Gino Rea preparing for the season in Valencia
12-03-2009
Gino started his three day test at a sunny Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia yesterday. Unfortunately his race bike for the 2009 season is not available to use until closer to the start of the season however, Gino has the opportunity to use a replacement bike for the test. The replacement is a 2004 Honda CBR600 and therefore will ride differently than Gino's race bike however, it is enabling Gino to get up to speed in preparation for the championship opener at Valencia on 5th April. The bike is riding well and was kindly provided by Stephen Harnett and his track motorbike preparation company NDM. Technical support is being provided by John Preston who was a key member of the StoneBaker Racing team last season.
The test is being run by Speer Racing for motorcycle racers and has an open pit lane format. Gino rode approximately 150 laps yesterday and is back on circuit today making the most of his first outing on a short circuit bike after his intensive winter training.
Gerry Bryce and Jeremy McWilliams of Racedays kindly provided pit box space for Gino in their garage that they have for their racer Josh Elliot. Gerry and Jeremy also offered Dan Linfoot the chance to undertake some laps yesterday on their Honda Fireblade that they use for training activities. An offer that was gratefully received!
Lap times for Gino on this bike are not directly comparable with his race bike however, Gino was genuinely delighted to be back riding and is finding the chance to get up to speed prior to the season useful.
Photos from first day of the event yesterday, are in the gallery here. More to come.
Sponsors
Team StoneBaker.
For 2009 StoneBaker Racing is sponsoring four riders. Dan Linfoot, Gino Rea, Christian Iddon and Pat McDougall.
Dan Linfoot has joined premier BSB team Rob Mac Racing Yamaha to compete in the British Supersport Championship.
Gino Rea has joined leading WSBK team Ten Kate Honda to compete in the WSBK Superstock 600 Championship.
Christian Iddon competes in the Supermoto World Championship with factory supported Team Motoracing KTM.
Pat McDougall competes in the BSB Superstock 600 Championship in privateer team Beowulf Racing.
