Kirk's latest news
Long wait is over
The waiting is over as we head into a new season and new challenges, it has been a busy off season and there are a few major changes for 2010. Firstly there is the fact that I will ride for MAR-Train in the Supersport class, I have also decided to switch from Dunlop to Pirelli Tyres and soon to be released is an all new paint scheme for my Fireblade! It is a relief to be able to say that I have retained pretty much all my sponsors as this was in no way certain just a few short weeks ago. Thankfully though everyone came through and as always I am very appreciative of the generosity and loyalty shown.
First up for me is my eagerly awaited trip to Almeria, Spain. The R6 has been crated up and is currently en-route, we will meet up with it on Wednesday 10th March at the circuit for three days of testing. It will be an invaluable three days as I learn the new bike and it's electronics package, having the likes of Jeremy McWilliams, Randy Mamola and Simon Crafar on had can't hurt either!
I arrive home on 13th March and go straight into my first race of the year at Bishopscourt on 20th March. This means I won't have had any practice on my Superbike which, considering I have switched Tyre manufacturers, is far from ideal but it is what it is. It is only an open race so I will be using it as a test as much as anything else. One week later I have a proper test planned at Kirkistown on 29th which will hopefully iron out any remaining issues with the switch over. Then four days later the serious business begins with round one at Bishopscourt, I'll have clocked up five days on track prior to then which is four days more than usual, so hopefully this will ensure I am at the pointy end from the word go!
Kirk
Count Abacus in and a Fourth Year for Feckin
Kirk's 2010 plans have been given a major boost with the news that The Abacus Print House and Feckin Irish Whiskey have once again agreed terms to support his racing exploits. Abacus have been involved with Kirk for a number of years now designing and printing all of Kirk's artwork and promotional material, all of which has been used to attract many of Kirk's other sponsors. In 2008 they increased their involvement to direct sponsors and the news of their third year of this is a welcome and much needed development . Having first come on board in 2007 the Feckin brand has become synonymous with the 29 year old Greyabbey man and he is understandably over the moon to retain this association also. In addition to financial support Feckin may also be involved with some fundraising throughout 2010 for Kirk using their product so overall it is a substantial and vital addition to Kirk's budget for the year.
"Obviously I am delighted that both companies have decided to continue their association with my race team. As well as the financial agreements both companies also provide essential indirect benefits for me which you cannot put a figure on. Abacus are of course instrumental in attracting other sponsors to the team through their continued supply of promotional artwork whilst I believe that the Feckin brand in itself attracts additional publicity for me. It is quite late in the off season to still be running around trying to sign up sponsors but that is simply an indication of how tough everyone is getting it at the minute. I still have some work to do if I am to have my desired budget in place for this year but the loyalty shown to me this week by Abacus and Feckin, ensure I am a lot closer to realising my goal."
Two new sponsors
New Sponsor - CHC Group Ltd, a Building Engineering Services firm from Craigavon are assisting Kirk with some sponsorship.
New Sponsor - AGV Helmets - Provided Kirk with two of their latest AGV GP Tech Helmets.
Ards Shopping Centre Date for Kirk
Kirk's race bikes will be going on display at Ards Shopping Centre on Saturday 20th June and Saturday 5th September. The display is primarily to sell tickets for the immaculate mini moto painted in Kirk's colours by Alan Finlay of NiceBike Paintshop however, children will also be able to have their picture taken on Kirk's racing machines and take away some free pictures.
Kirk: "I have to say a big thank you to Centre Manager Ken McGavock for this deal. Ards Shopping Centre attracts a massive number of shoppers on a Saturday so the opportunity to put my bikes on display will give great coverage to my sponsors and give us a fantastic outlet to sell our raffle tickets. All of my sponsors are local so this is the perfect location to give them some additional advertising, the mini moto is also one of my Supporters Club's main sources of income this year so the sale of tickets is crucial to my campaign."
2nd April
Kirk attended a PR day for the Belfast & District Motor Club at Kirkistown Primary School to promote the forthcoming Easter Monday races at Kirkistown. Scott Thompson, Karen Hadden and Gerard Kinghan were also in attendance and after some photos the children got a chance to sit on the bikes, talk to the riders and get some signed pictures to take home.
