Ryan Hampton 22nd annual Greymouth Street races

The morning started off with a bit of drizzle to add confusion to tyre choice. I left slicks on as I had a feeling it would dry out which it did.

The track looked a lot tighter than I remember so I made sure I got off the dummy grid early in practice so I could get some clear laps under my belt before racing started. This was my first street race on the new Bridgestone slicks so I was very interested to test their performance. The track temperature was barely into double digits in the morning but with a slight soften up in the suspension I was pretty happy with how the bike felt first time out.

I had entered two classes, Formula 1 and Formula Greymouth. Each class had 3 races, so I won’t go into a race by race breakdown but I did manage to get 6 wins from 6 starts. I got my rhythm and lines sorted out during the first race so from then on I really enjoyed my races and the atmosphere of the meeting.

I led from the start of every race except race 4 where I almost jumped the start and was forced to back off and at the same time the flag was dropped. I was running 2nd for around 3 laps, but I had enough confidence in my Castrol Honda that I could just sit behind the leader and work out the safest place to pass. On lap 3 I ran it deep into the hairpin so I could square it off and come back up the inside down the back straight and once in front I pulled away for the win.

I was extremely happy with the performance of my Bridgestone’s. I used
the same set I had raced on at Ruapuna and they lasted all 6 races! As my
confidence grew throughout the day I found myself pushing them that little bit
harder each time under brakes and then accelerating harder each lap too, andthey performed flawlessly! They have the best properties of all the major tyre
brands I’ve ridden on before: so stabile under braking, they don’t move around
on the sidewall, predictable slide when you get the back end light but in saying
that they don’t break loose on exiting. Needless to say I was very impressed
and I’m really looking forward to more development and putting in some
serious track times this year.

Also my new Teknic Xcelerator race suit has been completed in team Castrol
colours so this was my first meeting wearing it and the verdict… I’m very happy
with it. the first thing I noticed is the weight or the lack of it I should say! With a
blend of Kangaroo and cowhide they’ve shaved some serious weight off to the
point where you virtually don’t even know you’ve got a set of leathers on.

This feature also offers a great range of stretch and therefore much better
movement on and off the bike. They were that comfy I left them on all day.
So overall we had a great result for Castrol Honda, I really enjoyed the meeting
and had a great time putting on a bit of a show for the crowd where I could. I’m
sure there will be some awesome pics floating round of the new paintjob and
all the gear looking slick!

The good feeling of success was short lived. After prize giving we headed
straight for home while some of the other Cantabrians stayed over to watch the
rugby and Moto GP. I heard the tragic news about Marco Simoncelli just before
we hit Arthurs pass from Al Hoogie. I was shocked and it really hits home the
dangers of this sport when you hear of a fatality at such an elite level of racing.

My thoughts are with his family, team and friends and I think I speak for
everyone with an interest/passion in motorcycling and racing when I
say that the whole world is mourning the loss of a truly gifted rider. Rest in
peace Marco Simoncelli, Super Sic #58

Again big thanks to the help and support from Castrol, Hampton
Honda, Blue Wing Honda, W.Whites wholesale, Teknic Leathers, Shoei
Helmets, Five gloves, RK chains and sprockets, Eurotred NZ, Bridgestone
tyres, Smart collision repairs, SPY optics, Powerbar.

Ryan Hampton NZ SBK #9