Although many people may not know this Russell Brown in 2LO/3LO has had a very busy and successful year to date with his motorbike racing activities and has achieved a great deal. His activities can be divided into four main categories; Marketing, Finance, Mechanical, and of course, Racing.
Racing
Russell is taking part in the Formula 125 competition of three motorcycle clubs; Melville , Kirkcaldy & District and North East. Formula 125 is the entry level competition for riders aged 12 -16 years and involves riding a 125cc bike that is largely an unmodified road bike, capable of reaching speeds of over 85 miles per hour! So far this year, he has taken part in and completed 13 races, with two third places. So far Russell is one of only two riders in his class to have completed every race he started: he competes at Knockhill, Fife and East Fortune, East Lothian. Before the summer holidays Russell took part in a trackday at Knockhill, having been given special permission by the organisers to participate, as he is too young to participate in most trackdays. Apart from completing over 80 laps of the circuit during the 7 twenty minute sessions, he was also lucky enough to benefit from 20 minutes instruction from Niall MacKenzie, former GP 500 rider and three time British Superbike champion.
Finance
Bike racing is not a cheap sport, but Russell understands the costs incurred, even at the entry level, and has therefore been active in approaching potential sponsors for assistance. As well as his parents’ companies, he has received a significant discount on the painting of his bike, and been provided with all the oil for his season from the Glasgow Branch of Hein Gericke which sells helmets, leathers and a wide range equipment and supplies for bikers.
Marketing
Russell has created and maintains his own website (www.jrsbiker.co.uk), learning how to use new software (Adobe Dreamweaver) to create and manage his website. His activities include drafting and editing the text to keep the site up to date with all his racing activities and results, he also takes many of the photos and is responsible for selecting, editing and uploading them.
He has personally approached potential sponsors, with great success and keeps them informed of progress by email after each event.
Mechanical
Russell maintains his bike and is refurbishing a second one that he bought on Ebay to act as his spare. He carries out most of the work himself using the workshop manual and his own learned skills. So far he has carried out routine checks such as checking the spark plug, chain tension and carrying out oil changes, as well as more difficult tasks such as replacement of pistons, starter motor, replacing a shock absorber and changing wheels from dry to wet tyres (a frequent process when racing in Scotland!).
Why not support Russell and follow his exciting progress on his website?
