26th October 2013

Monster Energy Motostar Championship Final Round

Ed Rendell with Banks Racing runner up British Motostar GP125 Championship

In a meeting plagued with bad weather and many crashes Ed Rendell riding the Banks Racing Honda RS125 secured the runner up spot in the prestigious televised Monster Energy Motostar GP125 Championship. Ed went into the final round just one point in front of Peter Sutherland and knew he had to finish in front of Peter and Arnie Shelton to secure second in the championship. The race started in heavy rain that turned to a downpour and was stopped before the race had done a lap. After sheltering from the storm at the Samsung Honda garage the riders made their way back on the grid and the race started with just light rain. Ed's first lap was understandably cautious as he knew he had to finish and he found both his rivals ahead of him in the race. Ed quickly upped his pace overtaking both Peter and Arnie and provided they all finished in that order second place looked secure. Conditions got worse again and unknown to Ed both Peter and Arnie had crashed as the rain got heavier. By this time Ed was lapping fast and catching the group in front and was up to second in the GP125 race when he too crashed at Paddock Bend shortly to be followed by race leader Joe Francis. Ed and the bike took a beating but Ed's runner British Motostar 125 Championship position was safe giving both Ed and the team their best championship position of all time. Ed has done a wonderful job in his comeback season and we thank him for all his hard work.

The team needs to make further upgrades to the GP125 and also would like to run a Moto3 bike along side the GP125 and would welcome some sponsorship to make this possible. Also Ed is looking for help and sponsorship to compete in the 2014 and if anyone would like to become either a sponsor to the team or a personal sponsor to a rider please get in touch for team and rider details. Contact Pete Banks on 07762 428210 or email Pete by clicking here, Donations of any size to help with the day to day running costs of the team can be made via the PayPal button on the team website or visit us in the paddock. Many thanks to all the team for their dedication and hard work and look out for the season review newsletter in a few weeks time. Thanks to Chris Pearce for the photo of Ed and Jordan Weaving.

Written and distributed by Pete Banks

30th August 2013

Monster Energy Motostar Championship Round 8

Podium number five, 2nd place in GP125 race and 3rd place in championship for Ed Rendell

Ed Rendell riding the Banks Racing Honda RS125 had his best ride of the season at Cadwell Park last week. Ed who qualified on the front row alongside former Banks Racing rider Joe Francis and Andy Reid was in a race long battle for third place overall and second in the GP125 category with KTM Moto3 riders Joe Irving and Tarran Mackenzie for most of the twelve laps. Spectators were treated to two great battles with Joe Francis and Andy Reid battling it out at the front with Ed, Tarran and Joe Irving have a similar battle for third overall. With a lap to go Taz was high sided off at Mansfield corner and Ed did an amazing job to both not hit the fallen Taz and stop on the bike after having to take to the grass. Ed rejoined the track second 125 and 4th overall with no time left to chase down Joe Irving for third overall. Ed’s best lap was only .8 of a second slower than the fastest lap of the race set by Andy Reid. The teams data technician thought it was time to give someone else a chance of a podium in the CJ Cycle Race and opted for fancy dress this year that should have one a prize. Thanks to all those that supported the CJ Riders fund and thanks to Vicky Russell for taking over signalling duties at Cadwell, a job she has done with Banks Racing many times in the past.

The team needs to make further upgrades to the GP125 to give Ed the best possible chance in the championship and also would like to run a Moto3 bike along side the GP125 and would welcome some sponsorship to make those upgrades possible. Also the riders are looking for help and sponsorship to complete the 2013 season and if anyone would like to become either a sponsor to the team or a personal sponsor to a rider please get in touch for team and rider details. Contact Pete Banks on 07762 428210 or email Peter by clicking here. Donations of any size to help with the day to day running costs of the team can be made via the PayPal button on the team website or visit us in the paddock.

Written and distributed by Pete Banks

12th August 2013

Monster Energy Motostar Championship Round 7

Podium number four for Ed Rendell

Ed Rendell secured his fourth podium of the year on board the Banks Racing Honda RS125GP machine at Oulton Park. The weekend was a difficult one for many competitors and for Ed and his teammate Brad Hughes due to technical issues that affected many teams in the paddock. Ed qualified 4th in the GP125 class and Brad on his first ride on the second Banks Racing bike did a great job qualifying 8th. The race started well for Ed and he had a very exciting race battling with championship leader Tom Carne and Knockhill Moto3 winner Jordan Weaving for all of the 14 laps with each taking turns to lead the group. Brad who had done the team proud all weekend was right at the back at the end of lap one and then had to pull in with a slowing bike. Brad and his technician Mark Bass deserved much better than a DNF and we all missed an opportunity to see Brad at his best. Thanks to Dave Yeomans and Steven Banks for the photos.

