AP Racing returns to the World Superbike Championships

AP Racing, the leading manufacturer of performance braking and clutch systems for race and road use, is pleased to announce continued involvement in the World Superbike Championship (SBK) in 2008 with team Yamaha France GMT 94. As technical partner, AP Racing will provide product and technical support to the team throughout the season.

AP Racing will be supplying the team’s Yamaha R1 motorcycles with front and rear calipers and front mastercylinders. The monobloc aluminium lithium front calipers (CP6688-8/9e0m) offer a simplified mounting system with the optimal combination of low weight and low deflection giving the rider a firm brake lever and consistent brake performance under all racing conditions. The 4 pad feature gives the brake more ‘Initial Bite’ allowing the rider to brake later and deeper into the corner.

The inclusion of 4 titanium pistons contributes to controlling the heat flow from the brake pads into the caliper during heavy braking - a new and innovative technology developed specifically for the World SBK. The Rear Calipers (CP4226-2s0) are lightweight aluminium alloy machined from billet.

AP Racing is also supplying the award winning variable pull-type lever front mastercylinder (CP4125-26) which allows the rider the ability to adjust the ratio and the lever position as required. AP Racing will work closely with the team providing continued support, assistance and product development throughout the season.

Team Yamaha France GMT 94 made its debut in the World SBK this year, following a successful season in the World Endurance Championship. The team is managed by former racer Christophe Guyot and features riders David Checa and Sebastien Gimbert on Yamaha R1 1000cc 4-cylinder bikes. The last race weekend at Philip Island in Australia earlier this month, saw the team score their first points, with both Checa and Gimbert finishing in the top fifteen.

Yamaha France GMT 94 team manager, Christophe Guyot, explains: “We are extremely proud to be using the prestigious AP Racing products this season. From the initial winter test sessions, it is clear that we have the best systems to allow us to build on the success we’ve seen in the French Superbike Championship and the World Endurance title and to eventually challenge for a win in the World SKB series.”

“We are very excited about this new partnership”, says Norman Baker, Director of Sales at AP Racing. “After previous success in the World Superbike Championship and a strong history and presence in motorsport, AP Racing is looking forward to once again participating in this series. GMT 94 is an ideal technical partner for AP Racing and we are looking forward to the coming season and the opportunities we will have to support the team with products and on-track assistance.”