The Retford-based racer uses EBC Brakes components on his Yamaha R1
Retford-based Scott Stone is competing in No Limits Racing’s Premier 1000cc Championship in 2025 on his Yamaha R1, aiming to achieve solid results throughout the year.
Stone relies 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.
With more class podiums and PBs smashed at the last round on Brands Hatch’s might GP circuit, Stone next took on Donington Park, where some more fantastic riding resulted in more class-podium finishes.
Read how the weekend went in Stone’s own words below…
Test day
“Honestly, the best test day of the year so far. I was lucky enough to be working with Gary Walton again from NSF and for those of you that know him there’s no messing around. It’s straight to work and I like that. For a test day, it went well, and Gary had me in the low 1:35s after session 3. We made gearing and setup changes which paid off straight away and I just enjoyed riding the bike around Donington which isn’t somewhere I have done many laps of.”
Qualifying
“Did 1:35.110, which was a little slower than I was hoping to be, but it put us P2 in class and 10th overall on the grid, so not too shabby.”
Race 1 (9 laps)
“Good start, elbows out and we moved up to 7th overall. Settled in quickly and felt so good on the bike. Managed a 1:34.2 on Lap 2 with a nice gap to any Premier-class contenders, so what could possibly stop us from getting an overdue win? You guessed it: a red flag again! On lap 5.”
Race 1 restart (5 laps)
“We had to get a move on with only 5 laps and got an OK start. We needed to get past Paul Charman to keep comfortably ahead of our main rival, Wilf Turner. Followed him for a lap and had the pace on him and, it not being a long race, felt there was no time to mess. Set up a pass on the exit of Coppice, close to the back of him, released the brake at full lean, went to twist the throttle and he just didn’t go when we expected. To avoid his back wheel, I made the finest touch of the front brake and… see ya! Into the gravel I went – a rookie error. Didn’t need to close and it cost me.
“Sat on the sidelines thinking ‘well that’s the Championship lead gone’, I didn’t see Wilf come around on the next lap. He only went and crashed at the turn before I did. Very out of character for us, but that’s racing, I guess. Anyway, both of us were OK and the bikes not too bad, so we go again in Race 2 from 23rd and 24th on the grid respectively.”
Race 2 (10 laps)
“It’s bounce-back time. First time I have started as far back as 23rd and I wasn’t sure how it would go. A great start and by sector 2 had made up at least 10 places. Got straight to work and into 11th position end of Lap 1 and P1 in class and 8th overall by Lap 4. Premier rival, Scott Halliday got past on Lap 7 and though I tried to get him back I didn’t have enough, so followed him to the line in P2 and 9th overall. Really enjoyed that one and with a PB of 1:34.284 on Lap 9, it put us 8th on the Grid for Race 3.”
Race 3 (10 laps)
“New tyre in and sitting on Row 3 of the Grid behind the front pack of the quicker lads, I thought ‘this is my chance to try and go with them as much as I can’.
“Another good start, passing Halliday into Redgate putting me P1 in class and right behind World Supersport rider, Jeremy Alcoba. Watching him for a couple of laps was interesting and then it was me on my own, leading a train of Halliday, Paul Charman and Wilf Turner. All I had to do was stay in front, but didn’t set enough pace to pull away like I was hoping to.
“On Laps 5 and 6, Halliday and I traded places a few times, which was fun but not part of my plan. Eventually with 2 laps to go he pulled free, but our battle had allowed Wilf, who had got past Charman, to draw closer. Wilf passed me into Melbourne where I was struggling a little.
“In the last lap, I put in a strong challenge and tried to pass him at Coppice and Foggies which he defended. The last-chance plan was to pass on the inside at Goddard’s after a good run from Melbourne, but he closed the door just as I pressed the trigger. We crossed the line with a bike length between us. Great racing, but was gutted I didn’t at least get second place back. P3 in class, 9th overall.”
“So, no change in the Premier Championship standings with shared points from the meeting, but it could have been very different and could have gone either way. This event was a rollercoaster and one I look on as a strong positive. Again, I learnt so much and we are definitely getting stronger.
“Thank you so much to my amazing sponsors and supporters without whom it would not be possible. Special thanks to everyone who worked tirelessly on Saturday afternoon to repair the AMCO Yamaha R1 and my equipment to ensure the journey continued – Nigel and Jason – you are absolute stars.
“Also, the strongest praise for all the organisation, marshals and medical staff for an excellent meeting.
“Next up, a cheeky run at Cadwell, then to the long drive to Anglesey for Round 5 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.