Next meeting is Cadwell Park where our data technician and former race winner with Banks Racing, Alan Green will be chasing yet another podium in the CJ Cycle Race. As always we would like to raise as much money as possible for this great charity and if you can sponsor Alan at Cadwell please visit the team awning at Cadwell or if you are unable to attend please contact either me or Alan who can be found on Facebook.

Written and distributed by Pete Banks

25th July 2013

Monster Energy Motostar Championship Round 6

Cruel Luck for Ed Rendell

Cruel luck robbed Ed Rendell of both a front row start and a possible podium finish at his local circuit Brands Hatch. In final qualifying with just ten minutes to go Ed was in second position just a fraction of a second behind Brad Ray who was riding the ex GP125 EE Mahindra bike, both of them ahead of all the Moto3 bikes. Ed’s engine cut out and although he made it back to the pit lane we could not find the problem robbing him of the chance of setting a quicker time to keep him on the front row. That evening a fault was found and we were all hoping the bike was fixed but in the race day morning warm up the crankshaft seized on the first lap. With a lot of work to do before the race the engine was removed from the bike used the day before by guesting rider Xavier Zyatt who had decided late on Saturday night not to race.. The engines in both bikes are the same specification but we had to change some gearbox ratios to suit Ed. As no two engines run exactly the same we could only guess the carburetion settings and we soon realised we had guessed way to rich leaving Ed with a slow bike and not so good quickshift due to the engine running to rich. Ed put on a superb display running with championship leader Tom Carne and second placed Arnie Shelton but after closing right up on them Ed had a big high side and crashed heavily at the haipin.. Ed was taken to the medical centre but released with cuts and bruises and some concussion but hopes to be fit for the next round at Oulton Park on August 11th.

The team needs to make further upgrades to the GP125 to give Ed the best possible chance in the championship and also would like to run a Moto3 bike along side the GP125 and would welcome some sponsorship to make those upgrades possible. Also the riders are looking for help and sponsorship to complete the 2013 season and if anyone would like to become either a sponsor to the team or a personal sponsor to a rider please get in touch for team and rider details. Contact Pete Banks on 07762 428210 or email Pete by clicking here. Donations of any size to help with the day to day running costs of the team can be made via the PayPal button on the team website or visit us in the paddock. Thanks to Chris Pearce for the photo and special thanks to Steven Banks and Bassy for helping swap engines.

Written and distributed by Pete Banks

15th July 2013

Monster Energy Motostar Championship Round 5

GP125 Second place for Ed Rendell

Ed Rendell achieved his best result of the season at Round 5 of the Monster Energy Motostar GP125 Championship held last week at a very hot Snetterton. Like many top level championships such as MotoGP,, British Touring Cars,, BSB Supersport and possibly World Superbikes next year the Motostar race incorporates two separate championships with the seven 250cc Moto3 bikes carrying yellow front number plates and the 22 GP125 cc bikes having black front number plates. Although not ideal for spectators this kind of championship format is totally necessary to maintain full grids at all levels of the sport which has been so badly hit by the recent recessions.

Ed had qualified 4th fastest in the GP125 class and was on the second row of the grid. He made a good start and was in a challenging position on the first lap when a big moment lost him time and the all important slipstream tow from the leading group. He battled on in the sweltering heat to take his best position of the year in a class won by Bradley Ray who was making a rare appearance and currently rides in the Red Bull Rookies Championship as well as the Spanish Moto3 Championship.

The team would like to make further upgrades to the GP125 and also run a Moto3 bike along side the GP125 and would welcome some sponsorship to make those upgrades possible. Also the riders are looking for help and sponsorship to complete the 2013 season and if anyone would like to become either a sponsor to the team or a personal sponsor to a rider please get in touch for team and rider details. Contact Pete Banks on 07762 428210 or email Pete by clicking here, Donations of any size to help with the day to day running costs of the team can be made via the PayPal button on the team website or visit us in the paddock. Thanks to Chris Pearce and Steven Banks for the photos.

Written and distributed by Pete Banks

17th June 2013

Monster Energy Motostar Championship Round 4

Podium for Ed Rendell and points for Jason Douglas

Ed Rendell and his teammate for the weekend Scottish rider Jason Douglas both scored well in the Monster Energy Motostar British Championship held at the exciting Knockhill circuit in Scotland. With some brand new suspension parts fitted to Ed Rendell's bike setting up the new components was hampered by a couple of damp sessions leaving Ed in I6th place, Jason faired much better and qualified in 10th place overall and 6th in the GP125 class. The race started in glorious sunshine and Ed has his work cut out to get anywhere near the front but he never gave up lapping within .5 of a second of GP125 race winner Tom Carne passing many riders on his way to his second podium of the year with a superb 3rd place. Jason, who has not been racing full time this year or last year was in a great battle for 9th place in the class eventually finishing 12th and getting his first points of the year.

