EAST TROY, WI - Team Splitlath EBR was in action again this past weekend at the Chinese Pan Delta Superbike Racing Festival, with rider Shelina Moreda.
With a much larger and stronger field for this round, the competition was tough as the major bike manufacturers all jostle for position in the world’s fastest growing economy. There are now a number of excellent European riders competing. Adding to their already strong team of ex-Superbike champions, Yamaha brought young Jay Newton in from the U.S., and Kawasaki brought three seasoned Japanese riders; Mitsunori Okamura, Masahiro Shinjo and Shintaro Nakayama.
Team Splitlath EBR arrived in China one week early in order to do some testing, and to acclimatize to the searing heat and high humidity. Shelina Moreda’s first weekend here had delivered fantastic results, but due mostly to her bravery and natural skill. Realizing she could not improve without more of a learning approach, Shelina wanted to work on what she had heard regarding general Superbike riding style, and to try out new Metzler race rubber.
Team Principal, John Dimbylow said, “It’s certainly not instant gratification to go slower in order to learn ways to go faster in the long run, but it’s the right thing to do, and we were very happy to see this professional approach from Shelina.”
Shelina qualified 11th, and had a difficult start, but with some strong braking got herself to the back of the leading pack for turn one. You could hear the reaction of excitement from the 68,000 fans, who visibly and audibly follow Shelina.
As the race reached its last couple of laps, Shelina was in 5th place of the Superbike field but was getting stronger; she had caught the two riders in front of her and was lining them up down the straightaway. The crowd waited for her to appear at the final turn at the end of the last lap, expecting her to make the pass, but sadly she was still in 5th and even had dropped back a little from a missed shift as she had attempted the pass.
Sunday was busier that Saturday, but incredibly high temperature, so the crowds all packed into the higher tiers of the massive grandstands for shade. The asphalt was so hot that the mechanics’ shoe soles were melting!
Crew chief Tony Pogue said, “It’s hard to imagine the grid out here when Shelina is lined up. She always has the majority of the photographers and VIP guests around her, so many it’s hard to work and move around. Everyone wants a picture, or a few words, people just appear from nowhere to hold umbrellas over her, which can be annoying when trying to get photos for our sponsors and the media, but then again it is wonderful that people love her so much!”
Race 2 started, and this time Shelina launched hard and well to hit turn one in 5th position - ahead of some very quick and experienced guys. During the whole race, Shelina was caught up in battles with riders who were ahead of her in the previous rounds, and she looked comfortable, confident and very much at home on her EBR. The crowd was right behind her, eagerly awaiting her appearance around the corners directly before the main front and back straight stands. Shelina finished in 6th place, well amongst some very talented and experienced superbike riders.
Shelina said, “This race weekend was a huge one for me. We made such big gains, got to try so many changes, and made good use of the short time we had to test and qualify. I'm getting along better and better with the EBR, and I've always got a smile on when working with the Splitlath team. I'm just on a cloud after the eventful weekend and I hope that there will be more times with this powerful combination of bike, team, and rider. I'm one lucky girl to be a part of this - counting my blessings.”
Team Principal, John Dimbylow said, “I love the unique energy we have with our team. I believe it relates to Erik Buell having only one wish for his bikes; to bring pleasure to riders. I have seen the way our EBR makes our riders smile, and really have fun. We have run many brands over the years, and there is something very special about these motorcycles. As a team owner who wants the best for my riders, this makes me feel very proud to be associated with EBR Motorcycles American engineering excellence, to know the man personally and to understand how these bikes deliver his vision.”
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Team Splitlath EBR would like to thank:
Gefco for always getting our kit and bikes where they need to be, on time.
Metzler for awesome rubber.
Motion Pro for all those small tooling aids which make life so much easier and some damn fine throttles.
GBRacing for engine protection and peace of mind.
Impact Prowear for our cool clothing.
Zero Gravity for their awesome screens.
HEL brakelines for stopping power.
Vortex for tough race sprockets.
SnapOn for the finest tools available to mankind.
Termorace for perfect tire heaters.
Vesrah for our brilliant brake pads.
Pro Bolt for perfect titanium fixings.
Arrow for great exhaust systems.
Ohlins for unbelievable suspension - Special thanks to Richard Brandish of Ohlins UK.
Engelbert Strauss for really cool workwear.
Finally, to all the guys back in East Troy at EBR - thanks for the perfect bike, the inspiration, the support and for being Fiercely Independent.