BSB: James East – “I’m back in the Superstock 1000”

February 4, 2021 February 4, 2021

As we look forward to the start of a condensed British Superbike championship calendar from the end of May, I caught up with James East, Apto Racing competitor in the Superstock 1000 series, to talk about his plans for the future.

James, you last competed in 2016. Has the time out from racing allowed you to re-focus on your ambitions for the future? What have you been working on?

In all honesty, the time out from racing has been transformative. I’m a different person, a different rider, and with a whole new outlook. Since 2016, I’ve been coaching on track with Race Train, my own expert coaching company for motorcycle sport and instructing with several of the British race schools. I’ve also been developing my ‘Track Craft’ programme which I’m currently writing a book about. Track Craft aims to help people examine the physical ‘language’ of riding a motorcycle. So instead of focusing on what riders can’t do on a bike, I get them to recognise the ability they already have and build upon it whilst out on track. All being well, my book Track Craft: TRM Explained will be released in November 2021.

2020 had an unprecedented impact on the ability of racers to both compete and get in some necessary track time. How ready do you feel for the Superstock 1000 championship?

I feel ready despite the unusual situation we’re currently in. I’m ready to race, to build something new in my career and to win. My hope is we’ll get a chance to jump back into some of our pre-season practice schedule, which should have already had me in Spain. However, with Covid-19, the first time that we ride might be at the scheduled BSB tests in April. I feel lucky that I raced continuously between 2003 and 2016 and I’ve frequently been on track in the years out of racing to keep my hand in the game. In the meantime, I’m keeping fit, and studying regular onboard videos to keep the different circuits in mind.

Looking at your racing career, you’ve made a successful progression from the British GP125 through to the Superstock 600 series, British Supersport and now the Superstock 1000 competition. Where do you hope your racing will take you next?

This year I’ve got steep performance and financial goals. I want to build my profile as a rider who not only gets decent racing results, but is who is knowledgeable when it comes to the commercial side of motorcycle racing. I’m passionate because I’d like to run my own team in the future and if I’m to achieve the status for the rides in the championships that I want to compete in, then I’m going to need financial support. This year is about getting back into the National Superstock 1000 competition with ambitions to win the series within a couple of years and then successfully compete in the British Superbike championship.

James East at Mugello. Image Mark Jordan.

This year’s BSB calendar is a condensed series of events currently scheduled between the end of May and the middle of October. Does the relative lack of time between meetings bring extra pressure or do you see an advantage to this?

There is definitely extra pressure. The lack of time between meetings puts strain on logistics and home life for sure, as many of us have work commitments outside of racing. The advantage however is race momentum, because you’re sharp and ready to fight for a podium. Race miles make you more competitive because they use all your ability whereas track miles use less so you’re never really in the same mode compared to when you’re racing. I guess you could say it’s a bit like the difference between sparring and fighting in boxing.

Who has influenced your racing career? What made you want to be a professional motorcycle racer?

Many people have influenced me, and I’ve had the privilege of working with some great people. As a child, I admired Kevin Schwantz. I wanted to be the underdog like him, fighting and wheelieing for wins! Other riders I respect are Jorge Lorenzo, Casey Stoner and Max Biaggi. But right now, it’s Marc Marquez for his unrelenting drive and Alex Rins for his riding style.

Over the years, the support of my family, my mechanics and other racers has been invaluable. In 2011 I became friends with Troy Corser. He helped me out when I moved from 600’s to 1000’s and he always told it straight. I also had Colin Wright for a brief spell as a team manager in 2013, who left me with some lasting anecdotes! Dave Hopkinson, one of my best mates and my mechanic (who went on to help take Leon Haslam to his British Championship title) taught me the value of the relationship between rider and technician. And for this current season, I feel very lucky to have a great set of people around me, and I’m ready to get started .

James East will compete at the 2021 British Superbike Championships aboard the Apto Racing Aprilia RSV4 RF in the National 1000 Superstock competition. His book Track Craft: TRM Explained is due to be released towards the end of 2021. For sponsorship or future book merchandising enquiries contact james@racetrain.co.uk or visit www.jameseast.com

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