| Pembrey results....
Raced at Pembrey this weekend, got there on Thursday evening as there was a test day on Friday, I didn't do any testing but took the opportunity to get the bike up together as I haven't had time to touch it since the last round at Donnington, so with oil and filter changed, brakes and clutch bled and slipper stripped cleaned and ramps greased I ventured out on Saturday for the first race.
I've been working on the starts and got a flier off the line and led into the first corner, two laps in and I was pushed back to second, I then swapped places several times but lost out on the last lap and finished second. Lap times into the 1.02's.
Second race similar story, flying start, lost the lead on the second lap and try as I did I didn't manage to get back to the front but had a real battle with Andy Peck (who has just wrapped up the championship) swapping places several times on the next few laps, I was ahead in second as we circulated for the last lap and rode a defensive line to keep the door shut - Andy hung back on the run up to Honda curve and got better drive out and out dragged me to the line beating me into third place by two tenths of a second - great race but a bit gutted after my efforts. Again lap times in the 1.02's and by way of consolation I had set the fastest lap of the race.
Sundays races:
Race one: a flying start, led the race until the second lap when there was the familiar sight of Mark Compton as he came past, again we swapped places several times both going into the hairpin too hot and overtaking each other on consecutive laps and then changing backwards and forwards on the last lap I was in second and closing in as we came round the esses, heading down towards the second hairpin we both braked as late as possible but I got better drive on the exit which enabled me to get alongside as we approached Woodlands (for those of you that haven't been around Pembrey this is a very fast - sixth gear on my 996 corner) I went for the inside and dived underneath and kept a tight line through Honda to try and fend off the inevitable last ditch assault. Result - race win and I set the fastest lap with a 1.02.1 - knocking on the door of the 1.01's - my goal for the afternoon.
Really enjoyed the race and the pre and post race camaradarie and banter is almost as much fun as the racing.
Race Two: As the race was approaching the heavens opened and the wets were bolted in ready for what was to be only my second ever wet race.
Again got the holeshot and held Compton off to the first corner, this was to be short lived however, as I was quickly overtaken by riders more experienced in the conditions and I didn't feel comfortable pushing it, I lost ground on the leading trio and lost fourth place on the last lap - result fifth.
I am going to make a point of getting out early next season to do some wet testing as this is one area of my riding that needs considerable improvement.
As far as the championship goes I am now in third place and cannot be overtaken, likewise because I lost points to Mark over the weekend I cannot finish second.
My goal at the beginning of this, my first season was to win a race and get a top 3 championship placing. I have won two races and finished third in the championship - goal attained.
Furthermore I think that I have made notable progress over the course of the season and really improved my riding and look forward to building on this next season - and it has been such good fun. It would be great to see more DSC members on the grid next year so if you fancy an outing in Sound Of Thunder or Mini Twins next year in the friendliest paddock anywhere give me a shout for a chat.
Cheers,
[Edited on 6-9-2005 by Garry Smith]  |