Monthly Archives: January 2019

Bud Jackson – Nobody to blame, says Coroner

Bud Jackson – Nobody to blame, says Coroner

A brake failure led to the death of road racer Alan ‘Bud’ Jackson, an inquest has heard.

The 62-year-old from Kendal lost his life at the Isle of Man Classic TT, after an incident at Creg-ny-Baa on 23 August last year.

It’s thought the front brake stopped working on Mr Jackson’s Manx Norton machine, which he had been working on and racing for almost 15 years.

That caused the vastly experienced competitor to lose control on the approach to the right-hand bend, his bike colliding with a safety barrier and then stop sign at up to 80mph, causing the sign to snap in two as Mr Jackson slid 30ft down the road.

He died in hospital the following day, with multiple injuries.

The Manx Norton machine had passed scrutineering checks that day with no faults, and the road conditions were good.

Coroner of Inquests Jayne Hughes recorded a verdict of accidental death, saying it had been a “perfect storm” of factors with nobody to blame.

‘Bud’ Jackson had been racing for some 40 years, with four victories in the Manx Grand Prix.

Source: Bud Jackson – Nobody to blame, says Coroner

Gearlink Kawasaki – 2019 Line Up

Gearlink Kawasaki – 2019 Line Up

We are pleased to announce that we have completed our rider line-up for 2019.

We have re-signed Fraser Rogers for the Bennetts British Superbike Championship and Ben Wilson, who will return to racing in the d***ies British Supersport Championship after a long absence due to a nasty leg injury. They will be joined by young up and coming rider Ross Twyman who will compete alongside Ben in the Supersport class both riding the new Kawasaki ZX6-R 636.

Ross was having a strong season last year and was sitting third in the Championship when injury forced him out for the remainder of the year at Thruxton. The 23 year old from Canterbury, Kent is excited about the prospect of joining the team saying ……..

Ross Twyman

” I am so pleased to have signed with the team. After having a strong first half last year i feel like i have unfinished business in the Championship. Michael has given me such a great opportunity showing his belief in me that i can’t wait to get going. There is no doubt that the package is strong and with Gearlink they have given me the confidence already to improve in myself also.”

Ben Wilson

“It will be great to return to racing this season and that has been my main goal since i got injured a couple of years back at the NW200. It has been a long road but I’ve had some great people behind me to get me back to full fitness and enable me to race again. I’ve been working so hard to get fit and i am fully ready for the 2019 season and to challenge at the front again.

Fraser Rogers

“I am extremely happy to re-sign with Michael and the rest of the team for my first full season in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship. We built a good relationship last year and we all know what to do and what we need to move forward. So with that in place i can’t wait to get going again and to thank Michael for giving me this great opportunity.”

Source: Gearlink Kawasaki – 2019 Line Up

BBC Sport NI Extends NW200 Deal

BBC Sport NI Extends NW200 Deal

BBC Sport NI has extended its deal to broadcast the Fonacab International North West 200 in a**ociation with Nicholl’s Oils for a further five years. The new deal will run from 2020 until 2025.

The extension to the partnership will mean that BBC Sport NI will maintain its dedicated level of coverage of the world renowned event across its TV, radio and digital services.

The BBC will continue to bring race fans live worldwide video streaming of all races and practice sessions during the week online at bbc.co.uk/sportni

All races and practice sessions will also be broadcast live on BBC Radio Ulster during the week.

Race fans can view all the action across three highlights programmes on BBC Northern Ireland television and catch up via the BBC iPlayer.

Peter Johnston, Director BBC Northern Ireland said:

“Now in its 90th year, the International North West 200 is one of those special events that captures the imagination of riders and fans right across the globe. BBC Northern Ireland relishes the opportunity to be able to bring the action and the passion of the event to the widest possible audience.

“We have a long relationship with the event, Mervyn and the Coleraine and District Motor Club. It’s great that we’ve extended our partnership with them for a further five years and we will continue to provide the best possible coverage of the NW200.”

Mervyn Whyte MBE, Event Director said:

“It is great news for the North West 200 and BBC NI to be agreeing the extension of our partnership for another five years as the event is about to celebrate a very special birthday.

“The NW200 attracts the interest of motorcycle racing fans from all over the world and the BBC broadcasts have been an integral part in helping us to build that international reputation. The agreement also demonstrates the confidence BBC NI has in the NW200 and its race organisation.

“On a personal level, I have worked very closely with BBC personnel over many years, building up an excellent rapport with all the members of the team. Everyone at the North West is looking forward to continuing that relationship in 2019 and beyond.”

Source: BBC Sport NI Extends NW200 Deal