Thruxton Thoughts…

Keeping with tradition it’s another last minute blog before I set off to silverstone this morning.

I’m looking forward to a weekend that runs a bit smoother than Thruxton - It was the worst meeting I’ve ever had for mechanical problems [breaking down 5 times in two sessions!], which really tested the team. The good news is they were capable to pull it round and give me a bike I could use come race day.

The second race was probably the most fun I’ve had during my short time on a superbike, and it was starting to feel like I was racing the bike rather than just hanging onto it!

It was my first time at Thruxton since 2004 and it wasn’t as bumpy as I remember it, but then again every track I’ve been to with the Fireblade seems a lot different to before. I’m not just talking about the straights being shorter now I’ve got over 200horsepower pushing me down them. At Brands the bike just wanted to wheelie everywhere – but at Thruxton the rear tyre was spinning so much. Both issues I’d never had with a supersport bike, and would be even more fun if I wasn’t trying to improve my lap times. Let’s see what “challenges” silverstone provides!

Off the track its been as busy as ever, Sunday was my first day off for over three weeks and I spent most of it watching the GP [more bikes]! Time well spent me thinks!

The cracking Yorkshire weather has also helped making training more enjoyable (or tolerable depending upon energy levels) and hopefully we get more of the sun this weekend, hopefully see you there…

TT

I’ll keep it brief…

I’ll have to – with only 2 days between Brands and Thruxton at home before I jump back onto the M1 south I’m still rushing round like a blue thingy fly…

In fact getting everything… well most things sorted for Brands was hard enough and its at this point where I should thank all the people who helped me do so. However 1) I would leave someone out, and 2) it would be very interesting. I would like to thank Connor Doyle and his Dad for there help – cheers guys – see you at Thruxton!

Brands just seemed to go so quick; the 50-minute sessions absolutely flew by. Apart from the one where the bike broke after a few laps – that one dragged on! Hopefully having only 1 bike won’t hurt us too much like that through the season.

As far as the races you’ve probably read the press release so I won’t boil me cabbages, race 2 was a bit bizarre really. It’s probably the most lonely race or time on a racetrack I’ve ever had. I was wondering if I’d missed a flag or something – I was expecting to come into the pits and everyone had just gone home!

Still bearing in mind how much I’ve still got to learn with the bike – to come away with two second places and only 10 points behind the cup leader = not a bad do really!

Anyway I’d love to stay and chat but I’ve got some driving to do….

See you soon

TT