Not An Ideal Start To The Season - Brands Hatch Rd.1

After a testing program which saw us smash our previous best laps everywhere we went, I was really looking forward to starting our season off well, but as is the nature of our sport, luck counts somewhat as well! The forecast was mixed with some dry and some wet sessions over the weekend. Qualifying sessions were the main timed outings in jeopardy, and unfortunately would end up costing us the race.

With over 60 riders, and most of the top 20 being title or race win contenders, the class is more competitive than ever, and still by country miles, the most ridiculously competitive championship in the world. This was evident in how close the times were all through practice and qualifying 1 where we were only 1sec off the fastest and that put us outside the top 30!!!

The rain came down for quali.2 and this saw us catapult up to 11th overall! The best position I've been in qualifying - unfortunately we would not be able to retain this position for the main race... During the rain soaked qualifying race, I was up to 8th place, and looking to pass for 7th. The track had a narrow dry line in one corner, only a little wider than a bike tyre, for all of us to get through. I was glued to the back of 7th as I was moving through the field when we entered that corner, but to my detriment, he braked a little early that lap meaning I had to go around him to avoid crashing into the back of him. This put me onto the wet part of the track meaning my grip levels instantly went from ok to slippery, sending me running off the track, and out of my qualifying place for the main race.

I was fuming when I got back to the pits, knowing what a disaster we had on our hands. Unfortunately there was nothing we could do about it, besides make the most of the time we had on race day by tweaking and fiddling all the bits on my bike we hadn't had a chance to before the race weekend.

My head wasn't in a good place last weekend, as I felt rushed and pressured building up to Rd.1 - not good for a rider! I must say I'm relieved that it's over, and disappointed we never got the result we should have, but as they say - THAT'S RACING!

We had a very successful test at Oulton Park on friday, which saw us outpace my fastest time from last year by nearly 1sec, which is massive! Our ideal lap time, which is made up by adding together my fastest individual track sectors to make my 'perfect lap' was surprisingly good, and I look forward to this coming weekend - Oulton Park Rd.2 is just a few sleeps away now!

Thank you to all of our supporters and sponsors behind us this season - roll on Rd.2!


Cheers for now!
James81