official BSB website, and which will hopefully become a regular feature as the season progresses.

Closer to home, February also saw Tim attend Scotland's Melville Motor Club's annual awards evening where he was again presented with the The Duckham Trophy for "Best Racer in Club 2009" - joining the likes of Alan Duffus, Donny McLeod, Niall Mackenzie, Brian Morrison and Steve Hislop as multiple winners of the trophy.

Finally, in a nostalgic return to where his racing life started way back in 2002, the final weekend of February found Tim competing in the Scottish minimoto winter endurance event. It was a joy and a privilege to have been invited to compete alongside not only the current crop of aspiring young racers, but also BSB Superstock 1000 racer Jimmy Storrar, BSB 125GP racer Deane Brown and the reigning Scottish Superstock 1000 champion Torquil Paterson. Team Twister would like to thank Alan MacIntosh for the invitation and looks forward to another opportunity to do it again soon.

As the new BSB season finally draws near, Team Twister would also like to extend a massive thank you for the continued support of friends, fans and sponsors, including all those who have joined the increasingly popular "Twister...Powered by Fans" campaign via both Facebook and Tim's website. This season simply would not be possible without the contributions from businesses, clubs and individuals, and the generosity of all concerned - particularly in these difficult financial times - is greatly appreciated. We hope to see as many of you as possible throughout 2010.

2 March 2010

Team Twister is delighted to announce that throughout 2010, Tim will be promoting the Cystinosis Foundation UK.

Cystinosis is a very rare inherited disease which occurs when an amino acid called cystine accumulates in cells, causing damage to organs such as the kidneys, eyes, muscles, pancreas and brain. In developed countries it affects around 1 in 200,000 people, and there is currently no cure.

One of Tim's long term supporters and sponsors, Tony Sladdin, has direct experience of this debilitating disease as his eldest granddaughter Lena has the condition. http://www.cystinosis.org.uk/archives/782

The Cystinosis Foundation UK is helping to support research that will help in finding a cure and improving the medicines available to treat Cystinosis.

In thanks and recognition of Tony's continuing support, Tim aims to promote awareness of the disease and publicise the tremendous work of the Foundation by carrying the name of the Cystinosis Foundation UK on his bike throughout his 2010 campaign in the Superstock 600 series.

More details of the Foundation can be found at http://www.cystinosis.org.uk, and any donations to the ongoing research appeal would be greatly appreciated.

2 Feb 2010

Tim attended the ACU Awards evening in Northampton on the 30th January 2010, where he was presented with the Dunlop Trophy for the "ACU Academy Rider of the year 2009".

Also in attendence was personal sponsor, Mick Simms, who generously made a financial contribution toward Tim's 2010 race season. TeamTwister would like to thank the ACU for a very well run and enjoyable evening and extend a very special thank you to Mick who continues to support Tim despite these very difficult financial times.

26 January 2010

Team Twister is delighted to announce that reigning British GP125 ACU Academy Cup Champion Tim Hastings will step up to the Metzeler National Superstock 600 Championship when he enters the 2010 season as one of Kawasaki's Team Green Junior Superstock riders.

As part of their Team Green initiative in Junior Superstock, 17 year old "Twister" will be building on an already impressive career. Like many in the modern era, Tim started his racing journey via mini-moto racing in his native Scotland, gaining the Scottish Championship at the tender age of 12. He then moved on to 125s the following year and dominated the Melville Motor Club F125 and the East Midlands Racing Association F125 championships.

Three years in the British GP125 Championship have then seen Tim achieve sixth place in the 2007 Academy Cup following by two successive Academy Cup titles in 2008 and 2009 - a double that no other rider has ever achieved. In those two years, Tim amassed an impressive 9 Championship and 17 Cup podiums, and has become one of the most talked about new talents in the BSB paddock.

In recognition of his efforts last season, the ACU has awarded Tim the Dunlop Trophy for the ACU Academy Rider of the Year 2009, and the awards evening will take place in Northampton on the 30th of January.

