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Craig Fitzpatrick is set to make a return to British Superbike Evo action this
weekend as the series stops off at his home circuit Donington Park.
Fitzpatrick has not raced since round 6 of the series at Snetterton due to
technical problems with his Honda Fireblade. A couple of early season crashes
had left the Close Print Finance Honda squad on the back foot and the decision
was taken to sit-out three rounds. The break has enabled the team to regroup and
prepare for a more successful end to the season.
The Derbyshire circuit will be making a comeback of its own as plays host to the
British Superbike series for the first time since 2009. The track has undergone
a minor refresh since then with mainly slight safety tweaks to increase run-off
and a small alteration to the Fogarty Esses.
Fitzpatrick will be competing the remaining three rounds of the 2011
championship aboard the rebranded PacedayZ - Close Print Finance Honda.
Long-time title sponsor Close Print Finance continue their considerable support,
joined by the brand-new Derbyshire-based venture PacedayZ.
PacedayZ has been founded by Fitzpatrick and Billy Lilly, who's transport and
logistics company have sponsored Fitzpatrick for many years. The new company
will offer trackday solutions to everyone from novices to British Superbike
factory teams, in both the UK and Europe. For more info visit www.pacedayz.com.
Fitzpatrick told moto-media.co.uk: "I am really looking forward to getting back
out on track at Donington. I have missed three rounds now because we have had
some trouble with the bike, but hopefully those problems have been resolved and
we can move on."
"The first half of the season didn't go according to plan and after a couple of
crashes we had to reassess the finances. We had been struggling to resolve a
niggling electrical issue so took the decision to miss a few races and sort it
out properly. "
"Whilst I haven't been racing, I have been busy setting up the new company and
getting the first event organised in Cartagena (Spain) in November. I have been
talking to all the teams and riders at BSB regarding PacedayZ. It's been tough
to be at the rounds and not getting out on track but it has given me something
to focus on."
"We came to Donington the other week for a bit of a shakedown and to try out a
few chassis changes. Unfortunately the weather meant we only had one dry session
and didn't get to try all we wanted."
"I am under no illusions about this weekend; I am not expecting to be fighting for race
wins. A lot of the guys have been getting
stronger through the year, so it will be difficult after missing three rounds. I
am hoping that we can give a good account of ourselves at our home circuit and
push for our best finish of the year." |
