2015

Year End Round-up

So here we are at the end of December 2015, with planning well under way for my 2016 season. I'm left worried about the funding situation for my 2016 challenge in the British Supersport Championship; while reflecting on my 2015 season which was full of surprises, ups and downs.

The pre-season testing was basically a washout, Almeria in Spain was rained off and BSB testing at Donington Park produced more rain and damp conditions.

The very first round at Donington Park saw me qualifying in 4th place and challenging for the lead in the feature race before slipping off at Melbourne Loop.

Oulton Park in May was a major up in the sprint race on the Saturday, Finishing 2nd. The feature race was a major down when I fell off while lying 2nd place with just 3 laps to go; Suffering a serious ligament injury to my right ankle/foot, not to mention the major damage to my bike.

Knockhill was a major turning point to the whole season we're trying to run on a minimal budget but racing hard at the front caused a major gearbox failure, with no spare engine to fall back on and an engine that could not be repaired meant I had 2 x DNS (Did not start) which proved critical for Championship points.

Looking back the whole season was peppered with bad luck and a shortage of funds. The bad luck consisting of being in the wrong place at the wrong time causing me to be run off the track on several occasions leaving me to fight my way through from the last place and the shortage of funds causing unnecessary breakdowns.

The second meeting at Oulton Park resulted in 2 broken ribs, the cause being another gearbox issue, which was a very painful injury and left me far from for my first visit to Assen.

Through the 2015 season I qualified pole 3 x, tucked away some fastest laps, had podium finishes and led quite a few races but that top step on the podium remained elusive until Silverstone.

So in conclusion 2015 consisted of 24 races, and I gained 11 podium finishes and 5th place in the Supersport Evo Championship.

Bring on 2016 season ! ! ! ! ! !


Brands Hatch - Final Round
Friday brought horrendous weather, Brands was in a cloud with rain and very poor visibility. Taking this into account and weighing up the pros and cons, the predicted cons far out weighed the pros taking into account knowledge of the weather improving thorugh Saturday and Sunday, so the decision was made to skip practise and use the settings from earlier in the year.
I was nervous going into the Saturday qualifying as the track has just dried, I soon got into my rythm giving me a place at the top of the table, unfortunately dropping to 4th at the very end of the session. Read More.....

Heading to the last meeting of the season

I think the last time at the Brands was very positive for us, since then we have continued to develop the bike and set up. So going into this weekend I am excited and have everything crossed that the weather holds out, a repeat of Silverstone would be a great way to end the 2015 season. I am fully fit again with the ribs that I broke on September 6th at Oulton Park giving no problems at all. Brands will also be the launch for my 2016 campaign so if you are spectating and to come and look at me and the team, come up to the paddock and grab a cuppa with us.


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AN EVEN BETTER ONE AT SILVERSTONE
 
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A GOOD DAY AT THRUXTON

Can I send out a huge thanks to all of those who have helped me repair and mend my bike! 

Mark Sadler - Go Racing Developments

Sharon and Michael - West Country Windings

Tom and Clive Ward - Stocks Garage

Eddie Roberts for helping me out with an Arai helmet.

Saturday was awesome with the first ever 2nd place in the sprint place, getting ever closer to that top step!!!

Unfortunately Sunday took me and the team down to the lows, 1 and a half laps from finishing in 2nd place. Luckily we have had a long break until Snetterton to fix the bike and I escaped with damaged ligaments in my right foot which is healing well. 

Roll on Snetterton - feeling positive!!

 

Round 2 at Brands got myself on the podium on Saturday with 3rd place!! Followed by a solid points place of 5th on Sunday.

Wow!!! what a first race at the first meeting of the 2015 year

Great view...one I hope to capture again this year...real shame about Sunday and sliding off at the Melbourne Loop while dicing between first and second

Breaking news.... Global Doors definitely on board for the 2015 season as a partner...
Thank you very much Brian

Just been to Long Buckby to meet Sharon and Michael from Westcountry Windings who are helping us out this season. Thanks very much 

Successful day testing at Snetterton on the 8th March. 

Here is my bike all ready for the 2015 season to challenge in the Supersport Evo championship... 

So off we went to Almeria for 3 days of open pitlane testing, unfortunately due to totally unexpected weather conditions 2 of the 3 days the bike remained under its cover tucked up!! 

So back home not happy, hoping to get some testing in before the season begins, but no money to go back to Spain so hopefully some testing in England. 

Keep watching for more updates...