New kids on the block OMG Racing enjoy positive BSB test

British Superbike new-comers OMG Racing Suzuki enjoyed a positive shakedown test at Cartagena last week, ahead of the team’s championship bow at Donington Park later this month with Gino Rea and Ben Luxton.

Former European Superstock 600 champion, Rea, got his first taste of a BSB-spec superbike, as he tested his GSX-R1000 with the new team at the Spanish circuit, working on getting comfortable on the more powerful machine, as well as race-runs and tyre life.

Gino Rea on Suzuki GSX-R1000 - test ride in Spain

He said after the test, “I honestly could not have expected any more from our first test, I’m very happy. We basically started from zero here. It was my first time working with the team, my first time on a superbike, and it was the team’s first outing, too.

“Our tyre life is great, even on the abrasive Cartagena circuit, which bodes well for us going forward. People tend to get caught up in one-off laps and outright pace at preseason tests, but it’s the long distance pace that’s going to pay off in the races.

“I’m really pleased with how quickly we formed a great rapport within the team, too. This was especially important for me and I must say a very big thank you to everyone in the team for the preparation and the hard work over the five days.

“Things get real now and the next time we’re on circuit is at the official BSB test at Donington Park on March 20, followed by the race a week later. I’m excited and can’t wait to get started.”

Ben Luxton on GSX-R1000 passing BSB test

Perspectives

Team would have to add plenty of bikes to the Vintage Parts Programme. But Tim is keen to point out that that doesn’t mean parts for those bikes are not available.

“It’s a time-consuming and lengthy process, getting every part indexed and photographed and a bike set up on the programme. But if you have a Suzuki that’s not on there, it doesn’t mean parts are not available. The best thing to do is create a wish-list and take it to your local Suzuki dealership, who can check our stock, or also stock available in Europe. We had a customer after a cylinder and lower fairing for an RG500, and we had them sat, brand new, in our UK warehouse. If there’s something you need, just ask us about it. You may be surprised what’s still available.”