Blog
Qatar
11-04-2012
All things considered its been a positive wknd as we have gathered more valuable information in the race than we have in the few days we have tested before Qatar. I understand how the bike, tyres and brakes need to be ridden but it is seriously like riding on a knife edge so finding the limit without crashing is tough. You need to brake super hard to generate the heat in the discs and also at the same time deform the tyre enough to generate the heat in it for the corner entry, but if you carry the brakes into the turn the tyre folds and you get under steer, (or even crash like i did) let off too early and you get chatter, if you get it just right it grips and carries you round the corner. We're talking fractions of a second difference in timing and 0.5-2bar difference in brake pressure so as you can imagine getting it right every corner of every lap will take time. The whole team have had a gruelling wknd with the time schedule of night racing and un scheduled tip off but have stayed positive throughout so just want to say a big thank you to all of them for their hard work and I now look forward to learning and pushing forward in Jerez.
Also big congrats goes out to Kieth Farmer for his win at Brands....
Jerez
30-03-2012
The Paul Bird Motorsport Team has concluded their pre-season testing programme and are now looking to the season commencing in both MotoGP and British Superbikes.
Following their recent Spanish tests, PBMUK Aprilia MototGP rider James Ellison made good progress.
Ellison, from Kendal, had to overcome some major chatter issues on the CRT-specification Aprilia RSV at Jerez over the weekend where a huge crowd turned out to witness the final MotoGP test. Working with his new team, the Cumbrian reported that good progress had been made and is now looking forward to the season opener in Qatar on April 8.
Gear box
15-03-2012
Was great to see all the guys (and gals) at the Planet-Knox Factory again today! They never seize to amaze me with all the new innovative safety products they come up with. I was lucky enough to pick up the first Chest/back protector vest.........it feels so good on and I must admit I'm pretty impressed at how non-intrusive it is with my full race kit on.
Reading this back I sound like I'm writing a bloody sales pitch but honestly I am genuinely impressed and really can't say enough about them.
After picking up my gear (including my trick new replica gloves that are pictured inset) I headed over to the PBMUK workshop in Penrith to show off all my new gear in a Performance Bikes Mag photoshoot AND pick up a Mountainbike kindly loaned to me for the season by www.bikescene.com.....it's safe to say I've been spoiled rotten today! :) It's a Specialized Camber Expert and can't wait to get the thing covered in mud on Saturday at Whinlatter...
So for the rest of the week I have an appointment with my trainer at Pride Health and Fitness in Kendal (keep it local!!) for a beating on the powerplate, lots of miles cycling on the road, train journey to GSWMachinery.co.uk in Matlock to collect a car they are kindly loaning me, then driving to Milton Keynes to collect my coffee machine from xpresscoffeecommercial.co.uk, followed by a quick go-kart session with GSW staff, then drive to my old team workshop in Louth to collect my kit bag and helmets I left there last year, visit to PBMUK again to load the truck with my gear, MTB at Whinlatter Saturday, mor cycling Sunday morning, Mothers day meal Sunday (don't forget!!) , then some indoor rock climbing Sunday night.......and that's just the fun stuff, the bits in between will be fill with laundry, driving and phonecalls.....and it's Wednesday night as I write this. Never enough hours in the day in this game.
Next week I will check in on how the official test went in Jerez....getting thrown in at the deep end with the lack of testing but I'm proper excited about it and to be honest I need to be out there learning off the regulars so can't wait!!!
Wish me luck y'all!.... (sorry, been in Texas to long)
James
PBM tests
27-02-2012
Stopped in for a brew with Knox and picked up some gear for the tests in Spain with my new team PBM. Check out the images from the test as well - the bike is awesome.
Sorry Mate
24-08-2011
Ellison works hard on sorrymate.com Honda debut
James Ellison put in a strong performance on his sorrymate.com Honda debut in the British Superbike Championship at the weekend and was rewarded with points in his very first outing. Torrential rain at Oulton Park meant only one race could be held on Sunday but the Cumbrian ace fought his way superbly through the pack from 23rd on the first lap to 11th at the end for 5 hard earned points.
After spending all of this season in the World Supersport 600cc Championship, Ellison soon got dialled in to the Superbike machine and placed 4th quickest in Friday's opening free practice session. A further two tenths of a second were shaved off his time in the afternoon's session but Saturday dawned wet although he was still on the pace, running 10th quickest. Having been in the top ten in every session, the team were hoping to replicate that in qualifying but just as he was on a personal best lap, James was held up by another rider in the final sector and the time lost meant he slipped down the order to 19th place.
The grid position wasn't helped by heavy rain on race day and it got worst at the first corner when James had to take avoiding action when Patrick Muff crashed out in front of him. Subsequently, he found himself down in 23rd place at the end of the first lap but, utilising his wet weather prowess, he soon began to make his way through the pack. By lap 7 he was up to 15th and inside the points and when the safety car came out a lap later, it allowed the pack to bunch up. The car pulled in with 6 laps remaining and James overhauled Alex Lowes, Chris Walker, Ryuichi Kiyonari and Glen Richards to take a fighting 11th place at the chequered flag.
