MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

A special thank you...

A huge thank you goes out to all the friends, family, sponsors and my team who are constantly helping me get out at each round doing all they can to help my racing dreams come true. The support I am receiving is fantastic and I hope I am doing you all proud with the results I have bought in. Thank you.

Dave and Bernadette Stewart of Thundersport GB,

Ian and Myra Newton of INCompetition (series founders),

SPRING11,

RSRmotosport, 

AF Switchgear, 

Power System Partners, 

Electro Pro Solutions, 

Holbeach motorcycle tyres, 

BMS Services, 

Harpers motorcycle leathers, 

Nitro race helmets,

Daytona Paint designs, 

Mum and Dad, 

Ami-Louise Coleman

Jamie Wilkins, 

Chris and Laura Moore, 

Photographers: Brad Cox & Martin Cox,

Medics and Marshals, 

And all of my supporters who follow me and my racing dream.

Roll on 2013!! #54

Mallory Park Finale

And the time has come, the final round of the season held at Mallory park. Everything was to play for as I was sitting third place in the Aprilia RRV450GP championship, three points from Second place Tom Oliver and seventy points ahead of fourth place David Allingham. And in the Doodson Supertwins I was in third place two points ahead of fourth place Will Hodgson. An exciting weekend up ahead and I was ready to take on the pressures and challenges I faced.

Friday testing went well; I was feeling very positive and confident that I had found a good set up for the weekend. Qualifying didn’t go as well as I had hoped with a fifth and a sixth in each class but I knew in the back of my head I can come back from it as I do on a regular occasions and the position on the grid isn’t bad as it is on the outside of the track for turn one.

Waking up to a wet race track on the Saturday morning I was ready to get on with the tricky track conditions and I kicked of the weekend with a good result in race 1 with a second place in the Doodson Supertwins behind Callan Cooper. I felt very strong in the race and I was looking forward to more.

Race 1 of the Aprilia Challenge also started off well with a third place in very tricky track conditions as the track had pretty much completely dried out while everyone opted for wet tyres. I was pleased with my race result and I finished on the right side of Oliver to bring me level with him in the Championship standings.

Doodson Supertwins Race 2 got off to a great start sitting in fourth place, with the leaders pulling away I was left to fight it out with fifth place Ross Twyman, but unfortunately on the sixth lap I took a fall at the chicane which also forced Ross to take immediate action and crashed whilst avoiding me. I felt sorry for Ross but that is racing and I am grateful he was able to avoid me.After the crash in the Supertwins race I was raring to go but I could not completely block out the crash in my head as I was not 100% sure how I crashed but we got underway. Unfortunately I was not quite able to hang on to the front group of four so I crossed the line in fifth position. I was happy with how I rode towards the end of the race and I couldn’t wait for the next day.During Saturday evening I was chuffed to work out that I had secured a top three position in the Aprilia RRV450GP championship as a minimum. A goal I had set myself from the start of the season. Now I had set my sights on second in the championship.

Sunday got underway with a wet warm up but that soon dried out and a dry Doodson race 1 was on the cards. Setting my fast ever lap time round Mallory park in this race I finished third in class and fourth overall.

Unfortunately in the next two races I felt I did not ride to the best of my ability, I do not know why this was and it got my head down a bit as I knew I could do better, my results were still not bad but I just felt I did not ride like I knew I could, crossing the line in seventh place in the Doodson Supertwins and fifth in the Aprilia Challenge. I was determined to complete my last ever race on the beautiful Aprilia RRV450GP race bike on a high.

Taking a fourth place in my last ever RRV450 race after having to close a massive gap due to me running on at the Edwina chicane on the first lap, I was able to get on to the tail of the leaders but unfortunately by the time the final lap came around I ran out of time to do any more but I was proud of how I rode and I learnt a lot throughout this race as I went out and did my thing and didn’t think about anyone or anything else. A good result and one I am very happy with.Due to Tom Oliver taking a big tumble I was able to take advantage of the points he missed out and I was able to take second in the Aprilia RRV450GP challenge championship standing and also in the Doodson Supertwins Will Hodgson took a fall so I was able to make the most of the points I lost out on from the Saturday taking third in that championship. I am very very proud of what I have achieved over the season. Second and third are both fantastic results and I just can‘t express how pleased I am with these.

