Podium promotes Cooper in Superstocks title chase

Knox protected Richard Cooper is currently chasing JohnMcGuinness for 3rd place in the 2009 Metzeler National Superstock Championship following a thrilling round at Silverstone, where he claimed his fifth podium of the season.

With Croft race winner McGuinness setting a blistering pace to qualify on pole, and, with newly crowned champion, Alistair Seeley defecting to ride in the new EVO Superbike class, even more points were up for grabs as Cooper looked to close the gap on McGuinness’ stranglehold over third. From the lights, Cooper made a strong start from P4 on the outside of the front row, quickly becoming embroiled in an epic battle with eventual race winner Jenkinson, McGuinness, Neill and Brogan. Never outside the top four, Cooper looked assured of a podium finish. With the two Padgetts Hondas clashing on lap 12, leaving Brogan in the gravel, Cooper briefly elevated his Co-ordit Yamaha into second but could not hold off the advances of McGuinness. The 26 year old crossed the line in third to claim his fifth podium of the season and 16 valuable points. With Brogan failing to score Cooper has been handed a lifeline, and the final round will now see a three-way battle for the runner-up spot. The 2009 season will draw to a thrilling close in two weeks time as the British Superbike Series heads to Oulton Park in Cheshire (9 - 11 October). Cooper will be going out all guns blazing to snatch back third, and possibly even claim second, in the Superstock championship, with Knox protecting him all the way.

Knox on the piste in Mega Avalanche

Knox protection will be put to the test in what is probably the most exhausting downhill course. Jumble is in training to compete in next year's Mega Avalanche, which takes place in the Alpine resort of Alpe D’Huez, France on July 11-12th.

Hundreds of riders will tackle this rocky, snow-covered 32km course which has over 8,500ft of descent and Jumblw will be relying on Knox protection. Read all about his training on his blog at http://jumble.pinkbike.com/blog/52weeks.html

KNOX protectors – test on a real human body

Knox is a truly global brand and we are constantly receiving feedback from riders across the world. Here ae two recent reports from riders competing in the Polish Superstock 600cc series.

Janusz Mitko #18 Superstock 600


Thanks to smooth cooperation with Red Line I have got the possibility to protect my body with Red Line suit equipped with KNOX protectors during motorcycle races since 2008. After first season I have decided to continue with KNOX also in 2009 as a rider of DePRO Racing Team. This season ends very soon and I would like to share me feelings about this product. I am not aware to admit that I am rather a risky rider, who tries very quickly to get on a pro level having very poor experience, and if you know what motorcycle racing is about, you know that means lot of crashes I stopped counting how many times I had a crash (delicate or really serious one) but what I know is that I can write this text right now thanks to perfect protection of my body during races. KNOX back protectors are very convenient and there were never any problems in wearing it, being true, I have never felt this protector on my back. It can seem that something that is so light and almost not existing on your body cannot protect your backbone, neck and other sensitive parts of your body, but….it can, believe me. I experienced different kinds of rider’s defeat – huge high-sides, really fast low-sides, crashes with other rider, going straight into safety zone, etc. – and never have any serious injuries. I can fully recommend KNOX product and I will surely use them in the future, they can guarantee safety on the race track, and I know it not from advertising, I felt it in reality.

Arkadiusz Sliwa #23 Superstock 600
I have been using Knox protectors for 2 years now, and I am that type of rider who doesn’t fall very often, but once I do fall it is usually quite hard. This year I went down twice. One crash was a low-side at apx. 150 km/h where mainly Red-Line racing suit got tested, and it has passed this test very good for me. The second crash was a spectacular high-side while riding in wet which thanks to Knox back protector finished only with a huge purple bruise on my butt instead a serious injury. As far as comfort these protectors are really great, together with Red Line racing suit they all feel as a one integral package which gives me a lot of confidence each time a throw a leg over my bike.

Forma boots got the distance at Bol d'Or

FORMA supported riders took first, second and third places on the podium at Magny Cours in the 73rd Bol d'Or 24-Hour World Endurance race.

Suzuki Endurance Racing Team (SERT) rider Freddy Foray piloted the GSX-R1000 to 815 laps, three more than runners-up Honda Michelin Power, whose Matthieu Lagrive also relies on Forma boots. In third was another Forma racer, Javier Fores on the Team GSR Kawasaki.
Following an action-packed opening, with four riders crashing on the second lap and the safety cars forced to circulate for some time, SERT held a narrow lead after three hours. During the night they gradually stretched their advantage over Honda Michelin Power and Yamaha France GMT. Mechanical reliability and quicker pit stops built Suzuki's lead to three laps, sealing the team's victory in this prestigious endurance event.

