EBC-Equipped Brook Experiences Turbulent Weekend at Anglesey

“Round 6 of the No Limits Racing championship took us to the coastal circuit of Anglesey. Blessed with good weather throughout the weekend, we experienced solid results, improvements to the bike and a costly off-track excursion.

“Friday was a general testing day. I’d found in the last few rounds I could hit a pace and then plateau. TW Suspension were in the paddock and I paid a visit to check the bike’s geometry. It’s been changed and tweaked for the short circuits and road racing and errors can creep in. Over the last three seasons, it turned out to be quite large from when I initially got the Aprilia RS660.

“Saturday – Qualifying. The 10-minute qualifying practice began on Saturday morning without incident, and the bike felt instantly better. While building pace throughout the session, I managed to qualify in 7th spot, on the outside of row 3. Not a bad position.”

“Saturday – Race 1. A few hours later, I got a reasonable start in the 7-lap race and didn’t lose any places, by mid race I had settled up into 7th place with the top 8 all lapping within a second a lap. Being a short start-finish straight, I missed the last lap flag. Hitting some lapped riders, I did not ride as defensive as I could have and lost position on the last few corners to finish 8th and qualify 8th for the next race. Lap time from the previous race is used to provide grid slot for next race. Also, as NLR run the endurance championship, there were no further solo races on Saturday.

“Sunday – Race 2. I got a reasonable start, finishing the last lap in 7th, making another position up to 6th a lap later I had a clear track and able to close the gap on 5th position. The 10-lap race ended and I finished in 6th place, I had managed to do the 3rd fastest time of the race which gave me P3 for the next race.

“Sunday – Race 3. A couple of hours later saw my best start yet, exiting the second corner in 3rd place. I dropped back to 5th by the chequered flag, but still my best result of the weekend.

“Sunday – Race 4. The last race of the weekend didn’t end so well. I got a good start with the leading pack, but near the end of the lap another rider from behind tried an ambitious move and ran into the side of me in the fast downhill section before the corkscrew. There wasn’t time to separate, myself and the bike went down hard, aggravating old shoulder, chest and neck injuries, writing off my leathers, gloves and helmet and bursting the petrol tank, as well as the usual crash damage to bodywork, handlebars and switchgear.

“It’s been a costly weekend to come away from, but will do our best to be out at the next round at Oulton Park in just over a week. Recovery and bike parts permitting. Big shout out to Tuet from TW suspension, and Chris Hayes for supporting me all weekend. Also, big shout to the Froggatt Racing team for all your help and support, and the many well-wishers who’ve been in touch. I leave the meeting 5^th in the championship, and two rounds remaining.

“Special thanks to our sponsors and supporters who make going racing easier.”

Pic credits: Mickey Wincott Photography.