I may sound like a cracked record to some and I appreciate that I thank key members often. But I want to thank Ian Newton one more time for without him and Dave Stewart I would not have sat on my Aprilia RRV450 last year, and not had the opportunity to share the RRV experience and importantly learn how to race with a grid full of hot talent. This has developed me beyond all measure. I would like to wish all the lads well in the RRV’s for the 2013 season and to everyone else who has moved on!

Next season I will be moving class within Thundersport GB to the RLR Sportsman Elite 600 championship. I am very excited for this switch made even more so by having secured a Yamaha R6 to compete on. I am really looking forward to the challenges we face next season. 

Thank-you....

I am now currently sitting 3rd place in both championships and it is all still to play for. I am excited for the final round and I hope to finish it of with a cracker. A huge thank you goes out to all the friends, family, sponsors and my team who are constantly helping me get out at each round doing all they can to help my racing dreams come true. The support I am receiving is fantastic and I hope I am doing you all proud with the results I am bringing in. Thank you.

Dave and Bernadette Stewart of Thundersport GB,

Ian and Myra Newton of INCompetition (series founders),

SPRING11,

RSRmotosport,

AF Switchgear,

Power System Partners,

Electro Pro Solutions,

Holbeach motorcycle tyres,

BMS Services,

Harpers motorcycle leathers,

Nitro race helmets,

Daytona Paint designs,

Mum and Dad,

Ami-Louise Coleman

Jamie Wilkins,

Chris and Laura Moore,

Photographers: Brad Cox & Martin Cox,

Medics and Marshals,

And all of my supporters who follow me and my racing dream.

Cadwell Park Rd 8

Round 8 of my racing adventures got under way at the ultra technical Cadwell Park based deep in the Lincolnshire wold's.

This weekend was set to be a very busy one due to the cancellation of the Sunday race day at Anglesey, We had to make up for the races that were missed. So with 10 races over the course of the weekend I knew I had my work cut out. 

Unfortunately I struggled through out the Friday test day searching for a set up that I felt comfortable to push myself around this challenging circuit. Regrettably I was not successful in gaining a great set up but I was able to stick myself on the third row of the grid in both classes. Not exactly my ideal position but I was up for a challenge and I felt good for the racing as I had learnt a little more after a track walk with Chris Moore, my suspension expert. 

Saturday race day did not get of to the best of starts due to a fast and heavy fall on the second lap of my first race of the day possibly due to a cold tyre. Unfortunately the point of circuit I crashed at is known to be a bike wrecker and it sure did live up to its reputation. With only 40 minutes in between my races it was a race against time to get the bike sorted and ready for me to get out for the first RRV race. With some massive help from, my dad, my uncle, Ian Newton, Dave Lewis, Chris Moore, Ian Morton and my Brother the bike was ready to rock in the nick of time. This seriously was an achievement as the bike was a mess. Thank you, and I am pleased to say I was able to pay them back for there help with a 3rd place a great result considering the stress before. 

The next two RRV and Supertwin races went well, unfortunately I was not able to deliver any further podium places back but still was awarded good points to add to the championship.

The next race was a double point race carried over from Anglesey. And this was probably my favourite over the whole weekend. Getting baulked up in a group of riders at the start of the race, Callan Cooper and Tom Oliver made a break, after a few laps I was able to press on and pass the group setting my eyes on Tom Oliver who had a 1.5 second gap on me with only a handful of laps remaining. I pressed on and lost out to Oliver over the line by 1000th of a second. A race I am very proud of, and not only did I close the gap I was also able to break the lap record. A great achievement in my eyes.

Sunday race day didn't get of to the best of starts due to what I can only think was my brain must have still been in bed back in the van. I just didn't have any mojo out on track for the first races of both the RRV and the Supertwins classes, notching a 5th and 6th on the score boards. I was a bit disappointed with that and I set out to make an amends. 

