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The
final round of the 2005 British Superbike Championships were held at
the weekend. Returning to Brands Hatch and the legendary Grand Prix
circuit, where Tom Tunstall scored an excellent 12th place finish in
the World Championship round back in August. Even though physically
not yet back to 100% the Yorkshireman was in a confident mood.
Having looked strong throughout practice - consistently inside the top
ten - the Hardinge Ice Valley racer held the good form to take 10th
position of the grid.
"10th position is good and looking at the times I'm setting with
race tyres we should be even stronger in the race, I'm happy with the
set up and my shoulder is the best its been."
In near perfect conditions the 18 lap race got underway. Off the line,
championship contender Leon Camier came together with another rider
directly in front of Tom, meaning he lost valuable time and places on
the run to turn 1.
Tunstall quickly made back the places and was chasing down Honda mounted
Rob Frost in 9th as well as holding off Suzuki backed Simon Andrews.
Although lapping the 2.6mile track faster than ever before, it was obvious
Tom was not entirely comfortable on the bike. With only a few laps before
the chequered flag former supersport race winner Andrews found a way
through and pulled out a small gap after Tunstall had to avoid hitting
a lapped rider through the fast one line Dingle Dell section.
Before Tom could respond the race was cut short after Spaniard Pere
Riba crashed out leaving his machine in the track - classifying Tunstall
in 10th 5.5 seconds from 6th.
"To be honest it was a bit of a frustrating race I felt I should
have been able to lap quicker but I was really struggling with grip
at the front. Which is strange because it has felt great all weekend.
I'm happy that I did a good job with what I had today and after a difficult
few races I'm glad we are getting back closer to where we should be."
"I really must say a massive thank you to Hardinge and Ice Valley,
two such dedicated and enthusiastic sponsors, together with all who
have made racing at this level possible in 2005."
Tom hopes to be able to announce the team's plans for 2006 soon…
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