Promised myself and my sponsors I'd do a write up after each round this year and with senility creeping in (get my Bus Pass at the Snetterton round in June)
I thought I'd better get it written before I forget!!
Well we arrived Thursday evening for the Friday Test day and decided to turn in early and watch a DVD
(NO not one of those)! Apparently, Scott (Badger), Trudi and the 2 x Kev's popped down to see us but think we were in the land of nod by then Lol... Not long before Ovaltine and bed
before the 10 o'clock news methinks... Now where was I
Anyway, next morning the sun was shining and all went well for 2 sessions (although I couldn't seem to get better than 1min.02secs).. Sat out the 3rd session and then set off for the 1st one after lunch, determined to up the pace.
Rode up to Kev's garage a little early.. Switched off and then
It wouldn't start and despite an attempted couple of bumps no go.. Thanks Kev and Paul for the knackering push.
Back in Kev's garage.. No spark at either plug and both yes BOTH almost new Igniters blown!
Kev lent me a pair and I got out for 5 laps of the last session, I had some spares in the Motorhome so swapped them back and close of day!
Race Day I was slightly anxious about the bike but the practice session went ok'ish and I got down to 1min..018secs, then qualified in 1min.00.128secs for 6th in Group B (not too bad but knew I could go faster).
Race 1 Got off to a pretty good start and right behind Kev, Phil and Jimbo into Druids
(Keep them in sight I thought) and was still with them on Lap 6 when Phil's Chain snaked across the track in front of me exiting Druids.. Sorry Phil but I thought, Ermm 5th now.
Had a tussle with Neal Catling passing and then being re-passed but managed to make it stick.. 4th
... Then Jimbo cruising minus his exhaust and I'm 3rd Woohoo (Soz Jimbo).
Then
who the hell was that 3 laps from the finish No.4 with an Orange Vest (Hugh) dived under me at Clearways and was gone, so I crossed the line in 4th, still it was my best finish yet and
a 58.673sec lap .. Yess!
Race 2 After Jimbo's jump start (there for the grace of god and about 1/10th of a sec was I too matey).
I was a tad slower 2nd race with a best of 59.272sec but managed to dive under Phil and up to 4th. Hit 1st gear going into Druids (same lap) and locked up for Phil to go back under me.. I stuck on his tail until 2 almighty back fires on the back straight and up went his hand.. Game over (rough luck Phil but I would have got ya
Hey... with Jimbo's jump start I may be 3rd I thought but then S**t there goes Hugh again, no sprocket size tips from me next time
. Thought may pip Jimbo for 4th again though but even with a 10sec penalty 3rd for James.
Brilliant ride mate!! and I was happy with a 5th well kinda Lol.
What a great start to the season and well done EVERYBODY!
Apart from next to my gorgeous wife (Summer) the DD Paddock is the best place in the world to be and as she supports me at every meeting, well here's one happy chappy