07/05/2025
***RACE UPDATES Round 2 & 3***
Sorry for the lack of round 2 updates, hereโs a quick summary of Oulton Park.
(Round 2 Oulton Park)
I was facing many demons returning to the track that nearly ended my race career lasttime I was there, I knew that this round was going to be tough and simply had to getthrough it unscathed. As each race passed my confidence grew and paying muchrespect to Cascades corner I managed to bag a 5th place, and a brace of 4th places. Thisdid me the world of good, but knew I still had a lot of work to do, to be with the frontguys. Travelling home with a big smile on my face and a massive sense of relief, Ithought all was well until my wheel fell of the van, and a saga ensued resulting of meand the missus taking 11.5hrs to get home minus the van. Cheers AA โฆ.
(Round 3 Snetterton- Home Round, bit lengthy but bear with)
Returning to my home track I was looking forward to picking up where I left off from Oulton Park and hope to carry on the trajectory of climbing up the grid. But as with being my home round there always are some extra pressures to give a good performance for the guys coming to see me.
Saturday Race 1
Starting from 6th in class I get a good start and found myself slotting behind the top 2 class leaders, keen to see where they were stronger, I quickly settled in. Coming off the back straight me and 2 other riders were caught up in Jordan Killworthโs big high side after exiting Nelsons. This separated us from the leading pack, and effectively ended any chance of challenging for the podium, or so I thought. After what seemed a lonely race, I crossed the line, and It wasnโt til I was back in the awning I was told that I was on the podium in 3rd. I let out a massive cheer as it been 4 years since I tasted the podium.
Race 2.
Starting from 4th in class I made an excellent start jumping onto the front guys by turn 1, only for the race to be red flagged, due to a start line accident. Fortunately, and miraculously no one was seriously injured. Because of this our race was to be carried over to Sunday, due to time constraints
Sunday Race 2 restart.
The weather had turned, and showers were forecast all day, just before our race the heavens opened dampening the track. This threw a spanner in the works, as teams were frantically wielding spanners changing their wheel to wets. Being the local track I had a gut feeling that the track wasnโt wet enough for Wets, so I decided to keep my slicks on. This turned out to be the right call, as in the collection area I were the only rider on slicks. Feeling super nervous as I knew that if I kept my cool, I had a real chance in this race. After a shocking start (too much wheelie) I dropped 2 rows back, I gathered myself and got my head down, knowing that the slicks will have superior grip compared to the guys on the wet tyres. I am please to say I crossed the line doing my superman impression in 1st place!!!!!. My crash helmet nearly popped off as I were smiling so much. One very happy bunny, so didnโt think this would ever happen again.
Race 3.
Yet again the weather was playing up and I found myself questioning tyres. I opted for a wet front slick rear as the track was 75% dry, but greasy in places. As I entered the collection area, I thought I made an horrendous decision as everyone else was on wets . In the end my choice was a right one but didnโt have enough laps to execute,ended up 4th in class.
Race 4.
Last race of the weekend, I wanted to give this one last go. Dry conditions, I get a great start and found myself 1st in class after the lap 1. I got my head down and tried my level best to see it through to the chequered flag. I knew I had company, and sure enough itwas the championship leader Tony Russo. For half a lap he kept showing a front wheel,but I kept resisting and letting the brake off to keep in front. Eventually Tony found away through, but I were determined not to let him get away, so I clamped onto the back of him with the hope of a surprise attack at the end of the last lap. To no avail, Tony rode clean and neat giving nothing away. As I were concentrating so hard on the rider in front, I didnโt realise that I was being hunted down by the 2nd place in the championship Darren Corkett .He managed to put a strong last sector of the lap and outdrove me to the finish line relegating me back to 3rd. Tbh I wasnโt unhappy with that as I proved to myself that I have what it takes now to battle at the front, just need somemore experience being there lol.
Great weekend in all. Full off confidence with the new bike now.
Massive thankyou to my partner Lyndsay Murty who sticks by myside and believes in me, and a massive thankyou to all who came to support me. Never taken for granted.
Onto Round 4 Donnington Park
Foo #82
