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...had an old set of slicks 'cut' to help accommodate the cold and damp
conditions. We were caught napping slightly before qualifying and missed
the first few minutes (not helped by a starting problem and feared engine
failure after some strange noises - thankfully a false alarm!). Taking it
easy at first to get used to the tyres and conditions the pace was
gradually increased. The last lap felt on target for a quicker lap but
unfortunately a red flag meant the lap was cut short a few corners from the
end. As a result we qualified a disappointing 10th place, 3rd row of the
grid, although having come from 9th to 3rd earlier in the season all was
still to play for! Dry weather was forecast for the afternoon race, hence
new slicks were fitted and a few alterations made to the bike.
The build up to the race went
well and I was fired up to gain
...previous |
...grid positions after the
start. I was very focussed on
the grid and when the lights went out had a great start up to around 6th
place. This was cut short due to a red flag half way round the first
lap. Frustration wanted to show it's head but I kept my focus and on the
restart had another good start to 7th place. I was up to around 6th at
the end of the 1st lap and shortly after I caught up with a group of 3
running a reasonable pace (Pallett, Kenchington, McAloran). I settled
behind for several laps while I learnt the track in dry conditions. I was
getting good drive out of the fast Church bend and overtook Pallett down
the adjoining straight. On the next lap I caught McAloran and overtook up
into the complex. There was now a reasonable gap between myself and
Kenchington in front but with open track I was now able to increase the
pace and get to grips with the track. Lap times quickly fell by nearly 2s
to 1:12.
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