Race Report

Bernard Racing 2010/2011 Motorcycle Road Race Team

Words and photos by: KC Bernard

Round 1 - International Tri-Series, Hampton Downs

Top International rider’s Dan Stauffer of Australia and Canadian Andrew

Nelson competed on board their Bernard Racing Yamaha R1’s for the first of three International Tri-Series events last weekend at Hampton Downs. Dan Stauffer and Andrew Nelson road their virtually stock Bernard Racing Yamaha R1’s into battle against some very talented National and International talent.

Andrew arrived from Ottawa, Canada on November 28th giving him a chance to look at the Hampton Downs circuit during an Auckland Motorcycle club meeting in early December. Dan Stauffer arrived on Thursday evening in preparation for testing and the first look at his new 2010 Yamaha R1 and the Hampton Downs circuit the following day.

“As we began testing on these new bike’s it became clear that these riders would meet any challenge set before them as true professional Road Racers and we are very pleased to be working with them both.” says Brian Bernard.

Fridays test day went very smoothly with only a few minor changes to the modified stock suspension. Kerry Dukie of Dukic performance modified the R1 stock suspension and the team could not be happier with the performance of the suspension and tyre wear. Andrew had this to say... “The bike was real good, the stock suspension that Dukic Performance made was some of the best I’ve had the chance to use. I look forward to continuing with development of these awesome Yamaha R1’s”

Although they were new to the circuit and hadn’t ridden their completed Yamaha R1’s until that weekend, Nelson finished a respectable 10th and 11th in the two heats, finishing 10th overall on the day. Dan Stauffer finished 5th and 6th placing him in 5th overall.

Regrettably Dan Stauffer will not be able to join the team for the Manfeild round due to prior race commitments so Brian will do some setup work on his bike in preparation for his debut at the Cemetery Circuit on December 26th. Andrew is looking forward to representing the Team at Manfeild and he and Brian will continue to develop their already impressive Yamaha R1 machines.

A very special thanks to all team sponsors, we look forward to working with you for the coming Tri-Series and Paeroa events.

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