30th March
Hours after returning from Donington Park Kirk attended the press launch for the Easter Saturday Bishopscourt races at Temple Golf Club.
29th March
Captain Kirk led the Northern Ireland team to a glorious win at the Six Nations races at Donnington.
25th March
Mayor of Ards Jim Fletcher met up with Kirk at Newtownards Town Hall to wish him good luck ahead of his Six Nations trip. Keen to recognise a local sporting acheivement, Mayor Fletcher was delighted to learn that Kirk would also Captain the team and wished him a safe and successful trip.
13th February 2009
Kirk named as Northern Ireland Captain at Six Nations launch
Kirk has recently been selected as captain of the Northern Ireland team for the up-coming six nations races at Donnington Park in March. A delighted Kirk said "It is a great honour to be selected as captain of such a strong team and hopefully we will come home as the winning team."
Late January 2009
Kirk to star in DVD
This year I am to be sponsored by RF Concepts, a Dundonald camera company owned by Roy Cardwell. This sponsorship is in the form of onboard camera equipment which I will use to compile a full season of onboard footage of my racing, footage which will be sold on DVD at the end of the year.
"Roy supplied me with the camera and all associated equipment to run it during 2008, my brother Cliff now has it all rigged up and after a few practice goes last year we are ready to go for 2009. It provides an interesting insight into how I see things for the rest of the team, especially those who have not raced themselves. It actually helps with my racing too as it allows you to sit back and analyse where you may be losing time, should it be lines or gearing etc. The footage will be edited into a couple of DVD's which will be sold by my Supporters Club at the end of the year. It is a generous offer by RF Concepts which I am very grateful for, when people see the quality of footage I have no doubt there will be a queue at Roy's door."
Kirk in Northern Ireland team for Six Nations
Kirk will be making his first ever appearance at the famous Donnington Park circuit in Derbyshire in March. The inaugural Six Nations competition is to be held over the weekend of 28th and 29th March with 12 man teams, comprising of six Supersport and six Superbike riders, from Northern Ireland, Southern Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales and Isle of Man all taking part.
Kirk said "To be picked to ride for Northern Ireland is a great feather in my cap, I have always wanted to race at Donnington as well so I am thoroughly looking forward to the event. The NI team is very strong and, whilst we haven't seen the other teams yet, we obviously hope to be bringing the Six Nations trophy home with us! I am sure it will be a very competitive two days but a lot of fun too. The event will also provide me with some excellent testing ahead of the ISB double header over Easter. I am also taking my Superbike over and will enter both it and my 600 in the Support races as well as doing the 600 Nations races so there will be a lot of track time. I have a test day at Bishopscourt and the first round of the ISB at Mondello Park prior to the event but the additional track time gained at Donington should stand me in good stead for Bishopscourt and Kirkistown two weeks later.
With the event being televised it will also provide some much needed coverage for my sponsors and also allow me to gauge myself up against some of the top riders from British Supersport and Superstock. With Mondello the week before it means I will kick the season off with 13 races in 9 days, the perfect tonic for the winter break!
Kirk has just put pen to paper to sign a sponsorship deal with Dunlop Tyres, a delighted Kirk said "I am over the moon to have finalised a deal with Dunlop for the forthcoming season, I first tested Dunlops at the tail end of 2008 and without a doubt they are the best Tyre I have ever used. Clinching a deal for 2009 therefore is a major plus for me as it not only ensures I am on the best tyres but the deal offered by Dunlop ensures I will be able to afford to be on fresh Tyres throughout the season."
Early January 2009
With only two months to go until the 2009 season gets underway, Kirk received a massive boost to his campaign last night with the re-signing of his biggest sponsors, Feckin Irish Whiskey. "To get Feckin back on board for another year was crucial to our 2009 plans, so obviously it comes as a major boost and relief to have come to an agreement. They have become one of my biggest sponsors over the past two years and in the current climate you simply cannot afford to lose support like that. I also think that I have become known as the Feckin guy, especially in my trips across the water, it is a fantastic product to be supported by as it causes a lot of media interest. For 2009 Feckin have launched a new product, Feckin spiced, so we will be working hard to promote this product throughout what we hope will be a successful year."
