Connor Behan - Motorcycle Racer

Podium at Silverstone! Frustration at Brands Hatch!

admin — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 16:35:28 +0000

Connor claimed his first podium in the BSB Metzeler Superstock 600 at the new Silverstone Circuit last weekend. The Oulton Park re-run put Connor on the 2nd row of the grid in 8th place, he got off to a good start and was running in the top 3 for the majority of the race, until the race was red flagged after Matt Bilton crashed on the 8th lap. Connor was initially awarded 2nd place, as this was his standing on the previous lap, but after the podium the result was changed and Connor was demoted to 3rd place. Still a fantastic result for his first season in junior Superstock, he now stands in 7th place in the Championship.
The visit to Brands Hatch this weekend started off well, with 5th place in practise, but gearing problems forced him to retire after 9 laps. Unfortunately 1st qualifying was later on the Friday, and the bike was not ready, so Connor had to sit it out. A huge thanks to Gearlink Kawasaki for rebuilding the gearbox in time for 2nd Qualifying. Hoping for a dry 2nd qualifying wasn’t to be, and the rain fell just before the start of the session on Saturday morning. Although Connor managed 3rd quickest in the wet, the previous days times stood, and could not be bettered, putting Connor out of the race on Sunday.
Absolutely gutted to miss the race, Connor and the team can only reflect on his ongoing improvement throughout the Series, and look forward to the next round at Cadwell Park at the BSB Meeting this coming August Bank Holiday.

1st Pole at Snetterton!

admin — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 13:02:47 +0000

It was a hectic weekend at the BSB Round 7 at Snetterton for the 600 Junior Superstock Riders, with a double-header because of the re-scheduled Knockhill Race from the previous meeting.

Unforseen events, again played havoc with the weekends schedule, with qualifying sessions being cut and races being delayed. Connor managed a flying lap 1:09.714 in first qualifying, which jumped him straight to provisional pole. Unfortunately on the lap following, he tipped off at the Bombhole, but luckily was unhurt. The bike suffered a little bit more and it was all systems go to repair it for the following day and race 1.

Race 1, the grid positions stood from the Knockhill Qualifying, and Connor started on the second row in 8th place. Gaining a couple of places he was in 6th place for the first few laps, but lost a couple of places during the race. Crossing the line in 9th, Connor was disappointed as he did not improve on his times, but a mature ride brought home points and another top 10 finish. A rider was then disqualified for bike modifications, moving Connor up one place to 8th position.

Due to the second qualifying session being cancelled, Connor held on to his Pole position and started Race 2 at the front of the grid. Not getting off to the best of starts, he dropped to 4th on the first corner, but with a few issues after his ‘off’ on Friday, Connor eased off and brought the bike home in a lonely, but very respectable 6th place finish.

“After my crash in qualifying, I was having a few problems with the bike, I couldn’t equal my times, and did not feel as confident, I’m happy with my first pole in Superstock 600 and I know I can run at the front”

Connor leaves Snetterton with 18 points and moves up to 8th in the standings. Three top ten finishes in the last three rounds and a pole position, proves Connor is adapting quickly in the transgression from the 125’s.

Next up is a weekend at Anglesey where he leads the Wirral 100 Formula 600 Series, ahead of British Supersport entrants, Jenny Tinmouth and David Jones. Then its off to Silverstone for the re-run of the cancelled Oulton Park race, where Connor will be starting from the 2nd row, 8th on the grid.

Thanks go out to all my sponsors, Howley Quay Motors, Dynopro-racing, Maxton Suspension, Bristol Kawasaki, Vital:signs, Appleton M.O.T. Centre, Glynne Lewis Photography and The Bikerplace.

BSB Race Winning RS125 for sale

admin — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 13:40:51 +0000

2009 BSB RACE WINNER & SEVERAL PODIUMS IN 2009 GP125 BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP
POT HUNTING WINNER OF 2009 WIRRAL 100 GP125 CHAMPIONSHIP!
2x SEEL NON-PV CYLINDERS
1x SEEL CYLINDER HEAD & VARIOUS HEAD INSERTS
SEEL & JHA REED BLOCKS
BPS IGNITION SYSTEM & BATTLE QUICKSHIFTER ETC
CARBON AIRBOX
TAPER BORED CARB (HRC SPEC)
A-KIT FAIRINGS + SPARES
BREMBO MASTER CYLINDER
SET OF MARVIC & STANDARD HONDA WHEELS
BATTLEFACTORY BEARING GEAR + BRAKE LEVERS
VAROUS SPROCKETS
VARIOUS GEARBOX RATIOS
HINSON CLUTCH BASKET
FLOWED CRANKCASES
JET KIT (MAINS, NEEDLES + PILOTS ETC)
MAXTON FORK INTERNALS
MAXTON PROTOTYPE REAR SHOCK
+ MAY OTHER STD AND KIT SPARES

£8,750 ono for further details email us at connorbehanracing@hotmail.com tel garry 07734263316

Knockhill Metzeler Superstock 600 - 5th place

admin — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 13:19:48 +0000

Connor claimed his best result of the season with a 5th place finish at Knockhill this weekend.

