Owens uses EBC’s GPFAX pads and floating motorcycle discs on his Kawasaki ZX-10R in the Bennetts British Superbikes Championship
The Dean Hipwell-owned Rapid CDH Racing Team has employed rider Josh Owens to pilot a Kawasaki ZX-10R in the Bennetts British Superbikes Championship for the 2021 season.
Owens is proudly supported by EBC Brakes, meaning his race bike features the firm’s GPFAX pads and floating motorcycle discs in each race.
As the championship reaches its half-way point, the team gives us an update on how the season has gone so far in their own words below.
“The 2021 season started off great for us at Rapid CDH Racing – during pre-season testing (when the weather was on our side) we achieved personal bests at each test.
“Round one at Oulton Park continued that form, with Josh setting a personal best lap time of 1.35.5 and getting through qualifying one into qualifying two.
“Unfortunately, at the end of qualifying one, Josh suffered a large crash, which luckily he walked away from. The bike didn’t fare as well, taking substantial damage.
“The team managed to get it turned around just in time for the race, but the setup wasn’t quite right, and Josh pulled in. For race two, the bike was working much better and was lapping as fast as it was during qualifying, with Josh only narrowly missing out on a point behind Andrew Irwin in 16th place.
“For race three, Josh was running in 13th position in front of Rory Skinner but unfortunately there was a technical issue stemming from the qualifying crash, which forced Josh to retire from the race.
“Onwards to Knockhill and with the team in high spirits after a positive Oulton Park round, we had a steady free practice one as most of the competition had tested there a couple of weeks before.
“In free practice two, Josh suffered a crash which again damaged the bike quite badly, but much worse was the fact it had damaged Josh’s right hand to the point he needed an operation to install wires.”
“This meant we had to miss both the Brands Hatch and Thruxton rounds of the championship.
“For Donington Park and Cadwell Park, we had a ‘stand in’ rider in the form of Joe Sheldon Shaw, it was a baptism of fire for Joe having never ridden a superbike before, but he improved every session at Donington. Unfortunately, he crashed in race two and made the wrong tyre choice in race three but overall, a positive weekend.
“At Cadwell Park, Joe again improved in every session and had a great weekend, scoring a point in 15th position in race two. Race three saw Joe again improve his lap times with a 1.28.2 in a battle with Dean Harrison.
“For Snetterton, Josh Owens was back from his injury to try and ride the bike. After a fantastic day one, Josh was only 0.3 seconds from his personal best lap time after a 6-week layoff and not 100% fit.
“Unfortunately, overnight his hand and wrist swelled up meaning he had very little movement and couldn’t finish the weekend.
“On the eve of Silverstone, Josh had an appointment with a wrist specialist which deemed that there was further issues with his wrist, meaning an MRI scan would be required.
“We are aiming to finish the season strong with Josh and have a great season next year to make up on what we should have done this year.
“The whole team would personally thank our team sponsors, without their help none of this would be possible!”
GPFAX Pads
GPFAX Sintered Race Brake Pads are for RACE ONLY use. This is a blend of brake pad that has higher friction and far better grip than any other brake product on the market.
Floating Motorcycle Discs
Since their introduction, EBC’s ultra-lightweight floating motorcycle rotors have become one of the worlds best selling lightest and best performing discs available for all modern sport bikes.