December 2008
Kirk is pleased to announce that, to date, he can confirm he has retained the support of Jim Angus Contracts, H Richie & Sons, Nice Bike Paintshop, H&J Martin, Rodney Brown Gardening Services and Irish Racer Magazine for 2009.
Kirk has also acquired a new sponsor in the form of JD McGeown Ltd, an electrical firm from Belfast. Kirk said, "To be in a position to announce a new sponsor in the current economic climate gives me great personal satisfaction and is a major boost as we head into the holiday period. Hopefully we can make another few announcements early in the new year in regard to both previous and new sponsors. Along with the renewed committment of my Supporters Club we are well on our way to putting together a competitive package for 2009."
19th June 2008
Ahead of his return to Irish Championship action at Bishopscourt last week, Kirk received his new Nolan X-lite helmets which he will use for the remainder of 08.
This additional sponsorship is Kirk's first helmet deal and was brokered by Irish Racer / Careva Publishing's Paul Lindsay.
Kirk said: "To sign a helmet deal is a fantastic bonus for me. I have always had to buy my own helmets which can be a costly business if you have a few crashes so this will be more than helpful. I used the helmets at Bishopscourt and was really impressed with how comfortable and light they were. They are the latest models and look fantastic so a big thanks to Nolan."
28th February 2008
Kirk was recently approached by the Newsletter to write a regular column for their weekly 'Keep er lit' motorcycling pull-out. Kirk was delighted to accept.
28th February 2008
Kirk Jamison as riders representative for the ISB riders association delivered a well received address to the gathered press at the launch of the 2008 Irish Superbike Championships in Belfast's Ramada Hotel.
Kirk has played a major role in the revival and promotion of the ISB championship in an effort to increase awarenesss of the sport and bring in new sponsorship to raise its profile higher still.
9th January 2008
Asking Kirk about his race plans for the forthcoming season this is what Kirk had to reveal. “For 2008 I will have the use of two new machines which are currently being race prepared by Clive Padgett in England. For my third crack at the Irish Superbike Championship I will be using a new 2008 Honda Fireblade 1000cc, I will definitely be looking to improve on my 4th place in 2007 and ideally my 2nd place of 2006 also!
“I am also returning to the Irish Supersport 600 Championship after two years there in 2004 and 2005 when I finished 11th and 3rd respectively. For this Championship I will have a new 2008 R6 Yamaha 600cc machine, after some promising outings on a borrowed 600 in 2007 I have high hopes for this class in 2008.
“As well as the Irish Championships I will be returning to East Fortune in April and also in September when I will challenge for the Steve Hislop Memorial Trophy. In August I make my fourth visit to Croft in an attempt to retain the Laird of Croft trophy I won in 2007 and regain the Ken Redfern Trophy I held in 2006.
“It is hoped that I will compete in a British Championship race also in the Superstock class, this is funds and dates permitting.
“So, bike preparation and training are well under way for what I hope will be a successful 2008 season”.
2nd October 2007
KJ met up with his employers and sponsors H&J Martin for a photo op this week at their premises in Belfast after what was H&J Martin's first year of sponsoring a motorcycle racer. Kirk said "It has been great to have the support of my employers behind me this year especially considering the regard in which H&J Martin are held after almost 170 years in operation".
Mr Geoff Martin (left), Kirk Jamison (center) and Mr WG Martin (right)
15th September 2007
Kirk is now selling his 2006 GSXR1000. Reprofiled Cams, Ohlins Suspension, Brembo Master Cylinder, Full Yoshimura Exhaust System, Fully refreshed at beginning of year plus spare wheels with discs - £6,500 ono. Contact Kirk on 07855 250 833.
15th September 2007
Kirk now holds the lap record for the East Fortune race circuit in Scotland.