Making his 2009 debut on a Superstock bike for Kawasaki Motors UK's official Supersport team, Gearlink Kawasaki, at the end of season Oulton Park round, Tim impressed right away - including finishing the second qualifying session in a magnificent 10th place. Although unable to start the feature race, he nevertheless created enough of an impression to be considered for one of the new Team Green Junior Superstock rides for the 2010 season.

Speaking about Tim's upcoming ride, Team Principle of Gearlink Kawasaki, Michael de Bidaph was optimistic about his chances saying: "Tim has applied himself since day one; that much is evident. A wide vein of natural talent is matched by a willingness to learn that should see him achieve some strong results in the coming season."

For Kawasaki Motors UK, Racing Coordinator, Ross Burridge was equally enthusiastic: "The package that Tim and his team have available to them is considerable, with support from a vast array of technical sponsors and a brand new Ninja ZX-6R initially set up by Gearlink Kawasaki to race on, he will join a select band of Team Green Superstock riders on the grid. We wish him every success in 2010".

Team Twister is once again looking to race fans to get behind Tim - and is offering friends and supporters the chance to get their names on his Kawasaki Ninja ZX6R race bike for all 12 rounds of this year's Championship.

The "Twister...Powered by Fans" campaign proved vital to the team's funding in 2009 and played a major part in Tim's championship success - proving that fans can make a real difference - and Team Twister is appealing to fans to back Tim in his quest to be equally successful in the four stroke class.

As previously, the team is offering three sponsor packages aimed at individuals and clubs. A minimum £25 donation will receive a Team Twister T-shirt and a sponsor listing on Tim's website. In addition, those giving £50 will also receive a direct e-mailing of Tim's race report after every round - while anyone making a minimum £100 donation will receive all the above and get their name on the side of Tim's Kawasaki race bike for the entire season. Action photos of Tim on his bike at the various championship rounds will also be signed and posted/emailed to all contributors throughout the season.

Additionally, throughout the season all contributors will go into a series of 12 prize draws to win a pair of tickets to each BSB round, where they will be the special guests of Team Twister.

At round one at Brands Hatch there will also be a prize draw, from all the contributors, for an A1 sized, professionally framed, photo of Tim on his KRP GP125 bike taken at Cadwell Park in 2009. (Cut off for the draw is March 31st).

Team Twister would like to thank to Evadne Ltd, Chevin Ltd, Tony Sladdin, NGK, Knox, Nevis Marketing and all supporters who have donated thus far to the 2010 "Twister....Powered by Fans" campaign.

16 December 2009

Twister - Powered by Fans! 2010

Double and reigning British GP125 ACU Academy Cup Champion, Tim Hastings, is looking to race fans to get behind him as he makes the change to the ultra competitive National superstock 600 series in 2010 - and is offering friends and supporters the chance to get their names on his Kawasaki Ninja ZX6R race bike.

Falkirk-based Team Twister is hoping that 17-year old Tim's many fans will put their hands in their pockets to help in funding this year's campaign - and he will carry those supporters with him for all 12 rounds of this year's Championship.

This campaign proved vital to our funding in 2009 and played a major part in Tim's championship success, proving that, collectively, FANS can make the difference. We are again appealing to fans to back Tim in his quest to be equally successful in the four stroke class.

The team is offering three sponsor packages aimed at individuals and clubs. A minimum £25 donation will receive a Team Twister T-shirt and a sponsor listing on Tim's website. In addition, those giving £50 will also receive a direct e-mailing of Tim's race report after every round - while anyone making a minimum £100 donation will receive all the above and get their name on the side of Tim's Kawasaki race bike for the entire season. Action photos of Tim on his bike at the various championship rounds will also be signed and posted/emailed to all contributors throughout the season.

Additionally, throughout the season all contributors will go into a series of 12 prize draws to win a pair of tickets to each BSB round, where they will be the special guests of Team Twister. We are currently in the process of arranging hospitality for the forthcoming season to ensure guests are treated to a very special day out.

There will also be a very special prize of a framed, A1 size photo of Tim in action on his KRP Honda, taken at Cadwell Park in 2009. All contributors will be entered into a draw and the lucky winner will be issued with VIP weekend passes and presented with the picture at a BSB championship round. (The date of the draw and the round at which it will be presented is yet to be established. Details will be posted on Tim's website.)