Streetwise Forma for winter

Forma, manufacturers of CE-approved motorcycle footwear and suppliers to current British Superbike Championship challenger James Ellison, are renowned for the superb protection afforded by their sports boots. Although James and the other BSB contenders demand the very best in comfort, fit and protection from their boots, the year-round road rider needs that little bit extra. With this in mind, Forma has expanded its already comprehensive touring range with an all-new model, the Street Evo.
Protection from the elements is crucial for any motorcyclist planning to ride through the autumn and winter months, so the Street Evo features a Drytex tubular lining to ensure even the worst weather conditions are kept at bay. Riding in wintry conditions can also increase the risk of accidents, so a durable leather upper, TPU moulded plastic protectors at the shin and ankle, and a TPU Dual Flex, anti-shock EVA midsole are incorporated, to provide maximum impact protection, hence CE-approval. Dual Velcro fasteners provide a snug fit, and a triple density, anti-slip and oil-resistant sole offers further piece of mind; giving a firm grip on the pegs and sure-footing on wet roads.
The Street Evo's flexible construction, memory foam inserts and an innovative Air Pump System (APS) – which provides extra cushioning by using pressure from the foot to pump air into the footbed – ensure comfort during day-long rides.
Forma Street Evo boots are available in black, sizes 36-50 at an RRP of £99.99.
Planet Knox T. 01900 825825, W. http://www.planet-knox.com/

Knox - the technology behind racers

Keith Amor is one of many leading UK racers with good reason to be grateful for recent advances in impact protection. Amor crashed out of the Ulster Grand Prix as he tried to seize the lead on the final lap of the Supersport 600cc race. This had been a frantic contest, with up to 9 riders fighting it out for the lead in one of Ireland’s most famous road races. Fortunately, Keith escaped relatively unscathed, apart from mild concussion, thanks to modern body armour.
“Wearing the Planet-Knox back protector gives me the confidence that if I do crash I have the best protection available,” comments Keith. “The protector is lightweight and very comfortable. I had never been one to wear a back protector for my racing as I always found them too bulky and uncomfortable - that was before I tried Knox”.
The Knox Contour used by Keith is one of the latest generation of Level 2 back protectors, made to the toughest current European standard. Not only does it absorb 33% more energy from an impact than is required by the CE standard, it also covers far more of the back than is specified, including the vulnerable coccyx at the base of the spine, providing valuable extra protection. Another reason for the Contour’s popularity with racers is that it is incredibly light, at just 600 grams, thanks to extensive use of inclined wall honeycomb cell technology. Unlike traditional foam rubber materials used by many manufacturers, honeycomb cells act like mini ‘crumple zones’ absorbing massive amounts of energy as they deform. This honeycomb is engineered and formed in a 5-layer mould to follow the contours of the spine for a precise figure-hugging fit beneath race leathers.
“I now won't get on a bike without my Knox back protector; I’m really happy with its performance and how comfortable the product is, you just don't know you are wearing it” adds Keith.
This race specification technology is not expensive; the top-of-the-range Contour race sells in the shops for less than £100 and models are also produced to suit road riders.
Call 01900 825825 or visit http://www.planet-knox.com/
Racing images by Alan Armstrong Photography

Seeley takes the Knox to scoop 2009 Superstock title

Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing's Alastair Seeley clinched the National 1000cc Superstock Championship title at Cadwell Park in Lincolnshire, havng taken win number nine of the season to maintain his one 100% record. Seeley puts his trust in Knox on road and track, competing not only in the British Superstock series but also in many Irish road races, where he has recorded six wins from six starts. He can also boast an outright circuit lap record at Kirkistown in Northern Ireland. Everyone at Knox congratulates Alastair on his achievement and we look forward to supporting him in future - maybe in British Superbikes?

Jamie Law backs the Warrior Harness

The latest edition of DBR magazine features the only CE approved harness to work with a neck brace - another 1st for Knox. Relentless Suzuki Rider Jamie Law worked with Knox for over a year to help develop a harness that would not only work with a neck brace but would also lbe ight, flexible and comfortable.
To quote Jamie " At first my Knox felt alien, now I hardly know I'm wearing it and value it as much as my helmet"
With the Knox Warrior riders no longer need to choose between wearing Impact Protection or a Neck Brace, because they are designed to work together to help riders stay protected, not just from the neck up!