Equally pleasing was the fact that James had the 9th fastest lap of the race thus was scheduled to start race 2 from the third row of the grid. However, the weather had other ideas and as the rain worsened, the organisers had little option other than to abandon the meeting with the race now taking place at a later date.
Speaking later, team owner Robin Croft said: "We've had a mixed bag this weekend and although FP1 went smoothly, FP2 was frantic, to say the least, as electrical problems caused us to miss 15 minutes of the session. Despite not having ridden a Superbike since last year, James was still running a strong top ten pace and we were very hopeful for more of the same in qualifying although this was scuppered when he was held up by traffic on his quick lap."
"Starting from 19th on the grid wasn't the best, particularly in the wet, and it was made worse for James by a first corner crash that caused him to lose time. He was down in the pack and really up against it but he really showed his class and rode brilliantly to fight his way up to 11th at the chequered flag. His lap times meant we were a lot higher up the grid for the second race and we were all looking for a good result but the weather was really bad and cancellation of the race was the only decision. Contrary to what's been portrayed, the bike isn't what James rode last year although it is similar spec and he had the pace to qualify in the top six and run with some of the main Championship contenders in the race so we're more than confident for the remaining rounds."
The next round of the British Superbike Championship takes place on the Brands Hatch GP circuit, August 5-7.
Picture by Glynne Lewis
Silverstone
27-07-2011
BOGDANKA PTR HONDA'S James Ellison is looking for a strong result in front of the British crowd as the World Supersport Championship moves from Brno to his home track at Silverstone in the UK for round eight this weekend.
James Ellison:"Obviously I'm really excited to have another home race as Donington was good for us until I was forced to retire. There is no real track advantage to the Brits as I have only raced there once before just like the World Supersport riders but it's the fans that make the difference so I'm looking forward to it and will be pushing 100% as normal."
Ellison targets front row start
25-03-2011
BOGDANKA PTR HONDA racer, James Ellison is looking for a front row start at Donington Park after running comfortably at the sharp end on day one of the second World Supersport round.
The British rider was fifth in the opening practice on his home soil and eighth in the first qualifying session after spending most of the day well inside the top four. Polish rider Pawel Szkopek ended the day 18th on the provisional grid after reacquainting himself with the Donington Park circuit ahead of Sunday's race.
James Ellison: “It was a good day. I was up at the sharp end until I hit traffic in the last 10 minutes and I’m a bit disappointed with eighth but we have a lot of potential. Every time I left the garage I went quicker and we have both the speed and consistency so I’m fairly confident. I’m not pushing to the limit yet, the bike is working really good – we haven’t actually changed anything major all day, so the front row is possible tomorrow and if I don’t get it, I’ll be very disappointed.”
Ellison aims high at home
23-03-2011
BOGDANKA PTR Honda racer James Ellison is targeting a podium finish in his home race, the second World Supersport round at Donington Park this weekend.
The British rider, sixth in round one in Australia a month ago, is now recovered from the pre-season knee injury and keen to perform in front of his home fans. Following his retirement at Phillip Island, Ellison’s Polish teammate, Pawel Szkopek will be going for a point scoring position when the lights go out at 13:30 GMT this Sunda
James Ellison: "I tested at Mallory Park in England last week and set very good lap times while trying some new settings on my bike - it was a good step forward for us. My leg feels much better as well, I do not expect it to be holding me back at Donington at all. This is my first race in front of my home crowd and I will be giving it my all to get on the podium - we have the bike, team and rider to make it happen."
Ellison sets sights on World Supersport title with Bogdanka PTR Honda
24-01-2011
BOGDANKA PTR HONDA is a new Polish team entering the 2011 World Supersport Championship that starts as one of the favourites thanks to its vastly experienced riders James Ellison and Pawel Szkopek using race-winning PTR (Performance Technical Racing) developed Honda CBR600RR bikes.
The new team is a multi-year partnership between Bogdanka Racing and PTR. LW Bogdanka is an undisputed leader in the Polish coal mining business as the country's only stock listed mine, while PTR is the race organisation behind the dominant Parkalgar Honda World Supersport Team that has won 12 out the last 25 Championship races.
Read more here ...
http://blog.planet-knox.com/2011/01/ellison-sets-sights-on-world-supersport-title-with-bogdanka-ptr-honda/
Happy New Year to y'all!!
10-01-2011
So its been a quiet winter break for me, just keeping my head down and continuing to train my ass off in preparation for the upcoming season. I've been lucky enough to spend my break over here in Texas where the weather is far more forgiving allowing me to get out cycling whenever I want and travel to the gym everyday without the use of a snow plough!!
