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Easter
Monday saw the British Superbike Championships fire into life for the
start of the 2005 season.
For Huddersfield racer Tom Tunstall, season preparations had been successful.
Increased support from 2004 sponsors Hardinge Machine Tools and Ice
Valley Mineral Water and a continuity of machinery with new Ten Kate
Hondas boosted the team’s confidence for a strong and successful
season.
Brands Hatch in Kent was the stage for the opening race. As expected
qualifying was very close on the 1.22mile Indy circuit. With such a
short track, and nearly forty riders vying for the all important grid
positions, getting a clear lap was difficult and Tunstall’s quickest
lap included passing two slower riders! With a grid position of 11th,
his time was only 0.15 seconds from a front row grid position of 4th
and only 0.5 seconds off pole position.
Tom, upbeat, commented "It was a lottery trying to get a clear
run with a qualifying tyre, which was frustrating, but I feel very confident
with the bike at the moment and I know our race tyres and set up are
consistently strong over race distance."
Race day saw near perfect conditions. However, a poor start saw Tom
end lap one in 17th.
Tunstall did what he does best and grafted his way back up the field.
From lap 9 of the 28-race distance Tom lapped at the same pace the riders
fighting for third. Consistently lapping at near qualifying pace he
impressively closed down big gaps to catch and pass the riders in front.
By the chequered flag Tom had reached an excellent and hard fought 7th
position with an average race speed of 90.9mph.
"I’ve got to be happy with my performance today. OK, the start
was messy but from then on my speed and consistency were very good,
my sector times were faster than in qualifying. I have proved I have
the pace to fight for podium positions. I can’t wait for the next
race."
The second round of the British Superbike Championships takes place
at Thruxton, near Andover, on the 10th of April.
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