Great results for the team and a pleasure to work with both riders who can offer brilliant feed back. Highlights of the race can be seen on Eurosport on Thursday with later repeats. Next championship race will be at Snetterton on July 5th 6th and 7th and we hope to see you there. The team would like to thank Alan Green for making the long trip from Bristol and thanks also to the other team supporters Steven Banks, Bassy who did a great job looking after Jason, excellent board work from Martin Knighton and not forgetting Colin Swinney, Ray Rendell, Craig Douglas, Andy Ewart and Gill Sweeney for some great photos.

The team would like to make further upgrades or introduce a Moto3 bike and would welcome some sponsorship to make those upgrades possible. Also the riders are looking for help and sponsorship to complete the 2013 season and if anyone would like to become either a sponsor to the team or a personal sponsor to a rider please get in touch for team and rider details. Contact Pete Banks on 07762 428210 or email Pete by clicking here, Donations of any size to help with the day to day running costs of the team can be made via the PayPal button on the team website or visit us in the paddock.

Written and distributed by Pete Banks

9th May 2013

Monster Energy Motostar Championship Round 3

More points for Ed Rendell at Oulton Park

After a three week break the team were at Oulton Park to compete in round 3 of the Monster Energy Motostar British Championship with Ed Rendell while Adam Mclean missed the round. Ed finished the qualifying sessions in 3rd place in the GP125 class but things took a turn for the worse when Ed crashed in morning warm up at 100 mph. Damage to Ed and the bike was not too severe and the team had the bike ready in plenty of time for the long 14 lap race around the undulating Oulton Park circuit.

Ed made his usual good start and was just settling down to a good rhythm when he had another big moment at the fast hairpin when a big high side forced him off the track. Ed lost six seconds getting back on track and knowing that he could not afford another non finish after Thruxton he settled for sixth place in the GP125 class grabbing some more points. We now have a five week break and have some upgrades to fit to the bike for the next round at Knockhill in June.

The team would like to make further upgrades and would welcome some sponsorship to make those upgrades possible. Also the riders are looking for help and sponsorship to complete the 2013 season and if anyone would like to become either a sponsor to the team or a personal sponsor to a rider please get in touch for team and rider details. Contact Pete Banks on 07762 428210 or email by clicking here. Donations of any size to help with the day to day running costs of the team can be made via the PayPal button on the team website or visit us in the paddock. Thanks to Chris Pearce for the photo.

The team would like to wish a speedy recovery to fellow Motostar rider Cath Green injured on Saturday at Oulton Park and best wishes to former 125 rider Harry Stafford also injured at Oulton Park.

Written and distributed by Pete Banks

19 April 2013

Monster Energy Motostar Championship Rounds 1 and 2

Ed Rendell starts season with a podium

Team riders Adam Mclean and Ed Rendell got their 2013 season off to a good start with two good point scoring rides at Round 1 of the Monster Energy Motostar Championship held on the short Brands Hatch Indy circuit. Ed, in his first competitive outing for over a year qualified 4th in the GP125 class and went on to take a podium in 3rd place with Adam who was making his debut at Brands Hatch coming home in a creditable 8th place in the class.

Just five days later the riders were back on track at the fast and bumpy Thruxton circuit where a more confident Ed qualified in first place for the GP125 race with a front row start for the 14 lap race while Adam was having mechanical problems that would plague him all weekend cutting short the much needed track time to learn another new circuit. Ed made a good start in the race and was in a six bike battle for the lead in the GP125 category when the chain came off exiting the chicane with just a handful of laps to go. Very disappointing for the team and Ed and his family but he has proved he is ready now to take on the best in the next ten rounds of the championship. Adam’s bike continued to give unexplained trouble all weekend and despite much help from many other teams the problem remained leaving Adam no choice but to sit out the race.

The team and the riders are looking for help and sponsorship to complete the 2013 season and if anyone would like to become either a sponsor to the team or a personal sponsor to a rider please get in touch for team and rider details. Contact Pete Banks on 07762 428210 or email Pete by clicking here, Donations of any size to help with the day to day running costs of the team can be made via the PayPal button on the team website or visit us in the paddock. Thanks to Chris Pearce for the photos.

Written and distributed by Pete Banks

29 March 2013

Weather halts testing..

