Honda (UK) has announced its support for the Royal Air Force Reserves racing project for the 2012 season. Officially named RAF Reserves Racing in Association with Honda, the team are competing in the British Superstock 1000 Championship, campaigning the hugely successful Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade.
The stock Fireblade machine has been supplied by Honda (UK), along with a selection of performance racing parts from Honda Racing (permitted within Superstock 1000 rules). Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2012, the Fireblade is utilised by numerous racers across the UK, in both amateur and professional race series, and has chalked up an almost unmatchable tally of race wins and racing success, including three British Superbike titles, one World Superbike Championship title and a total of 14 TT wins. The unquestionable pedigree and pure racing DNA makes the Fireblade the obvious choice for any racer wanting an immediately competitive package.
Lee Hardy Racing was formed in 2010 and since then has worked closely with the RAF Reserves. The team has competed in several championships, including LMB Streetfighter series with Thundersport GB. 2012 however brings a new start; RAF Reserves Racing in Association with Honda are making a huge step up in competition as they take on the best Superstock 1000 racers in the country, in the support series for the premier motorcycle racing championship in the UK, the British Superbike Championship.
The team have put their faith in a young Airman who serves with the RAF Royal Air Force at RAF Marham, Senior Aircraftsman Tom Gazzard, who will be spearheading the challenge. As an RAF Aircraft Technician, Tom provides in-depth aircraft electrical maintenance of Tornado GR4 combat aircraft within the Combined Maintenance and Upgrade facility at Royal Air Force Marham. He assists in preparing the RAF’s fleet of Tornado GR4’s ready for service in Afghanistan and other theatres where additional support is needed. Reflecting the RAF Ethos, Tom’s dedication to motorsport demonstrates his capacity to maximise his time and live life to the full whilst promoting the Royal Air Force along the way.
Lee Hardy, RAF Reserves Racing Team Manager: “It is fantastic to have the backing of Honda (UK) and Honda Racing. Even though all technical aspects of the project are handled by ourselves day to day, it is great to know that we are starting with the most competitive machinery out there and that we can call on the huge amount of experience Honda Racing have when we need advice. We are learning more and more every time we get out on the bike and are looking forward to a successful season in association with Honda.
Neil Tuxworth, Manager – Honda Racing: “An association with the RAF Reserves Race Team was very much of appeal to Honda (UK). The team have such a good attitude towards racing and view it is an opportunity to build a sense of community. This is what we at Honda believe it is all about and was the primary reason we decided to support this project. Moving into the Superstock 1000 championship is a big step up for the team as it is such a competitive series but it will be great experience and hopefully they can begin to challenge towards the end of the season.”
