The Retford-based racer uses EBC Brakes components on his Yamaha R1
Retford-based Scott Stone is competing in No Limits Racing’s DART Premier 1000cc Championship in 2025 on his Yamaha R1, relying on EBC Brakes’ GPFAX (front axle) and Double-H Sintered (rear axle) brake pads to help giving him a fighting chance of achieving some of the fastest lap times on the grid.
Following recent successful weekends at Snetterton and Brands Hatch, where he achieved class wins and PBs, Stone was next at Croft Circuit with the roadshow, where a rollercoaster of thrills and spills left him with a weekend to remember.
You can read how it all panned out in his own words below…
Test Day
“Sun shining and with some heat in the air, it made a nice change, but as they say, there is always something… it wasn’t half windy!
“Once again, made fast work of getting a bike setup we could work with, so quickly set about finding some pace in the practice sessions. Was struggling to figure the best way around the bumpy sections, but Gary at NotSoFast soon sorted that out for me. Felt a difference in my riding throughout the day and was looking forward to Qualifying.”
Qualifying
“With no tannoy and the awning pretty much in Darlington, I arrived late to the holding area, so had to manage traffic once on track. Only got one clear lap, but made it count with a 1.24.8. I knew we had more in the tank, but the push was cut short by a red flag. P2 in class and 10th overall and was happy with that.”
Race 1 (9 Laps)
“We were ready for the race; riding well and sure we had more pace so was excited to prove it. Made a poor start and had to wake up, which we did and was soon on the back of Wilf Turner by the Esses. An early pass was needed so I overtook him into the Complex, only for him to stand me up at the next turn. Onto Plan B, feeling there was plenty of time as we had the pace. Trying to work Turner out and settle down when Steven Duncan wanted a piece.
“Followed them for three laps while Duncan tried to have a look at Turner. By turn 1 on lap 6, got close and ready to capitalise. Rode past Duncan as he had to run wide, so back to Plan A and get past Turner… but that ain’t easy round Croft. With three laps to go and a couple of ideas, I was sure we would make it happen. Then disaster: a red flag as Steve Duncan high-sided badly at the last turn. Hope Steve is ok and on the mend.
“I was sort of happy with my riding but was a little disappointed not to get the win. P2 in class 11th overall.”
Morning Warm-Up
“P3 overall and felt good with the wet race settings we tried. A wet race looked likely and the track was greasy in places after overnight rain. We were happy with a few laps and didn’t want to hurt the wets too much so pulled in.”
Race 2 (10 Laps)
“Heavy rain had left standing water all around the circuit. Never been shy to have a go in the wet and was up for it. Starting P1 in class and 10th on the grid, I was keen to get the elbows out and find some space. Had a good start, made some passes and was 5th on lap 1 and working out a decent pace. So much so, we passed Ryan Dixon for 4th on lap 2 and started to pull away. Was promoted to 3rd when Tom Norton went down at Tower on lap 2. Running 3rd but as the pace came down from 1.38s to 1.34s, the front setting was too soft and we started to struggle. Had to ride smart and keep ticking the laps off. Dixon had made good ground and got past only a few yards short of the chequered flag. P1 in class and 4th overall. Loved it.”
Race 3 (8 Laps)
“Track was mainly dry, but wet in parts. Opted for slicks though several riders gave it a miss. Starting 4th on the grid was ace – I haven’t been this close to the top lads so let’s have it. Good start and was hanging onto the front two, running 3rd for a bit with some space to the lads behind. Didn’t run a new rear tyre this race and with the track cooler than Race 1, grip wasn’t as good. Took a while to settle down after slipping on a damp patch between Sunny In and Sunny Out and the guys behind were on the hunt.
“Dropped down to P6 when Paul Charman passed on lap 5. We exchanged places a couple of times and I followed for two laps, noting where he was vulnerable. Was looking for a pass when Wilf Turner closed up so I needed to go. Got close to Charman through the Complex on the penultimate lap and had mega drive onto the Start/Finish Straight only to then realise I had lost my gear lever. Had to pull off and retire at turn one. I was gutted. Big dent in the Championship lead, but that’s racing I’m told.
“A real shame to end the weekend like that. It didn’t turn out how I felt it might after Test Day and in Qualifying, but lots of positives. Absolutely loved the racing and the challenges caused by the changing weather.
“I am so grateful for the support I receive. I’m living my racing dream at the minute and it is only possible with the help I get. Thank you all and there is more to come from Stone Racing. See you at the next one…”
Photos by Camilla Davina Temple-Court
GPFAX Pads
EBC’s GPFAX Sintered Race Brake Pads are for RACE ONLY use. This is a blend of brake pad that has higher friction and far better grip than any other brake product on the market.
Double-H Sintered Pads
ECE R90 brake safety-approved and TUV tested, these ultra-high friction HH rated brake pads remain a market leader for road-going motorcycle brake pads.
