Looking ahead to Brands...

Photo courtesy of LondonBikers.com

Only 24 hours now before we set off down the M1 to Brands Hatch for what looks like it’s going to be a busy weekend.

I’m really looking forward to getting out on the full GP circuit. I’ve got good memories from World Supersport Races there in 2004, 2005, & 2006. And after scratching round the chicanes of Mallory last time out I can’t wait to let our Hardinge Doodson Honda stretch its legs.

The World Superbike weekends there were a bit special – big crowds – cracking atmosphere – and great weather. Hopefully BSB this weekend will pick up from where WSBK left it and if we get at least two of the three it should be a fantastic weekend.

I’m looking forward to seeing the old bikes [and riders] too. Agostini is a true racing legend both with results and his character. When I was racing at Monza [WSS] he politely asked if he could take a short cut through our garage rather than just barging through as some people do. If I’d have known the Italian for piggy back I’d have offered to carry him through! Proper gentleman...

It’s the first time the championship has run three races on over one weekend and although Sunday has familiar format Saturday in going to be flat out - with our third free practice in the morning, qualifying just after lunch and our first race in the afternoon. You’ll find me in a quiet dark corner on Saturday evening.

Mallory was never going to be our strongest race and although I was happy with the progress we made over previous years it's was very frustrating to leave without at least one more podium especially in race two – I was in a strong third place but then started to struggle to see through my visor and lost more than 2 seconds a lap and therefore just got pipped before the race was stopped. I was keen to get back out for a restart but the BSB organisers did the right thing as it would have been too dangerous.

I’ve enjoyed a couple of weekends “off” spent with a mix of training hard, relaxing, avoiding swine flu and getting things prepared for Brands.

We’re past the half way mark in the season now and although we’ve racked up some podiums I don’t feel we’ve proved what we’re capable of yet....

Roll on Brands!!... TT#21