THINK! CONTINUES PARTNERSHIP WITH BRITISH SUPERBIKES

The THINK! road safety campaign will continue its association with the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship (BSB), becoming an Associate Sponsor of the 12 race series which gets underway at Brands Hatch from 3rd April.

THINK! has been a partner of BSB since 2004, delivering safety messages and advice on how to improve riding skills to riders who are also race fans with independent research showing that 90% of fans consider the THINK! campaign to be relevant to them. Knox has been actively involved with this campaign and as world leaders in impact protection for motorcyclists are delighted to support this year's THINK! The focus of the 2010 campaign is to encourage bikers to improve their skills by taking further training, highlighting that through better skills comes better biking. This year's partnership will see a brand new unit roll in to the paddock for all 12 rounds, which will reflect the theme of a to p racing team’s pit garage. The unit will be packed with interactive features, while also providing fans with a chance to sign up f or BikeSafe riding assessments, further training courses through the Enhanced Rider Scheme, and through contacts with their local authority via Road Safety GB. The campaign also aims to educate BSB fans on key safety equipment including helmets by providing information on the Safety Helmet Assessment and Ratings Programme (SHARP). The unit will also play host to the brand new THINK! BSB Radio which will be on air throughout each race weekend delivering a mix of engaging interviews with famous riders, race commentaries, features with THINK! partners and road safety messaging.

A THINK! spokesperson said: “Our research has shown that the British Superbike Championship is the ideal forum in which to communicate with riders who are race fans. The campaign has been adapted to ensure that it provides fans with an experience which is engaging as well as informative.

"With motorcyclists accounting for just 1% of all road traffic but 19% of fatalities on the roads we need to make sure that we are doing everything we can to make them safer. THINK!’s involvement with British Superbikes allows us to get important safety messages directly to riders".

Jamie Law - race update

"It does become apparent, as everything is falling into place, how I would not be doing this sport without all sponsors invaluable help" writes Knox protected MX racer Jamie Law. "

March 14th British Master – Round 1 – Mallory Park
Results – Qualifying 5th; Race 1 - 9th (Race 2 Cancelled due to lack of first aid cover. Race 2 will run at 2nd Round - Dean Moor
Nr Workington 11th April).

"5th in qualifying, which I was very pleased with and only 2 seconds off pole. Overnight rain and excess Youth racing on the Sat meant that it was not prepped as it should have been, resulted in many accidents. Race 1 - my start was appalling and I rode hard to come through and finish in 9th position. Well disappointed with myself, the second race was cancelled as above and it will run on my local track at Dean Moor".
March 21st –Maxxis British Championship - Round 2 - Mallory Park
Results – Qualify 15th; Race 1 – 12th / Race 2 - DNF / Race 3 - 16th

"Two weeks running at the same track, not full of enthusiasm as the previous week's track prep was hindered due to the weather and as we arrived on Sat I was hoping a miracle might have happened within 5 days but was even more disappointed at the track conditions, the weather taking its toll. The Maxxis British is possibly the best Championship in Europe with riders travelling from all over Europe and I was pleased with my 15th Qualifier. Race 1 - I came from about 18th to 12th with again 10seconds at the flag between 12th & 8th place. Race 2 – watch out on Sky cause you will see I made a brilliant start top 10 moved up to 6th/7th in about 4 corners to crash in a massive rut going over the bars, so mad at myself. Race 3 – I made a decent start to again crash more or less the same part of the track as race 2, running about 12th dropped to 16th. Not a good day at the office but I was 17th on the day which was a surprise after a dnf (did not finish) and only dropped a place to 16th in the Championship".

Race Events coming up

• April 4th – Red Bull Pro – Landrake, Devon

• April 5th – British MX323 – Torrington, Devon

• April 11th – British Masters – Dean Moor, Workington
• May 2nd Maxxis British Championship – Duns, Scotland
• May 9th - British Masters - Whitby

Jenkinson makes top 15 to secure World Cup hopes for 2010 season

Knox protected Stu Jenkinson from Workington in Cumbria, known as ‘Jenko’ in the world of Downhill Mountain Bike racing, has had a dream start to his 2010 season. Last weekend Stu travelled to Portugal to compete alongside 140+ riders in the Maxxis Cup International competition knowing that he needed to secure a top 15 place to guarantee him the final 2 points he needed before the start of the World Cup Series in May.

Racing conditions were not ideal and the pressure mounted on Saturday after the practice session was hampered by torrential rain. The track became extremely boggy and rutted in parts, so strength and power were required in order to cut through the mud , then speed and skill to get through the rocky sections and tight twists and turns.

"Competition this weekend was immense; with top riders competing from all over the world, including Gee Atherton (the 2008 World Champion) who won the race" comments Stu. His determination saw him successfully finish the race in 14^th place, the 4^th fastest British rider, securing the points he needed and his place in the 2010 World Cup Series.