Despite only managing 5 laps in practise, due to an electrical failure, Connor managed to qualify in 8th place at the Scottish circuit.

Missing the round at Mallory Park last weekend, the Superstock 600 ’s were due to have 2 races to compensate, but the ups and downs of the Scottish weather played havoc with the race day proceedings, with most races being cancelled, red flagged and shortened.

Luckily, although after an hours delay, Connors race was the first one out, and although it was reduced, Connor came away with 11 more points and a great result.

Not a very good start, sent Connor down the pack, and at the end of lap 1 he was in 11th place. Gradually lap by lap he gained positions, as many came to grief at the wet and windy circuit. Josh Day, again got off to a flying start, and led from lights to flag. By lap 8, Connor was placed 5th and he maintained a solid mature ride and crossed the line 5th at the end of the 15 lap race.

“I’m very happy” said Connor ” I was hoping to improve on my start, and get an even better result in race 2, but the weather has been horrendous all day, and unfortunately the race was cancelled.”

Connor has a busy schedule over the next month, with the next meeting at Snetterton in a fortnight. followed by a trip to Anglesey where he leads the Wirral 100 Championship. A week off, then its the re-run of the Oulton Park race in conjunction with the World Superbike Series at the new Silverstone circuit, finished off with a trip to Brands Hatch on the 8th August.

Cadwell Park Junior Superstock 600 Review

admin — Sat, 29 May 2010 12:17:57 +0000

A scorching weekend at Cadwell Park for the 4th round of the Metzeler Junior Superstock 600 gave Connor another 3 points in the Championship as he finished a very respectable 13th in this his rookie year.He qualified in 21st place (9th in his group) out of an entry of 54 riders and therefore did not have to compete in the shoot out race which determined the final 10 grid positions.

His times again improved throughout the weekend, although a few gearing problems in qualifying, set him back a little.

Again another incident packed race, with the safety car having to be deployed on lap 3 due to a couple of riders falling, meant Connor could not pass and he kept his 16th position for the following 4 laps. When the safety car went in, the pack had re-grouped and Connor stayed in position until the final lap, where a couple of unfortunate riders took to the gravel, moving Connor up and he crossed the line in 13th place.

Overall a very demanding race with difficult conditions, but Connor has continued to improve after each meeting as he gets more familiar with his new machine.

Now we have a break in the BSB Series, the next one being at Knockhill at the beginning of July, but Connor has a Wirral 100 meeting at Anglesey this coming weekend, where he lies 3rd in the Championship.

It has now been confirmed that the re-run to the Oulton Park race, where Connor qualified in 8th position, has been rescheduled within the highly anticipated Silverstone World Superbike Championship event on August 1st. The final grid will line up as per Oulton Park, thus putting Connor on the 2nd row.

“We will be seeking additional sponsorship for this round” said Connor “we will be struggling to finance an additional meeting and are appealing to anyone either business’ or individuals who may like to get involved to get in touch. In return we can offer entry tickets, advertising on the bike, hospitality and a great weekends racing! ”

If anyone is interested in supporting local rider, Connor Behan at this high profile event, please email us for further information, or ring Garry on 07734263316.

Thanks as always go out to our current sponsors dynopro-racing, Maxton Suspension, Bristol Kawasaki, Howley Quay Motors, Vital:signs and Percys Autos. Also to Glynne Lewis for the photography and the bikerplace for their continued coverage and support.

Drop us a line at connorbehanracing@hotmail.com or become a fan on Facebook!

Red Flagged at Oulton Park

admin — Thu, 06 May 2010 13:55:59 +0000

A solid performance by Connor Behan at Oulton Park this Bank Holiday Weekend was marred by a Red flagged race. At this, the 3^rd round of the BSB Series, the weather played a vital part on race day causing delays in the afternoons events. With the Metzeler 600 Superstock race being scheduled as the last race of the day, it was cut to 10 laps to fit in with the strict time constrictions set out at Oulton Park.

Connor had an excellent weekend, with a few problems in practise, these were sorted and he had two good qualifying sessions giving him a personal best of 1:43.135. Putting him in 8^th position and on the second row of the grid.

On Monday as the afternoon continued, it was clear that the race was going to be a wet one. The decision on tyres was made and the Superstock riders took to the grid for the shortened race. Connor got off to a good start, and kept his position through Old Hall and Cascades, unfortunately behind him in the middle of the pack, a rider lost control taking another rider down with him, causing the race to be red-flagged. With time fast approaching the curfew, Race Officials made the decision not to restart the race, announcing it will be re-run at a later date, with the qualifying positions standing.

Not being able to race, was a great disappointment to Connor, as it was to all the riders, but overall, another successful weekend and another step forward in this debut season in Superstock 600.

Connor and the team would like to thank his sponsors Dynopro-racing, Maxton suspension, Bristol Kawasaki, Howley Quay Motors, Vital:signs, Appleton MOT Centre, thebikerplace.com and Glynne Lewis Photography.

Metzeler National Superstock 600 Thruxton

admin — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:33:21 +0000

Connor gave a good performance in this weekends trip to Thruxton for the second round of the Metzeler National 600cc Superstock Championship.