I must apologise for the delay in getting my new website up to date with the new colours and content but there have been alot of exciting new things happening at V3media (my web designers) and they have so much work on that I wanted to take a back seat while they got on with more important things. It will be up and running soon though so please keep checking in whenever you can. I will be uploading new videos, pics and some clothing to buy ready for the exciting new season ahead in WSS.
Well I hope everyone has had a fantastic Christmas and New Year and I look forward to giving you all something to cheer about in 2011!!
Laters, J :)
Ellison targets World Championship with Parkalgar Honda
15-12-2010
JAMES ELLISON is going for glory in the World Supersport Championship as a third rider for the PTR operated Parkalgar Honda team that has finished runner up in the Championship for the last two years and recorded 12 victories out of 25-starts.
Rules mean that teams can only field two riders maximum, so Ellison will ride for the newly created PTR Parkalgar Honda squad alongside the existing Parkalgar Honda team of Sam Lowes and Miguel Praia.
Ellison will be a single rider within the team but PTR is investigating funding and rider options for a team mate to join him.
A double European Superstock Champion, World Endurance Champion, MotoGP racer, British Superbike runner-up and multiple race winner, Ellison at 30 brings a wealth of experience and ability to the team. It is a direct switch from BSB national level racing to World Championship as he aims to prove his ability at the highest level.
Ellison said: “I am very excited to be racing for PTR Parkalgar Honda in the World Supersport Championship, it is a proven race winning team that will give me the bike and opportunity to show what I am capable of.
“These sort of chances don’t come along everyday and after riding the PTR Parkalgar Honda bike a couple of times I know how fast it really is and that I should be able to compete for wins and the Championship. That is my aim, and the team’s so we share the same ambition.
“I am looking forward to working with Sam and Miguel, with my experience I hope to be able to help them both realise their full potential. I am determined to show the world what James Ellison is capable of and this is the best opportunity I could wish for, I can’t wait for the season to start.”
Ellison has already raced for the PTR Parkalgar Honda team at the Sunflower races in Ireland and enjoyed a wet but productive test at Mallory Park. In both cases he impressed with his ability to adapt to the bike, feedback and work ethic.
PTR Parkalgar Honda Team Manager Simon Buckmaster said: “We are delighted to welcome James to the team and to expand our racing activities with the support of Parkalgar, the circuit near Portimao in Portugal.
“James’ experience will be a major benefit to Sam and Miguel to help all three riders achieve their potential in the World Supersport Championship.
“It is clear that this is a big break for James, if he performs well in the World Championship then his career will go into fast forward and we are already talking about the potential of a World Superbike team built round him in 2012 subject to his results and the team’s funding.
“Well done and thank you to Parkalgar for investing in its race team and expanding its efforts and support. Without Parkalgar this would not be possible.”
Ellison will join Lowes and Praia at the official World Supersport team tests starting in January at Parkalgar in Portugal. For more information on Parkalgar Honda visit www.parkalgarhonda.com.
Eh up Sunflower
28-10-2010
So as some of you may already know I raced a 600 Supersport bike last weekend at the Annual 'Sunflower Race' in Ireland for Parkalgar Honda.
I have to admit as much as I love riding superbikes taking the 600 out for a spin was sooooo much fun, they are not like how I remember them at all (last time I raced one was in 2002) so the experience was highly enjoyable.
It took a little bit of time to adapt to the different riding style of a 600 (especially at a track I had never seen until now) but by the time the first race came round I was lapping consistantly over 1 second under Ian Lowry's 2009 lap record aboard the TAS Suzuki so I was fairly happy. I messed the start up big style though as I was looking at all the pretty flashing lights on my dash instead of the big Red one above the track that everyone else was obviously focused on....Doh! I had my work cut out but managed to pass a few riders on my way to finishing 4th just 2.8secs behind eventual winner Marshal Neil and 2nd place finisher Sam Lowes both on PTR Hondas.
Race 2 was a little better after getting the holeshot (saw the big red light this time), and lead for most of the race, a couple of missed gear changes into the bumpy turn one saw my gap to 2nd (Marshal Neil) reduce and he began to put increasing pressure on me for the lead He passed me a couple of times pushing me way wide both times and I passed him back later on in the lap, the third and final time he passed me with two laps to go he sat me up again but this time left me nowhere to go but the grass...... I lost 4 seconds that lap and after getting back on the tarmac I managed to pull back 3 seconds on the last 2 laps to finish 2nd place just over 1 second behind him. (my best lap was 1.4secs under the 2009 lap record so not so bad)
Harsh but fair I guess but im not going to lie I was a little pi*%ed at not getting the win.
So now the season is over Im doing all the jobs I havent had time to do in the season, flooring has just been put down in the camper, organising locker space underneath so I dont have to keep bringing my pushbike inside and various other boring jobs like dealing with a pile of bills and tax returns...... fun!:)
Hopefully should have my new clothing available to buy on my site soon (just in time for christmas )
Keep smiling, J :)
First round of the season
13-04-2010
We had a very successful first round this year and hope to see many more results like it throughout the year.
Digg
Del.icio.us 
YouTube