20th August 2007
Kirk Jamison Motorcycle Racing Supporters Club
A meeting will be held in 'The Wildfowler Inn' in Greyabbey on Thursday 6th September at 8pm to launch a new Supporters club for Kirk. A team of dedicated individuals have put their heads together and are looking for as much support as possible to get club up and running. If anyone is interested in becoming either an active member of the committee or simply just a member they should go along on the night and get immediately involved in Kirk's 2008 campaign.
If anyone would like any further details they can contact Kirk on 07855 250 833.
24th June 2007
Kirk now holds the outright lap record for the Anglesey race circuit in Wales.
14th June 2007
Wayne Griffiths from England has offered Kirk the chance to ride his 2004 CBR600RR Honda for the rest of the season, an offer Kirk has readily accepted.
21st & 22nd April 2007
Kirk Jamison racing went on their 'foreign' travels to East Fortune in Scotland. Qualifying was held in very wet conditions and Kirk excelled to put the big Suzuki on pole. The weather conditions all weekend were changeable and Kirk done extremely well to get a win and two second places.
7th April 2007
A poor (by his standards) qualifying left Kirk with plenty of work to do in his two championship races at Bishopscourt. But work he did, coming through the field picking them off one by one, getting the lead and going on to extend the lead and win the opening superbike race.
The second race saw Kirk make slower progress but he still rode hard and fought his way through to fourth at the chequered flag losing out on the final podium spot by less than two tenths of a second and had there been an extra lap he would clearly have finished third.
Kirk is now second overall in the championship just half a point down.
27th and 28th March 2007
Kirk was one of a select few invited racers to be invited to attend the two press conferences for the launch of the prestigious Easter weekend races. The first press conference on the Monday evening was for the Easter Saturday event promoted by the MCRRCI who annually only invite one rider to their press conference, and this year Kirk was it!! The following evening then Kirk attended the press conference for the launch of the Belfast and District motor clubs Easter Monday event.
Both evenings were a great opportunity for Kirk's sponsor's logos to get more exposure to the local press, where his race bike was on full view all night long.
17th and 18th March 2007
The opening round of this years Irish Superbike Championships were held at Mondello Park and Kirk got his season off to a cracking start winning one of the two races despite being in considerable comfort due to hurting his back in a charity football match the day before.
28th February 2007
Kirk's big superbike Suzuki has been freshened up and run in, in preparation for the season ahead. Kirk intends riding at this Saturday's test day at Bishopscourt to shake of the winter blues and get some mileage under his belt in time for the season opener at Mondello Park over the St. Patrick's weekend.
28th February 2007
Preston based Wayne Griffiths has agreed to let Kirk ride the UK Fleet Monitor Honda CBR600RR at selected UK race meetings. Kirk's first outing on the Honda has been pencilled in for Scotland at the East Fortune circuit and he also hopes to ride the same machine at Anglesey in Wales.
16th January 2007
Kirk Jamison racing are pleased to announce the addition of another new sponsor for the 2007 season. NG Bell & Son Ltd a Ballywalter based Timber importer and Builders Merchant have come onboard and will be assisting Kirk out financially.
12th January 2007
Kirk Jamison racing are having a fund raising social evening in Conlig Orange Hall (Conlig is on Dual Carraigeway between Newtownards and Bangor) on Saturday 17th February at 8PM
Music / Competitions / Prizes
Light Supper Provided
Admission £5
5th January 2007
Kirk attended the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) dinner and awards ceremony in the La Mon Hotel. In recognition of Kirk's achievements on the local race circuits in 2006, the MCUI(UC) presented Kirk with two awards.
14th December 2006
Kirk Jamison racing is delighted to announce the addition of a new sponsor - Feckin Irish Whiskey. Feckin Irish Whiskey is owned by Portaferry entrepreneur Shane Braniff, a long time Rally sponsor this will be Shane's first proper involvement with motorcycling.
2nd December 2006
Jonathan Rea was officially opening Stephen Cull's new Trade a Fone shop in Bangor and Kirk was invited down for the opening ceremony.
Picture courtesy of 'The Chronicle'
