Positive Test for Hawk Kawasaki - March 26th 2007

Despite the cold and wet weather conditions Hawk Kawasaki are pleased with the progress they made at the pre season test at Snetterton at the weekend, 23rd - 25th March. It was the first time that all four riders, Smart, Hickman, Hallett and Wright had been out on the track as a team.

The two Superbike riders Smart and Hickman braved the wet elements on Saturday and found a good wet race set up. It was the first outing for Smart on the ZX10 since he signed with Hawk a few weeks ago. Having not ridden a Kawasaki since 2004 the Maidstone rider adapted well to the bike and the atrocious conditions. The two riders tested a variety of new electronics plus new compound Dunlop tyres which proved to be a success.

Hickman continued to bode with the 06 ZX10 and consistently improved his times throughout the weekend in both the wet and dry. He is settling in well to the new bike having ridden the 05 model last season. The team tested a number of new set ups over the weekend and the varying conditions were useful for the team to get a good understanding of how the bikes work in all weather elements.

The two Hawk Junior riders Hallett and Wright both were taking it steady and getting to grips with their new bikes. Hallett riding in the Superstock Cup, adjusted well to his new 1000cc machine and they made a huge amount of progress and he was adapting his riding style to suit it. Wright was bedding in his new ZX6 and getting to grips with the ultra fast Snetterton Circuit. The two riders are now eager for the season opener at Brands Hatch on Easter Weekend.

Team Owner Stuart Hicken was happy with the weekend saying "The weather didn't prove to be a problem for us as it allowed us to try a number of different settings out on the four bikes. We know which direction we are heading in now and know what we have to do to get there. We are going to try and get out again before Brands as we have a significant amount of new parts to test before the racing starts. I'm pleased with the two youngsters, David and Jak, they took things steady but I feel have learnt a lot in just the one weekend. I'm looking forward to the season and hoping all the riders will have a good one."