BSB BRANDS ROUND 1 2014

Thanks to Paul Read of Thinkphotography for the photo

Race Report

Brands Hatch Round 1
18th/19th/20th/21st April 2014

Friday
On the Friday I only had 1 50 minute session, I used the first 20 mins to do a 20 lap stint just to get back into Brands and see how the bike was on old tyres, after that we made a few minor changes and finished the session with 41 laps done, perfect!


Saturday
I had 2 30 minute session on Saturday and the first one I just went out on old tyres again and looking to improve my lap time from Friday, not all that exciting, but the next session I had a new rear tyre and went out and pushed for a lap time and I got it down to a 47.3 which I was mega happy with and I was fastest EVO in practice. 

Sunday
I woke up on Sunday and it was raining, joy! I don't mind the wet but dry is better! Today we had qualifying and the first race. For qualifying it was wet and I went out and tried to improve my time each lap by getting used to riding a 600 in the wet and how the track was feeling, as it was my first time on the Kawasaki in the rain. Got my time down to a good 55.3 which put me 11th overall and 2nd fastest EVO, I was happy with that and was looking forward to a wet race!

Race 1
I got an awesome start and was up to 8th into Paddock Hill, then moved up to 6th by Druids and then got past Hedger into 5th out of Graham Hill then DONK! I was off the bike into Surtees, I whacked the kerb as I slid into the grass/mud, OUCH that hurt, I couldn't stand so the medics rushed over and shoved my on the stretcher, but by then I felt fine so I got ambulance'd off to the medical centre. Luckily all I had was a bruise and I fine for tomorrow, I was annoyed about the silly crash as I felt I may have been in with a chance of a very good result.

Monday
YAY! It was sunny and I couldn't wait to get back out on the track and prove myself. I was starting 19th on the grid as I didn't set a time in race 1 but there was a 8 place maximum grid drop so I went from 11th to 19th.

Race 2
On the grid I was quite nervous and excited for the race, I got an average start off the light and was 15th after the first lap and was making my way past a few riders then i came to a group of Hornsey, Cooper, Olsen, Estment and Mackenzie I battled my way through into 9th behind Estment but couldn't quite get past him, I stay behind him for about 4 laps then made a small mistake into Clearways and Hornsey got past then Mackenzie Got me into Paddock, I fought hard to get them back but was struggling with the front tyre so I finished 12th Overall and 2nd EVO. I was a bit annoyed I didn't get first EVO but at the same time I was well happy with 12th overall in my first full British Supersport Race! Also I got a very nice trophy too!

Massive thanks to Road and Racing's Mark Hanna for a great bike and help all weekend, also thanks to Paul Davies and my Girlfriend Ellie for the pitboarding, Beverly Richardson, Mum, Dad, Aaron Tiller and Granddad Dave for all their help and Rich from Maxton.

Also Thank you to Oxford Products, NEXX Helmets, Unipart, Vroom media, TCX, Furygan, Purbrook Garage Services and Maxton Suspension.

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