WSBK

Donington Park WSBK

This weekend I would be racing as a support class at the 2009 British round of World Superbikes. On the Friday the superteens would have two qualifying sessions which gave me enough time to sort out a good grid position seeing as I’d been there the Monday previously on a test day. First qualifier went ok but my times needed to come down to guarantee a good place on the grid. Next session I went out and got a clear run then the fastest lad so far, Matt Davies, passed me and I tagged onto him. Next lap my pit board was showing P5 then the next lap, P3! I was then riding the last 3 laps so hard to keep my place I ended up qualifying my best qualifier of the year. My second best had been 6th place this year so I was made up to say the least. I wouldn’t have any warm ups ahead of my races so I had to go out straight away and keep up front for my races.

Saturday

I was a bit nervous for my race but very confident as I was in a great place on the grid. First lap was a nightmare as I’d tried too hard too early and ended up on the grass at Foggy Esses which put me back to 9th. I climbed back up to 6th then whilst pushing hard to get past Andy Reid, the championship leader, I lost the front going into Mcleans and ended up falling off bringing Andy down with me, sorry mate. I was gutted after the spill and it was so unthoughtful to be pushing that early on and I’d paid the price yet again. I now had over 24 hours before my next race so I had a lot of time to think about what I needed to do for tomorrows race.

Sunday

After going out to watch the professionals with a few friends that had to come to show support I was really confident going into the last race. Even though there was a new lap record posted the previous day, it had beaten the previous superteen one by five seconds, I was sure I’d be able to race at that pace. I had a good start and came around 4th. I was taken over again by the 5th position rider and all race he’d be in my way in the corner yet be able to pull a big gap down the straight. I was trying so hard yet I couldn’t compete in a straight line for what ever reason. This was making the gap to the front lads quite big and on the last lap at Melbourne loop Matt Davies fell and I was 4th but right behind now 3rd place. Last corner I come along side him on the brakes and pushed that little too hard at Goddards which is off camber and bumpy from the cars, my front bounced a bit then the back end started going and I dropped it! I couldn’t believe my bad luck had continued in my races. I was gutted but I had rode a strong race and competed in some fast laps so apart from missing out on points, I’d tried my best which was all I could do.

Cheers to my mechanic Andy Machin for doing another excellent job and to my Grandad for being such a strong supporter and believer in my racing, Fletchers and Aspire rail.