Race Reports
First GP125 From a bad start Dave worked his way up to third passing Matt Jackson on about lap 4. Phil Ridgeway won and took the lead in the championship. It was a brave ride by Matt Jackson in very bad conditions on inters when everybody else was on full wets. (If anybody is interested I have 3 sets of wets for a 125 - Bridgestone, Michelin and Dunlop all at £25 a pair. Dave also has a spare set of wheels with discs for a 125 for £425).
First F400 - At the front of the F400 race were all the usual suspects. Adam Greenwood won, Steve Dennahey rode really well to take second and got equal fastest lap with Adam. Lloyd Cripps was third ahead of Eliot Forsey, Andy Sprake from a good start slipping to 6th. The highlight of the race for me was the scrap between Paul Kidd and Rich Davis. Paul had borrowed a full sets of wets of Tom Eley (my old set) whilst Rich was on KR364s. Rich was quicker in a straight line but Paul could brake later and corner that bit quicker. The two tusseled for the whole race with Rich having a few moments especially coming out of the Esses. In the end Paul 8th just pipped Rich 9th for his best result so far. Rich was the first rider home not on full wets so it was a good ride by both.
Second GP125 Matt Jackson had a flyer on the first lap getting past Phil Ridgeway at the Esses. Once Phil was into his stride he overhauled Matt Jackson (who was still on inters - a rowing boat would have been more appropriate). Dave once he got past a few riders started hauling Matt Jackson in getting past him on the penultimate lap. A fluffed gear change exiting the Esses allowed Matt to re-pass Dave who didn't manage to get past again. Phil won and took the championship, Matt was second and took second in the championship and Dave took third in the race and the championship.
Second F400 - Bit of a change here. Steve Dennehey won with a really good ride passing Adam about mid distance. Lloyd got all the ooohs at the esses - he had left a fuel line disconnected and was sliding all over the place (didn't finish the first lap). Andy just beat Eliot to take third in the race and third in the championship from Lloyd. Eliot got second in the championship. Paul Kidd again put in a good ride 7th- his confidence obviously getting better as he got used to the tyres. Rich came in 10th.
For the KRs it was a bit of a mixed day - Paul Kidd is over the moon finishing the day with a third in class in the novice race. He has got his best results yet, the only problem is he has to give the tyres back. Rich Davis' day was so, so. He had good rides but felt he should have done better (he was still probably the quickest rider in F400 not on full wets). The bike is still being shaken down from his tumble last time out at Gerrards. (He has come up with a really neat way of mounting the fairing with out the black frame that bolts onto the frame). John Buchan and Mark Brown (Team T3)came along to check out the opposition for next season. Ritchie Webb mentioned he and a friend might get a KR each and enter the cup for fun. Looks like one of the side car teams might be dragging a few KRs out of the garage and joining in. Having seen Paul's ride Tom Eley might now buy another KR and struggle on rather than throw in the towel and get a 400.
Next meeting should be Anglesey (The Grand) 20/21 Oct followed by Donnington 19 Nov. Might also do 3 sisters on the 8th Oct . The goodies page will appear soon - all the usual stuff such as Sparrow T shirts, beer mugs, number plates stickers etc. Proceeds will go towards the KR Cup. Should have some KR Cup stickers soon - still working on the design.
Also working on a KR Cup team page so everybody can have details of their bikes etc on show - bit like they do for touring cars. Team T3 have plans for a new colour scheme. Team Sparrow will have a new colour scheme - mainly green but with a few others thrown in just to brighten things up.
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