2006

Having had such a great season during 2005 which resulted in winning the
Championship, we found many doors becoming open to us. Most importantly Kawasaki were keen to keep Matt aboard a Kawasaki, as we were as keen to stay with them…..so the natural progression led to going up to a 600 for 2006………..


A deal was struck between Kawasaki and our local supplier and sponsor Lloyd Cooper Motorcycles which resulted in the purchase of a brand new ZX6rr.
We were also supplied with the contact details of MSS Discovery Kawasaki and Team Owner Nick Morgan, who runs the main Kawasaki team in British Superbikes. Their advice and help was invaluable in setting the bike up, and supplying the necessary parts…….
The ACU had resurrected the ‘Star Series’ for 600’s as a springboard for better things, and we decided to concentrate on this Championship for 2006……


We had set our sights on hopefully achieving top ten finishes by mid way through the season….At the first meeting at Cadwell Park Matt qualified 7th and after a great start was up to 4th !!!! a slight error on the last lap dropped him back and he eventually finished 6th (out of 28 starters!!)……Exceeding our expectations already !!!!! 2 further 6th place finishes confirmed that it was no fluke. A few good results in Club events also followed and we decided to apply for a ‘Wildcard’ ride in the World Superbike event at Brands Hatch which was duly granted……This was far and away the biggest thing Matt had ever entered, in front of 130,000+ spectators and racing against the best in the world…. Disaster struck during the Friday qualifying with a massive off at Paddock Hill Bend……..

A mad panic resulted in a late night dash to Kawasaki Headquarters for parts, while a combined effort from English, French and Italian teams saw the bike stripped. Friday night and Saturday saw the bike re-built, scrutineered and passed to ride with literally 10 mins of the last qualifying session left !!! Matt rode well and qualified 34th (only 35 qualified – 6 didn’t make the times required) onto the race on Sunday and down onto the grid with the air–horns 130,000 fans and a T.V. interview !!! After a good start and a close race Matt managed to climb to 21st eventually finishing 24th and beating team bikes and works riders in the process. A weekend to remember for ever, and one that will probably never be repeated…….

2007

The first three months of 2007 were missed through injury followed by destroying an engine at Snetterton. Therefore Matt missed out on the club championships so decided instead to pick and choose his racing, mostly entering New Era and MRO Supersport rounds
Working on lap times rather than actual race results as Matt’s bike was still in stock trim, by the end of the season he was continuing to beat his personal best lap times, being increasing quick and putting in faster and faster laps.

2008 – Matt Goes British

This year we had two options, either spend money developing more power from the engine or buy a new bike. Then it was announced that BSB were going to run a 600 Superstock class which suited us perfectly. We therefore worked on the suspension and Nick at MSS refreshed the engine ready for the major step up to British level.
Matt has his own personal trainer and is attending a gym at least 3 times a week and is really looking forward to competing this year.
We will be up against team riders and the competition will be fiercely competitive and experienced.
All the rounds will be televised and media and TV interest should raise Matt’s profile within the sport.
You can see the new livery in the photographs on the left and follow Matt’s progress on this website.