Sunflower Trophy Archives - 91��ý

EBC-Equipped Smyth Continues Northern Irish Campaign on R1 Superbike

Sam — Wed, 07 May 2025 09:34:56 +0000

The BSB racer uses EBC braking components on his fleet of race bikes

Northern Ireland-based Andrew Smyth of Parker Car Transport Racing outfit has successfully competed in BSB’s Superstock 600 series for the last few years, using EBC braking components for much of this time.

Following a successful weekend in the debutant round of the Ulster Superbike Championship at Bishopscourt recently to start his season, we next caught up with Smyth at the opening round of the Big 3 Series with Belfast & District Motorcycle Club, held across two Northern Ireland venues: Bishopscourt and Kirkistown circuits.

Smyth uses 91��ý Racing’s GPFAX pads and X-Series floating discs on his new Parker Car Transport Yamaha R1 Superbike this year.

You can read how the weekend panned out in the team’s own words below…

Easter Weekend Race Report – Bishopscourt & Kirkistown

“What a weekend! Wet, wild, and full of learning as we kicked off the Easter race weekend with action at Bishopscourt Race Circuit on Friday and Saturday, followed by Kirkistown Circuit on Easter Monday for the opening round of the Big 3 Series with Belfast & District Motorcycle Club.”

Friday – Bishopscourt (Qualifying):
“Conditions were tough. It was our first time running the Parker Yamaha R1 in the wet, and without any wet testing beforehand, we qualified 28th on the grid. Unfortunately, due to torrential rain, the rest of the day’s racing was cancelled.”

Saturday – Bishopscourt (Race Day):
“The weather was still sketchy, but thanks to the MRRCI and their effort to clear standing water with a road sweeper, racing was able to go ahead.

“Race 1: Got a poor start but fought through the field to finish 15th.

“Race 2: Much stronger start, battled my way up to a solid 9^th-place finish. Really enjoyed carving through the pack in tricky conditions.”

Easter Monday – Kirkistown (Big 3 Series Round 1):
“Morning delays due to changing weather and red flags pushed qualifying back to 1pm.

“Unfortunately, I ran into issues just two laps in and had to return to the pits. Managed one flying lap when I got back out, but it wasn’t enough to improve much, placing me 15th on the grid.

“Race: With more delays pushing racing into the late afternoon, we only got one race in. Starting from 15th, I fought my way through a tough field to finish in 7th place. Still feel like there’s more potential to unlock on the bigger bike, but we’re moving in the right direction.”

Weekend Summary:
“A challenging but productive weekend in extremely wet conditions. Happy to have scored valuable championship points, currently sitting 10th overall. My goal was to be inside the top 10 across the weekend – and I’m proud to say I achieved that in every race.

“Massive thanks to the track personnel, flag marshals, medics, and photographers for braving the storm and keeping the wheels turning. Your efforts do not go unnoticed.

“Finally, sending best wishes to Loris Britton after a nasty crash at Kirkistown. Wishing you a full and speedy recovery.

“Also, a huge thank-you to my sponsors.”

Pic credit: Bean Mac & David Maginnis

Connect with Andrew Smyth for more news and information:

GPFAX Pads

EBC’s GPFAX Sintered Race Brake Pads are for RACE ONLY use.��This is a blend of brake pad that has higher friction and far better grip than any other brake product on the market.

X-Series Floating Discs

Since their introduction, EBC’s ultra-lightweight floating motorcycle rotors have become one of the worlds best selling lightest and best performing discs available for all modern sport bikes.

The post EBC-Equipped Smyth Continues Northern Irish Campaign on R1 Superbike appeared first on 91��ý.

Smyth Begins 2025 Superbike Campaign with Parker Car Transport Racing

Sam — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 14:00:01 +0000

The BSB racer uses EBC braking components on his fleet of race bikes

We caught up with Smyth as he took part in the debutant 2025 round of the Ulster Superbike Championship at Bishopscourt, where he was trialling a new Parker Car Transport Superbike, complete with 91��ý Racing’s GPFAX pads and X-Series floating discs.

You can read how it panned out in the team’s own words below…

Race Report – Bishopscourt USBK Round 1

“The team headed to Bishopscourt Race Circuit for a weekend of firsts, with Parker Car Transport Racing ltd making its mark in new ways. It was Andrew’s debut race on the Parker Car Transport Superbike, while Johnny took on his first-ever race weekend aboard the Moto3. With fantastic weather throughout, conditions were perfect for some thrilling racing.”

