Max Symonds uses EBC Brakes Racing’s GPFAX pads and X-Series floating discs
Wiltshire-based motorcycle racer, Max Symonds has been competing in the British Superbike Championship’s National Superstock category for a number of years.
The rider, who also won Castle Combe Circuit’s NG Road Racing ‘King of Combe’ race in 2025, switched from his Yamaha R1 to a Honda CBR 1000RR Fireblade last year, continuing to use this bike and its EBC Brakes Racing’s GPFAX pads and X-Series floating discs setup for the 2026 season.
Following some extensive testing at the start of the year across Europe and an NG Road Racing outing at Brands Hatch earlier in the year, we next caught up with Symonds after a stint of testing and another NG Road Racing weekend across April.
Read how the month panned out in his own words below…
Snetterton Test Day
“We started the month with a test day at Snetterton – my first laps of the circuit on the Fireblade. The main aim was to establish a solid base setting on the bike and get back up to speed around the track having not raced here last year.
“Strict noise limits on the day, combined with some changeable weather, meant we didn’t get as much time on track as we’d have liked. However, as the conditions improved towards the end of the afternoon we managed to put some good laps together and came away with a good setting for the race event back here later in the year.”
Cadwell Park – NG Road Racing Round 2
“After taking four wins and setting a new lap record at round one, we decided to enter the second event of the NG Road Racing Season at Cadwell Park.
“Saturday was a solid start, qualifying second in both the Powerbike and Open classes and taking a pair of second-place finishes in the races. Overnight, we made some changes to the bike set-up and I worked on a few adjustments to my riding style. This made big improvements for Sunday as we went on to take two wins after some really close races and fast, consistent lap times.”
Oulton Park – BSB Pre-Season Test
“Our first official BSB event of the year. Two full days on track gave us the chance to run through a wide range of set-up options and really get the bike working the way we want it to.
“I was happy to put in a new personal best lap time and to be lapping with pretty consistent pace throughout. The test was a lot of hard work with a total of 90 laps logged over the two days which was all worth it as the bike is starting to feel exactly how I want it and we left Oulton Park with a big smile on our faces.”
Donington Park – Test Day
“Having missed the official BSB test there earlier in the month, it was important to get some laps in round here ahead of the race later in the season.
“Cold temperatures and high winds made the morning session tricky, but as the weather improved through the afternoon I was able to put in some strong lap times. We finished the day happy with the progress made and confident going into the start of the BSB season.”
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.
X-Series Floating Discs
Since their introduction, EBC’s ultra-lightweight floating motorcycle rotors have become one of the worlds best selling lightest and best performing discs available for all modern sport bikes.