Tony added: "Tim had a difficult and frustrating season last year. Despite this, he showed his undoubted talent and determination in retaining the British GP125 ACU Academy Cup and we sincerely hope his efforts repaid the loyal support he received from the supporters who contributed so generously throughout the 2009 season. 2010 will present new challenges to Tim as he gets to grips with the 600 although initial tests have been very encouraging and we're confident that anyone contributing to Tim's challenge will be supporting a genuine talent, certain to be a front runner in due course. We hope that this opportunity will appeal to both individuals and bike clubs who want to be actively involved with racing and are keen to do a little bit more than just watch from the sidelines. We've already had a great response and I'm sure many more names will appear on Tim's website - and his bike - over the next few weeks."

23 March 2009 - Hastings completes successful Spanish test

After the long winter break, Falkirk's Tim Hastings was back on track in early March when he and the rest of the KRP 125GP team spent three days at the Cartagena circuit in the south-east of Spain.

16 year old Tim has been working hard on his fitness throughout the Scottish winter, but this was his first outing on the KRP Honda since last year's Brands Hatch finale, so the emphasis was very much on getting reacquainted with the bike and making the most of the available track time.

All three days were run in very pleasant conditions and Tim clocked up a large number laps, consistently running at low 1 minute 43 second pace - with a fastest time of 1.42.6. This was despite conducting the entire test on old tyres - a deliberate team decision which will stand Tim in good stead in the coming BSB season as he'll better understand how the bike behaves as the tyres wear.

Despite two minor spills - which caused little damage to the bike and none to Tim - the test was a great success, and Tim was delighted just to get back out on a race track.

"It was great to get back out on my bike again after such a long, cold winter. Both my crashes were in turn one where I kept hitting a huge bump and then losing the front. I rode the bike back after my first crash and if it weren't for a broken brake lever in the second crash, I could have ridden back then too, so both crashes were mainly cosmetic and I was more annoyed with myself than anything else. I now can't wait to get to Brands and get racing for real."

The first round of the 2009 season will be at the Brands Hatch Indy circuit on the 10-13th of April.

8 March 2009

Tim, together with his KRP team mates, headed to Cartegena, Spain, on Saturday 07/03/09 for three days testing. Tim will be on track for three days, 10th, 11th & 12th March.

The test marks the start of the 2009 season for Tim and will be the first time he gets to try the improved KRP Honda. Mark Keen, (Team KRP owner), has worked tirelessly throughout the winter months on improving and refining an already very competitive machine. Test results have proved very positive and the team cant wait for the season to start.

Updates on how the Tim and the team progress at Cartegena will be posted in the coming week.

23 February 2009

"Best Racer" Award for Hastings

ACU Academy Cup Champion Tim Hastings received further recognition of a superb 2008 season when he attended the Melville Motor Club awards evening on 21st February.

The Melville Motor Club organises motorcycle racing in central Scotland for all disciplines of motorcycle sport, and 16 year old Tim was delighted to collect the prestigious "Best Racer in Club" award. This discretionary award, decided by the club committee and based on the achievements of their members, was given to the Falkirk rider in recognition of his performance in the British GP125 championship during 2008.

The award was presented by personal sponsor and Melville Motor Club sponsor, Brenda Mitchell from Digby Brown Solicitors.

Tim's name is now proudly displayed on "The Duckham Trophy", along with past greats such as Alan Duffus, Donnie McLeod, Niall Mackenzie, Brian Morrison and Steve Hislop - and more recently, Paul Woodhead, Andy Laidlaw, Keith Amor and David Paton Jnr.

With only a few weeks remaining before the start of the new season, Tim will shortly be heading for Spain for testing with the KRP team before beginning his 2009 campaign for the British 125GP Championship over the Easter weekend (10-13 April) at Brands Hatch.

January 2009

McIntosh Moto Ltd kindly invited Tim to take part in a minimoto endurance event, held at Kartstart in Kirkcaldy. It would be the first time in four years that Tim had even sat on a minimoto, let alone raced one!!

