EBC-Equipped Bike Racing Team Take on NLR Endurance Race at Croft

“Croft is one of my favourite circuits; fast and flowing. And in perfect-condition racing, it doesn’t get much better. It’s been a long time since not having to roll out the wet tyres for a race meeting, and sunny conditions were very welcome.

“This round, I entered the Aprilia RS660 in the SuperTwins and partnered with Tom Collinge in the 3-hour endurance race.

“SuperTwins qualifying: in the 10-minute qualifying session, I got out of the holding area quickly to get a clear few laps, qualifying on the front of the second row in 4^th position on lap 4.

“Endurance qualifying is done over a 40-minute timed session, where all riders have to complete more than three laps; the fastest rider’s time in the team is used to qualify us. As the first SuperTwin race was straight after this session, I went out first on the Yamaha R6. I took about 15 mins of the session before handing over to Tom. Tom’s time qualified the team in 18^th overall and 8^th overall in the National 600 class.

“Day one racing started with the SuperTwins. I got a bad start and completed lap 1 in about 7^th position. I managed to claw back to 4^th, but got slowed passing lapped riders and got pipped on the last corner, finishing 5^th.

“A couple of hours later saw the beginning of the three-hour endurance race. Teamwork and strategy play a big part in endurance racing. As Tom was returning from injury and not raced this year, we decided to do three 30-minute stints each instead of two 45-minute sessions. Tom started the race and we finished his session in 7^th place. We alternated the sessions for the rest of the three hours, fluctuating between 7^th and 9^th in class and 13-15 overall.

“The team did a fantastic job preparing the bikes, pit signals and getting myself and Tom ready to ride and get out on track during the rider changeover. The race went as smoothly as is possible and I took the chequered flag in 7^th position. Being a national championship, there is a strict Pirelli tyre rule and a team two places higher were disqualified, leaving us in 6^th in class and 12^th overall.

“I’d like to thank the support team Grahame Collinge (pit board and wall man), Chris Hayes (fuel and support), Anthony Froggart (fuel and bike prep), as well as Steve and Jim Weatherhold for looking after timing and riders during changeover. Day 1 complete!

“Day 2 started at 12 pm due to local noise rules on Sundays. The SuperTwins was the first race of the day’s program. I made a good start, running in 2^nd before dropping to 4^th after four laps before the red flag. In the five-lap restart held 3^rd into the first corner and dropped top 4^th by the end of the first lap. I had a good second or so on 5^th but caught a lapped rider at the tight chicane and lost the advantage, again leaving myself open for an attack on the last corner, losing 4^th and crossing the line in 5^th.

“The last race of the day also ran well, running in 3^rd spot for a couple of laps before dropping to 4^th. This time the lapped riders did not affect the outcome, and crossed the line in 4^th place.

“A great weekend and who could complain, racing in fantastic sunny conditions at one of my favourite circuits. Next the team and I will be traveling to the Isle of Man for the Southern 100 road races in-between NLR RND 5 at Brands Hatch GP circuit.”

Pic credits: Mickey Wincott Photography.