Racing News |
Podium joy for BCperformance Kawasaki at the Island
The 2025 Australian Supersport Championship got off to strong start with both riders, Olly Simpson and Hayden Nelson, on the race podium over the weekends 3 races.
Olly Simpson featuring on the round podium on his debut on the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
South Australian Olly Simpson showed some great skill and determination over the weekend with the round form starting well with a 3rd place in the 20 minute qualifying session and a front row grid position. Olly then went on to backup his qualifying form by battling in the lead group in all three 10 lap races and crossing the line in 4-3-5 place finishes with the latter only being hampered by a issue with the rear tyre.
“It is a new bike and team for me and every time I rode the bike we made steps forward. I was really pleased to come away with a round podium on our first outing together, I can’t thank the team enough” said a elated Olly.
On the other side of the garage, up and coming youngster Hayden Nelson had a steadier start to the weekend and put his Ninja ZX-6R in 8thplace for a 3rd row grid position. The Taree teenager is embarking on his 2nd year with the team and has been building in confidence and maturity resulting in some excellent riding over the three 10 lap races with a 5-DNF-3. The unfortunate DNF caused by an overheating engine in race 2 the only negative in what was superb weekend topped off with a podium in the final race.
“I qualified a further back than I would have liked but ended the weekend on a high with a 3rd place finish. I am happy with that. Leading into round 2 we got some things to work on and can’t wait to get back to it again at Sydney” said Hayden
BCperformance Kawasaki team manager Kelvin Reilly took stock of the positives from the weekend “It has been a solid start for the team. We only received the new 2025 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R three weeks ago. I want to thank all the team for coming together and digging deep to make this happen. We were rewarded with both riders on the podium in the first round. Olly and Hayden were outstanding all weekend and a joy to work with. The team is looking forward to getting back to business at our home round on 28-29 March at Sydney Motorsport Park”
