16/09/2018
Well, what a year its been. As you know I had a big accident at Oliver's Mount last September which resulted in a broken tibia and fibula. I had an Ilizarov frame fitted and due to complications in the healing process this was only removed in mid July. My goal was the Manx GP and basically it was only the thought of racing on the Isle of man that kept me going over the last ten months. I had my right boot adapted and went to do a track day up at croft late July to check my leg was good before having to do a couple of races at Darley Moor early august to get my mountain course licence signatures. These went OK and we packed up and headed to the Manx mid August.
First practice Saturday night was cut short for me when the 600 developed an electrical fault only two miles in, as a result I lost three valuable laps. Practice week was then decimated by weather and it was Thursday evening before we got on circuit again. With a few more laps over the weekend and Monday, I finished qualifying around 15th fastest in the junior and senior classes and 8th in the lightweight on the supertwin. I wasn't entirely surprised at these positions not having ridden a bike at speed between the hedges for nearly a year, my leg felt good but my head was struggling to keep up with the sheer speed of the event.
Wednesday was race day and I had a nice surprise for the team. I had a brand new Arai helmet to race in, painted identically to James Cowton’s, a fellow racer we lost in July. I was proud and honoured to wear this as a tribute to a previous MGP winner and very close friend. After a short delay allowing the track to dry I set off in the junior, I got my race head on and found the pace that I was lacking in practice, I had a good safe enjoyable race and finished in 4th place, lapping at speeds close to those I achieved in 2017.
The first supertwin race was in the afternoon and cut to three laps, with a compulsory pit stop for fuel after lap two. My expectations were not high in this due to our bike being considerably down on power compared to the opposition. I had a steady race, a quick pit stop and was lying in 6th place when I ran out of fuel four miles from home, looks like my pit stop was too quick!
Friday was the main day which started with the second supertwin race, where I finished in sixth place and lapped at just short of 110mph, a fine achievement on our little Kawasaki. The afternoon senior race started in perfect conditions and I felt really good and confident of a top result, unfortunately my race was over too soon as I hit a false neutral and crashed out at the Guthrie’s memorial on the first lap, gutted! This was made even worse as I had to sit there and watch everyone else enjoying themselves for four laps until the roads opened and the team could collect me.
A massive thank you must go to my Dad for endless hours put in to preparing both bikes and Carl Vinand and Daniel Woollard for the slick Pit stops!
Overall reflection leaves me feeling it was a meeting of ups and downs, with more ups than downs. The downs obviously running out of fuel whilst in a strong place on the twin and crashing out whilst feeling strong and confident on the 600. The positives I will take away are fine results in the Junior and Lightweight race 2, getting back on the pace when I was obviously not fully bike fit and more importantly having an accident and my leg ( and new Helmet) being fine.
I have one more meeting at East Fortune early October, before I start to think about next year. One thing is for sure, I will be back stronger, fitter and more determined in 2019.
I would like to thank the following sponsors both old and new who have kept their belief in me during what has been a very tough recovery year. Also all my Family for supporting me and being there and putting up with me. It means a lot thanks guys!
Merlin Sidecars
North Yorkshire Road Racing Supporters Club
Fuchs Silkolene
Mike Hailwood Foundation
Matthew Tate Mobile Services
BDS Motorcycles
Moxons Groundworks
Shirlaws Motorcycles
Edmunds Electrical Services
No Limits Race Support
Printing Roller Services
Olde Worlde Fireplaces
ITRM Chiropractic Clinic
VRS Racing
HEL Performance
Dynobike
Stuart Watson Photography
Ground Engaging Technologies
B&S Flooring
Ian Hutchinson
RST Moto- Direct
Dave Fensom
Nanny
Grandma
Alan Fieldhouse
Chris Stirk
Josie & Ray Moore
Graham, Nikki & Emily Drydale
Dave Howe
Jack McEwan
Carl Vinand
Christine & Gordon Nicholls
John Wyatt
Steve Mather
Thank you once again for your Continued support.
Brad Vicars
