Maxxis-sponsored BSB team celebrates double podium

Maxxis-sponsored Swan Yamaha got its 2012 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship campaign off to a flying start at round two, when reigning champion Tommy Hill posted a double podium finish. The brand says it is reaping the benefit of its sponsorship deal thanks to the exposure it provides, not least through the TV coverage, to one of the tyre manufacturer’s key consumer audiences. The company said that it eagerly awaits round three of the series at Oulton Park. Hill’s two second places at Thruxton mean he is lying fourth in the overall standings after two rounds. All championship competitors ride on Pirelli Diablo tyres.

After going out, unhurt, at the season opener at Brands Hatch, Hill had a point to prove and made sure the results at Thruxton told a very different story.  Having secured pole Tommy led for most of race one before Ian Lowry made a move with three laps remaining, forcing him into second place.  In race two Hill led the pack once more but, suffering from a lack of grip in the closing stages, he again had to settle for second after being passed by Josh Brookes.

Naturally disappointed at missing out on victory, Hill nevertheless showed good race pace and Swan Yamaha team owner Shaun Muir was more than happy with his solid performance and never say die attitude throughout the weekend. 

Swan Yamaha team mate Noriyuki Haga scored some valuable points from his thirteenth place finish at Brands, despite similar grip issues, but a technical problem saw him retire from the first race at Thruxton after just five laps.  A lack of grip towards the end of race two meant he eventually finished in tenth.

“It’s early days yet, but Tommy has already demonstrated why he was champion last year and as he settles into a new season we look forward to seeing him in that familiar position on the top step of the podium.  Noriyuki is making rapid progress and the team reports there are really good things to come from him,” says Maxxis International UK’s managing director Derek McMartin.

The MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship now moves on to Oulton Park – widely tipped as the most picturesque race circuit in the country – on 5-7 May.