The Royal Air Force Classic Motorcycle Race Team is made up of current and veteran RAF personnel, currently competing in the Classic Motorcycle Racing Club [CMRC] series.
Throughout its successful three decades of existence, the team has grown to (and remains at) around 10 competitors, with the bikes involved throughout the years varying greatly.
A few years back, for example, there were no less than nine 250cc bikes in action in the Air-Cooled class, some of which have since been replaced by Honda VFR750s – with five of these expected to compete for the remainder of 2020.
Pictured (right) are five of the ten current competitors in the RAF Classic Motorcycle Race Team: Dave Williams, Andy Green, Jon Brown, Symon Woodward and Paul Kirby.
For many years, this outfit has been proudly supported by EBC Brakes. The disc brake-clad motorcycles used are equipped with EBC’s GPFAX race pads and floating MC discs, allowing relatively old brake caliper technology to perform on track like modern braking systems.
The CMRC race season returned to action post-lockdown on 11-12 July at Cadwell Park, with a number of other races set for the remainder of the year. Be sure to catch the team and their retro-liveried bikes at a race near you soon.
Below are some of the team’s thoughts on the EBC products used on track.
“The GPFAX pads have not only given me an edge throughout the seasons, but also when I really needed the reliability and feel to get me out of a situation when I out-braked myself into a hairpin whilst road racing on the continent on an unforgiving circuit…” – Andy Green
“Last year’s eventful season was made better by our sponsor, EBC Brakes. This kit is awesome, even on a heavy bike like the XJ – they give you control on the slower corners and so much confidence on long straights. Greatly appreciated.” – Jon Brown
“My TZ has been a labour of love so far with most of the original parts being replaced or upgraded, the most noticeable upgrade being the EBC Brakes discs and pads. To actually have marshalls tell you how good you are ‘on the brakes’ speaks volumes!” – Paul Kirby
Products mentioned:
Floating MC Rotors
X and XC Floating MC rotors are the lightest rotors you can buy, they will eliminate all your vibration problems and last longer than conventional rotors using round button technology. Both designs further reduce weight by using only six drive buttons. This further reduces the unit weight by up to 300 grammes.
GPFAX Formula Sintered Race pads
The GPFAX Formula Sintered Race pads are a direct replacement of the GPFA series. This formula is even higher in friction and created specifically to be used only on asphalt surfaces such as those found in race track conditions. Because of the super performance that they provide, these brake pads are a growing favourite choice of superbike racers. Another benefit of the GPFAX sintered material is that it now has even better heat cycling ability allowing the brake pads to be raced, cooled, then raced again.