Stu commented after the race “I’ve been training very hard for the start of this season, I feel fitter than ever. To come here to Portugal and get this result under these weather and track conditions is the best start I could ask for. There are a lot of top riders here, all looking for points for the World Cup series too, now I have all mine, so I am really pleased and can concentrate on my goals for 2010. The weather today was glorious, compared to yesterday’s downpour; the atmosphere and the crowds were electric, a really great weekend. I just can’t wait for the World Cup races to start now”.

As well as the World Cup series, Stu will be competing in the European Championships and the British Nationals. His next race is a British National in Wales on the 10/11th April and all at Knox wish him well.

School of hard Knox

Many children enjoy the fun and freedom of motorcycling; either through competition or as pillion passengers. Protecting younger riders from injury is crucial, but can be difficult, as the choice of equipment tailored for children is limited. Knox - world leaders in the development and manufacture of body protection systems – produces its Aegis back protector in seven sizes, including one specifically designed for children, providing young riders the same level of protection, comfort and style as their adult counterparts. Comfort is key to encouraging children to wear protection and the Aegis features a fully adjustable waist strap and automatic shoulder strap slider system, to offer a snug and comfortable fit and minimise restriction to movement. Its refined low profile cut and unique flex channels also allow the Aegis to sit perfectly around the contours of the child’s back for a close fit. Combined with a superior air venting system for maximum airflow, and the unique honeycomb plate design which keeps weight to a minimum, it all ensures day-long comfort. Maximum protection and impact absorption is also guaranteed, thanks to Knox's unique honeycomb plate design and inclined cell wall technology. For extra piece of mind the Aegis is independently tested and approved to EN1621-2 Level 2 – the highest rating possible under current EU testing regulations. The Knox Aegis 4-plate junior back protector sells in the shops for £49.99. For more information on the Aegis and other Knox protection call 01900 825825 or visit http://www.knox-armour.co.uk/

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Testimonial - Rob Craig, Dawn to Dusk

We received the following testimonial from Rob Craig, who rides a KTM EXC450 in enduro, including the gruelling Dawn to Dusk, which is a 24-hour off road marathon.

"When I'm riding enduro the most important thing for me is to feel comfortable and safe" writes Rob. "With my Knox body armour, even after 24 hours of gruelling riding in the Dawn to Dusk Marathon Man class, it was still comfortable. This was the ultimate test for the Knox body armours, and for me, and it passed with flying colours."

So far, so good. But would Knox pass the ultimate test, in Rob's wife's washing machine? "In one word ... yes! It came out like new!"

Rob clearly rates Knox very highly and has been glad of its protective qualities during the occasional fall and when hitting trees too.

"So whether you are an every day rider, a weekend rider, a racer or one that takes riding to the extreme," says Rob "For me the Knox body armour is always a winner."

This is one of many unsolicited testimonials that Knox receives day in day out. Whatever your experience, we're always happy to hear from you.

Gravity Slaves put Knox knee protectors to the test

Gravity Slaves, the MTB website and forum, weren't familiar with Knox, so we sent them some Cross Lite and Cross Max knee guards. They were impressed by the light weight and heavy duty protection; "Overall a well thought out and quality range of padding with options for lighter weight or more comprehensive leg cover. Well worth checking out". Read the full review at http://www.gravity-slaves.co.uk/?a=514

Video shows protection provided by KanTeq and Knox

Planet-Knox technology is used by KanTeq in their equestrian body protectors. They recently received the following testimonial. The video shows the full force of the impact.

"Dear KanTeq, I have recently had an incident where I unfortunately had to make full use of my KanTeq body protector.

Last saturday (27th Feb) I experienced a rotational fall on my horse, Rolo. I was riding a 85cm eventers challenge course at Pachesham Equestrian centre. Upon arriving at jump no. 10 in the cross country section of the course, Rolo intended to stand-off over the spread, however he didn't gain enough height or width to clear it, and despite being a fairly advanced jumper he left a fore leg trailing. Needless to say we both ended up 'eating dirt'. Rolo took out the whole jump, and landed on his knees, forcing me onto the floor next to him, as he rolled a full 360 degrees, his hind-quarters landed on my upper back.

I think we both suffered with slight shock, but despite being taken to hospital after suffering vision problems and back/shoulder complaints I was discharged 3 hours later with no broken bones. I truly believe that my decision to wear my KanTeq that day could have effectively saved my spine from any long-lasting damage, and it is unbelievable that I didn't suffer any broken bones after having almost half a tonne land on me!!!

After previously show jumping without a body protector, I will now ALWAYS put it on before I jump!

Thank you KanTeq!

Regards,

Freddie Forrest & Rolo (who may I add was fully sound after the ordeal)".