A solid practice and qualifying session, saw Connor’s lap times reduce throughout the weekend. Feeling more comfortable with the bike after testing the previous week, Connor proved he was able to stay with the front runners, in this his first season in the Superstock class.

With an entry of over 60 riders the competition was tough, but he managed to qualify 6th in his group and 13th in the combined qualifying, with a personal best of 1:20.484, just 1:307 seconds behind pole man Josh Day.

Race day, conditions were perfect. From 4th row on the grid, Connor did not get off to the best of starts, whereas Josh Day got an excellent start and broke free of the following pack. Connor settled into his rhythm and felt comfortable with the ride, and after seeing a few incidents in front of him managed to hold his position and claim his first Championship points of the season.

Overall a successful weekend, with his race lap times improving again to 1:20.481, only 1.24 seconds behind the new lap record, Connor shows he has the capabilities to be up at the front, and will improve throughout the season as his experience grows.

A big thank you goes out to Bristol Kawasaki, Maxton Suspension, Dynopro-racing, Howley Quay Motors, Vital:signs of Northwich, Appleton MOT Centre, Glynne Lewis for the photographs, and everyone that has helped me out.

Looking forward to the next round at local circuit Oulton Park, we are hoping that Connor can impress with a solid finish in front of his home crowd.

We are seeking further sponsorship to help fund the rest of the season, so if anyone is interested to come on board, there is still opportunities to have your logo on Connors bike for the next televised round at Oulton Park this coming Bank Holiday Weekend.

Wirral 100 & Oulton Park Testing.

admin — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 22:47:08 +0000

With excellent weather at Oulton Park this Friday, Connor took advantage of the track day to get more experience on his new 600 machine. His lap times improved throughout the day and Connor felt more comfortable and familiar with the bike. A lot of BSB Riders were making the most of the track day, as they will visit here for the 3rd BSB Round at the beginning of May. Saturday was the 2nd round of the Wirral 100, again, we were blessed with good weather and Connor stormed to 4th place in the qualification race, behind Supersport Contenders David Jones and Jenny Tinmouth.

In the Championship Race, Connor again excelled, coming a very respectable 4th place, behind three Supersport bikes and out of a grid of 39 and just missing out on a podium by a split second. Overall it has been a very successful two days and Connor lies in 3rd Position in the Formula 600 Championship, with the next round being at Anglesey on the 31st May.

Connor now heads southbound to Thruxton for the second round in the Metzeler Superstock 600 which will be covered live on British Eurosport at 14.15pm.

Become a fan of Connor Behan on Facebook!

Brands Hatch Review & future testing.

admin — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 19:46:37 +0000

Connor is looking forward to some much needed track time on the bike at Oulton Park this weekend, at the second round of the Wirral 100. In the first round, Neil Percival of Appleton MOT Centre kindly provided a bike so that he could get a bit of practise in before the first round of the BSB Superstock 600. Connor came a very respectable 6^th in the race on a standard machine.

Brands Hatch was a steep learning curve for Connor, he had very little expectations due to lack of testing. Having only took delivery of the new Kawasaki ZX6R the week before the first round, it was a struggle to get the bike ready, but everything came together and Connor was able to get his first ride out, in Friday practise. His times improved throughout the weekend as he became more comfortable with the new machine, and was happy with 5^th position in the shoot out race, which finalised the last ten positions on the grid for the main race on Monday.

Race day, starting from 31^st on the grid was not ideal, but out of a huge entry of 62, to even qualify for the race was an achievement and wasn’t really expected considering that no testing had been done prior to the weekend. Connor got off to a poor start, but managed to climb a few positions before being forced to retire to the pits on the 12^th lap with technical issues.

Overall it has been a positive weekend, with times and confidence improving, but with a lot of work still to be done. Big thanks go out to Dynopro-racing and Maxton Suspension for their input and also to Heather Whiting & Dean and also Richard from Torquay Motorcycles for providing the tyres.

Connor will be testing at Oulton Park this Friday 9^th April, followed by the Wirral 100 meeting on the Saturday - reports to follow.

National Superstock 600 - All systems go!!

admin — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:07:34 +0000

Well its finally here, the first round of the BSB National Superstock 600 at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit.

Connor has travelled down to Brands, with a few hickups along the way! Hoping to test at Mallory before the weekend was cancelled, due to the fairings not turning up… and an issue with wheels…….and tyres!

Luckily a fairy godmother stepped in and provided the funding for the wheels, but albeit a little too late, meaning Connors first ride on the bike will be in practise on Friday morning!

Everyone has been running around over the last few weeks like headless chickens, and although Connor faces the weekend with little expectations due to lack of testing, hopefully he will get some valuable experience on the bike which he can take to Oulton Park and Mallory before the second round of the BSB Meeting at Thruxton in a fortnights time.

Timetable/schedule etc and live timing for the weekend can be found at www.tsl-timing.com.

With the popularity of the National Superstock 600, the entries have been divided into 2 groups, Connor being in Group B.

Heres hoping for a safe and exciting 1st round of the BSB Series!

Updates to follow!