Also in attendance were Deane Brown,(GP125s), David Paton,(European Superstock 600s) and Michael Robertson, (Scottish Superstock 1000s)

The riders were all teamed up by the organisers and briefed on qualifying and the general rules. Tim looked decidedly "shaky" on his first attempt but by the end of the practise sessions was able to run at a reasonable pace.

The race got underway and it was left to another team member to do the rider changes and handle the race strategy. By the end of the 2 hour marathon and countless laps, the team Tim was riding for finished a very creditable 2nd, a mere two tenths of a second behind the leaders!

The morning proved to be a good work out for Tim, who was feeling just a little sore in places. More importantly it proved just how much fun can be had on these incredible little "pocket rockets" and what good value for money they can be. Another point to be made was just how enthusiastic the kids were who were taking part, fantastic. Not only were they enthusiastic, but they were really fast as well and given the 2008 season Tim had, it was a bit of a "blow" to be one of the slowest riders on track, proving just how fast these talanted youngsters are.

Our thanks to Alan and Sandy McIntosh for having us and looking after us so well, we had a cracking time and well done to all the kids who took part, it was a pleasure to be a part of your raceday.

4 December 2008

To add to his DJ Memorial Fund Award, Tim collected his Relentless GP125, British Championship, ACU Academy Cup Winners Trophy, at a star studded ceremony at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham. Tim also received an award fron the SACU, (Scottish Auto Cycle Union), "Best Youth Performance in Road Race 2008", presented by Jim Moodie.

To add to this, Tim was privilledged to receive the McIntosh Moto Ltd "Special Achievement 2008" award. The award was made all the more special as it was presented by Steve Jones, Father of the late Craig Jones.

Craig Jones had a strong affiliation with Alan McIntosh dating back to when Craig used to compete in minimoto racing and every year at the annual minimoto awards ceremony, Craig would be geust of honour and present the kids with their championship trophies. Craig also gave freely of his time, attending the Scottish Junior Road Race Academy, (Established and run by Alan McIntosh), sessions at the Knockhill racing circuit and gave the students on track instruction as well as offering advice off the track. Tim was one of the Academy students who bennefitted tremendously from Craig's instruction, continuing the relationship until the tragic accident which claimed his life earlier this year at Brands Hatch.

On receiving his award from Steve Jones, Tim said; "I would like to thank Alan and Sandy, (McIntosh), for inviting me back and giving me this award because this is where I started my racing career. I would also like to take this opportunity to dedicate my 2008 British Championship 2008 season result to Craig, I was hoping to win the final race of the year at Brands, and with it, possibly the British Championship and make this dedication when I got to the podium. I crashed out of the lead and never made the podium so I'm grateful for the opportunity to make this dedication tonight."

3 November 2008 - DJ Awards Evening

As Tim is away racing in Spain, his Mum and I attended the awards evening on 31 October and collected his trophy and DJ Memorial Fund Cup Winners cheque for £1,500-00.

It was a memorable evening, organised by Tony Jefferies and hosted by Suzy Perry and Steve Parrish. James Toesland was in attendance and as well as handing out the trophies, James also sang us a few songs and performed an impromptu duo with Tom Sykes. James ended his performance with a song, (written by him, for his Gran), dedicated to Craig Jones.

There were moving tributes to DJ and Pauline and the evening was a resounding success. The food was superb, the atmosphere relaxed and friendly and the company exemplary. We are both humbled and privileged to have received this award in honour of the legend that is Dave Jefferies. Our DJ Awards trophy will always have pride of place in our living room.

Tony

26 October 2008 - CEV Valencia

Tim will be meeting up with Team KRP on Tuesday 28th October as they head up to Valencia, Spain, where Tim will be competing in the Catalan championship on the 2nd November. Tim will then compete in the CEV championship round at the same circuit on the 9th November before heading to Jerez to compete in the final round of the CEV championship on the 16th November.

When asked for his opinion, Tim said;
"I know it's going to be tough, I'll be up against world class competitors, on world class machinery, on unfamilliar race tracks! I'm going to Spain to try my very best. The races will be oversubscribed and in years past as many as 80 riders have entered. My main goal is to qualify for the race and learn from the fast guys."

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.