Silkolene British 2 Stroke Championship blogs

Round 3 -Thoresway 26 April 2009

Like the previous rounds the weather was fantastic, the MCF crew worked all night to ensure a beautifully prepared track and we had a great day’s racing. 

Unfortunately Tom just failed to qualify by just a few tenths of a second – 21st out of 45 in his session, with the top 20 to qualify.  Tom was bitterly disappointed and was quite despondent.  Again his lap times in the first race, after the track had degenerated were faster than his best qualifying time – it seems to be a mental thing and the nerves are getting the better of him.  Never the less he picked himself up and put in three excellent races. 

Race 1.  An excellent start – in the top 10 out of the first corner.  Some determined riding and hard passing moves saw Tom up to 7th by the end of lap 1.  He was involved in a great battle for 6th for the next few laps before making a decisive move that stuck.  The next rider was some way ahead but after a great lap Tom was right on 5th, there was hardly a hesitation before he was past and away.  He kept pushing to the end but 4th was too far away.  5th was a great result and well deserved after a great ride. 

Race 2.  Another reasonable start and in the top 15 out of the first corner.  Another determined ride and some forceful riding and passing manoeuvres throughout the race netted a 7th place and catching a group of 3. 

Race 3.  A completely fluffed start. Never mind, it’s not a common mistake for him to make and they were under starters orders for a long time.  Right at the back exiting the first corner and a lot of ground to make up.  Passing was difficult as the pack was so bunched but after a couple of laps and the field spread a little Tom really started to get going, even though he was so obviously tiered.  I was pleased to see him trying hard right to the end and finish a quite credible (considering the start) 12th, unfortunately just out of the points. 

Net result for the day was 28th over all. A little disappointing but it’s nice to see his fitness is improving and he is definitely getting used to the cut and thrust of adult motocross – he’s almost aggressive in his riding and passing. 

Tom is now lying 27th in the series out of about 88 in his class.  Not quite where we want to be (we’re aiming for a top 15 by the end of the series) but there is still another 6 rounds and he is improving with every ride.  He’s concentrating on GCSE's at the moment so mid week practice is still out of the question but we’re hoping to change that after his exams – work and funds permitting.