GBMoto's Tristan Palmer and David Johnson have been excluded from the results of yesterday's Metzeler National Superstock 1000 race for running an non-standard gasket and altered cam timing.

The judicial decision means Palmer no longer leads the series. Half-points were awarded in yesterday's race after it was red-flagged which means the former BSB man took the lead from Danny Buchan, who crashed out. But the subsequent disqualification puts Buchan back at the top of the table by two points.

The MCRCB decision reads:

Tristan Palmer (33) and David Johnson (20) both failed post race technical inspection.

Non compliance of MCRCB SUPERSTOCK Technical regulations 5.2.7 and 5.2.7.11

Specifically:

a) Cam timing bolts undercut to alter standard timing

b) Non-standard cylinder base gasket

Penalty:

Exclusion from race result

GBMoto's team principal Mark Smith-Halvorsen released a statement this afternoon:

On Sunday afternoon, the engine of Tristan Palmer’s bike failed technical scrutiny on two counts - relating to a cam sprocket bolt and a base gasket. It is true to say that we have been under some pressure from the technical team at BSB for 3 or 4 rounds regarding our bikes' performance, but sought to change nothing as we were very confident that our engine preparation was strictly within the championship guidelines.

The result of their inspection shows that we wrong and they are not. At that point we communicated that all three of our engines (including an unused spare) would almost certainly have been built to the same specification. On that basis, the decision was taken to remove David Johnson from the results too. GBmoto Racing will continue to work with our chosen partner, to prepare freshly modified race engines, which fulfil all of the technical regulations and controls – these will be in use from the next round at Brands Hatch.

We chose a Honda CBR1000RR to contest the championship, as we believe it has the best compromise between chassis and engine characteristics. We have always sought to maximise that balance, whilst clearly giving away straight line performance and outright power and speed to other manufacturers teams and riders. This has been borne out very consistently throughout the year in relation to our competitive lap times, versus our mediocre speed trap performance. To this end, we will continue in exactly the same way.

Firstly I would like to offer a formal apology to the organisers, officials and teams that make up the BSB paddock and in particular our competitors in the Metzeler National Superstock series. It was and is our intention to ‘bring something to the championship’; certainly not to abuse or discredit it. I understand that we have a long, hard journey ahead of us to re-establish credibility, trust and recognition amongst our peers and want you to know that we are committed to doing just that.

Secondly I would like to apologise to Tristan Palmer and David Johnson who have made a fantastic effort this year to deliver the goods on track and have in no way shape or form, contributed to the issues we currently face. I hope their reputation and skill is still respected and admired in just the same way.

Finally I would like to thank our sponsors and suppliers for their continued support. We will make every effort to continue our professional promotion of your goods and services and can only ask for your patience and understanding at this difficult time.