Qualifying
“A solid start to the weekend saw us qualify in 15th place. While there was room for improvement, the focus was on gaining experience and setting up for strong race performances.”

Race 1
“A poor start meant we had to fight through the pack, but determination paid off, crossing the line in 11th place. It was a tough race, but valuable lessons were learned for the second outing.”

Race 2
“This time, the start was much stronger, allowing for a more competitive run. Battles raged all the way to the finish, with another 11th-place result. A step in the right direction and a great way to end the weekend.”

“A weekend full of learning, progression, and positivity for the team. A massive thank you to our sponsors for their continued support. Onwards and upwards to the next one!”

Pic Credits: Baylon McCaughey, David Doherty and Watch the Lights

Connect with Andrew Smyth for more news and information:

GPFAX Pads

EBC’s GPFAX Sintered Race Brake Pads are for RACE ONLY use.��This is a blend of brake pad that has higher friction and far better grip than any other brake product on the market.

X-Series Floating Discs

Since their introduction, EBC’s ultra-lightweight floating motorcycle rotors have become one of the worlds best selling lightest and best performing discs available for all modern sport bikes.

The post Smyth Begins 2025 Superbike Campaign with Parker Car Transport Racing appeared first on 91��ý.

EBC-Equipped Smyth Excels at Northern Ireland’s Sunflower Trophy Motorcycle Race

Sam — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 14:45:17 +0000

The BSB racer uses EBC braking components on his fleet of race bikes

Northern Ireland-based Andrew Smyth of the Andrew Smyth Racing outfit has successfully competed in BSB’s Superstock 600 series for the last few years.

Usually riding on a Kawasaki ZX6R 600cc superbike in this championship, Smyth was recently loaned the Parker Car Transport Yamaha R6 race bike for the highly anticipated Sunflower Trophy weekend at Bishopscourt Circuit in County Down, Northern Ireland. Both bikes are equipped with 91��ý Racing’s GPFAX sintered motorsport brake pads (up front) and HH sintered brake pads (on the rear), as well as X-Series floating discs.

You can read how he got in at this popular guest event in his own words below.

“What a weekend on board the Parker Car Transport R6 Yamaha!

“Starting Friday with two wet qualifying sessions in both Supersport and Superbike classes, I was able to qualify in 8th place for the Supersport class and 19th place in the Superbike class on the R6!

“In Supersport race one, I secured 8th place. Superbike race one: I crossed the line in 12th place, being the 2nd Supersport bike across the line.

“Saturday morning began with a damp track for morning warm-up, but conditions soon improved for the day’s racing ahead.

“Superbike race 2: I finished 13th place and the 1st Supersport across the line. Supersport race 2: I crossed the line to take 8th place.”

“In the Sunflower Trophy race, I finished in 14th place across the line, and 3rd Supersport bike.

“Superbike race 3 was a DNS as I planned to put my full concentration into Supersport race 3.

“Supersport race 3: I brought the Parker car transport R6 home in 6th place; I also placed my personal best lap time at Bishopscourt.

“A massive thank you to Gerry from Parker Car Transport for giving me the opportunity to race his Yamaha R6 this weekend! And a massive thank you to the whole team for their effort, time and craic over the weekend. It was great to have Owen Jenner as a team mate this weekend.

“Finishing 4th in the Supersport Championship, this year I am pleased with how the season went on board the Kawasaki & R6 for the last race meeting. Now to improve for 2025.

“Thank you to my loyal sponsors this year for keeping the wheels turning all season. Without your help and support I wouldn’t be where I am today and I am very grateful.”

Pic Credits: David Doherty, Outline Imagery & Jim McGann

Connect with Andrew Smyth Racing for more news and information:

GPFAX Pads

EBC’s GPFAX Sintered Race Brake Pads are for RACE ONLY use.��This is a blend of brake pad that has higher friction and far better grip than any other brake product on the market.

X-Series Floating Discs

Since their introduction, EBC’s ultra-lightweight floating motorcycle rotors have become one of the worlds best selling lightest and best performing discs available for all modern sport bikes.

The post EBC-Equipped Smyth Excels at Northern Ireland’s Sunflower Trophy Motorcycle Race appeared first on 91��ý.