Team riders Adam Mclean and Ed Rendell were both at Donington Park last week ready to test in preparation for the first round of the Monster Energy Motostar Championships that kicks off along side the British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch on April 5th 6th and 7th. Sadly some overnight snow left the track unusable so it was a wasted journey for everyone. Adam had travelled from Northern Ireland via ferry and car with his family, Ed and his dad Ray had travelled up from Essex, Alan Green came up from Bristol and Steven and I travelled from the north east of England. Due to the weather over the last month we will not be the only team starting the race at Brands with limited testing so should make an exciting start to our championship campaign.

We are pleased to announce Rock Oil and NGK Spark Plugs have already supplied products for the teams challenge in the 2013 Motostar Championship and we would like to say a massive thankyou to these two companies for their continued support. We would also like to welcome on board three new sponsors, The Railway Clutch Centre from Westhoughton Bolton, Mick Ogden Diesels from Adlington Chorley and Shiloh Surfacing from Brinscall Chorley. Also a big thankyou to Nick from Telford Rewinds for pledging his support for the 2013 season and to Ian Parkinson of Sovereign Motors Ashington for paintwork and decals.

Many thanks to the other team sponsors for their help in making 2012 possible and we hope they will also be able to continue with some support for this North Northumberland based British Championship team. The sponsors lists are currently being updated at the team website www.banksracing125.com. Please get in touch if you would like to join the list. We are now looking ahead to the 2013 season and would love to hear from any interested parties to join us in 2013 and any help at all would be very much appreciated.

We would like to have a testing and training year with a Moto3 bike which were introduced to our class in 2012 and are looking for team partners or sponsors to help make the switch over possible. Contact Pete Banks on 07762 428210 or email Pete by clicking here, Donations of any size to help with the day to day running costs of the team can be made via the PayPal button on the team website or visit us in the paddock.

Written and distributed by Pete Banks

12 February 2013

Testing begins this month and sponsors continue their support

Banks Racing are pleased to announce that they will begin testing at Donington later this month with their two new riders for the 2013 British Motostar Championship. Seventeen year old Adam Mclean from Tobermore in Northern Ireland finished third in the Irish 125/Moto3 Championship and was runner up in the Adelaide Masters Championship finishing up with seven podiums including four wins. Adam now wants to further his career by racing in the highly competitive British 125/Moto3 Motostar Championship, which has riders taking part from all over the world.

Twenty one year old Ed Rendell from Chelmsford joins Adam in the team. Former Thundersport champion Ed returns to the team where he stood in for the injured Brian Clark in 2010. On board the Banks Racing Honda RS125 Ed won the Cadwell Park round only to be demoted for a jump start. Ed also gained fourth place on his first visit to Croft and backed that up with a third place podium at Silverstone again on his first visit to the circuit. Ed returns to racing after more than a year away and has been training hard to return to racing fitness after an accident in Spain while testing a 600.

We are pleased to announce Rock Oil and NGK Spark Plugs have already supplied products for the teams challenge in the 2013 Motostar Championship and we would like to say a massive thankyou to these two companies for their continued support.

Many thanks to the other team sponsors for their help in making 2012 possible and we hope they will also be able to continue with some support for this North Northumberland based British Championship team. The sponsors lists are currently being updated at the team website www.banksracing125.com . Please get in touch if you would like to join the list. We are now looking ahead to the 2013 season and would love to hear from any interested parties to join us in 2013 and any help at all would be very much appreciated.

We would like to have a testing and training year with a Moto3 bike which were introduced to our class in 2012 and are looking for team partners or sponsors to help make the switch over possible. Contact Pete Banks on 07762 428210 or click here to email him . Donations of any size to help with the day to day running costs of the team can be made via the PayPal button on the team website or visit us in the paddock.

Written and distributed by Pete Banks

19 January 2013

Latest News from MSVR

MCE BSB's starter class takes shape for 2013.

The 2013 Monster Energy Motostar grid is shaping up as teams and riders make the choice to either run the traditional 125cc GP machines or embrace 4 stroke Moto3 hardware. In recognition of the two mechanical divisions within one race, the series will be run in two classes, with separate race and championship classification.

In the GP125 division provisional entries have been lodged by

• SP125: Tom Carne, Jordan Weaving and Elliot Lodge
• RS Racing: Catherine Green
• Fireplace Warehouse: Milo Ward with a second rider to be announced
• Replicast: Paul Jordan and Asher Durham
• SGR: Jason Vernon and Gary Jordan
• Banks Racing: Ed Rendell and Adam McLean
• e3 Motorsport: Arnie Shelton and Taz Taylor
• RCD : Callum Bey
• TAD Racing: David Wales

To read the rest of the bulletin from MSVR click here

Written and distributed by Pete Banks

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