Race two of the Supertwins got under way and the grid soon started to split and I found myself encountering a two-way battle with Will Hodgson. Unfortunately this race didn't last long as we both had a coming together with myself coming of worse and falling off on the grass. This was a racing incident with no hard feelings.

RRV450GP race 2 I was a bit emotional before the start due to a close shave incident at the top of the mountain when I ran out to collect my bike from the middle of the track without thinking of the consequences, after my coming together with Hodgson. I think I scared all the spectators who watched while I danced around a field of bikes, it also scared me. I wasn't in the best of states to go out and race but I had a job to do and I was able to execute it with a brilliant 3rd place. One I was very proud of and I am sorry for scaring those who watched me collecting my bike in the previous race. 

The last and final race of the weekend, a double point Supertwin race from Anglesey. I sat in a great position just off the back of the close knit pack which was swapping and changing lap after lap. I was feeling very strong and I started to make my move and it was then when my exhaust became dislodged due to a broken spring, which forced an early retirement to my race. I was gutted with this but these things happen.

It was a tough weekend, and not only was it for me but pretty much the whole grid. It was full of many highs and lows but I came through and I am now very excited for the final round of the season held at Mallory on the 20th and the 21st of October. 

I would like to dedicate a section of this report to Callan Cooper who has done a fantastic job of wrapping up the 2012 Aprilia RRV450GP championship. He has ridden a brilliant championship, staying consistent all season long and very rarely making a mistake. It’s been a pleasure to race against him and I wish him all the best in his future-racing career. I'm sure our racing paths will cross again sometime in the future.

Also a get well soon to Harry Coomber who took one for the team big style and is now currently recovering from a badly broken leg, hope to see you back out on the bike soon.

As always...

A huge thank you goes out to all the friends, family, sponsors and my team who are constantly helping me get out at each round doing all they can to help my racing dreams come true. The support I am receiving is fantastic and I hope I am doing you all proud with the results I am bringing in. Thank you

Dave and Bernadette Stewart of Thundersport GB,

Ian and Myra Newton of INCompetition (series founders),

SPRING11,

RSRmotosport, 

AF Switchgear, 

Power System Partners, 

Electro Pro Solutions, 

Holbeach motorcycle tyres, 

BMS Services, 

Harpers motorcycle leathers, 

Nitro race helmets,

Daytona Paint designs, 

Mum and Dad, 

Ami-Louise Coleman

Jamie Wilkins, 

Chris and Laura Moore, 

Photographers: Brad Cox & Martin Cox,

Medics and Marshals, 

And all of my supporters who follow me and my racing dream.

Anglesey Rd7 Race Report

Hi all, I hope you are all set for my next addition of my racing adventures. This time we headed north west of the United Kingdom crossing the border in to the picturesque Anglesey Race track. A fantastic circuit and one my family look forward to every year due to its stunning views and grippy technical nature of the circuit. This round was to be of a different format to any other race meeting due to church days and the bank holiday weekend forcing the organisers to cut the testing down to three twenty minute sessions and qualify on the Saturday afternoon after testing is complete. This is how it went for me.

Surprisingly the paddock woke to a sunny island, as it is famously known to have its own weather forecast… Rain. A slightly damp track in the morning but that didn’t stop us putting the dry tyres in and getting on with it. Unfortunately my day didn’t get off to the best starts having been hampered with bike technical problems from lap one. This affected the whole morning and due to these problems I was not able to turn a wheel in testing. This was obviously a big setback, but I was ready for the challenge I was looking forward to take on  the following qualifying sessions.

Supertwins qualifying went well as I was really happy with how I rode, I was still only in 21^st position and two and a half seconds of the pace and still on old tyres but after a few changes of the suspension I was ready to rock and roll for the Aprilia RRV450GP qualifying putting it P5 on the grid only 7 tenths of pole position time. A fabulous result and one I was very proud of considering the amount of time I had on track, and only enough time to fit a new rear tyre. Now I couldn’t wait for the races to come.

Supertwins race 1, and what a challenge this was to be. I got my head down and started picking of riders as I went along managing to work my way in to eighth position keeping the leaders in my sight. I was very pleased with my performance and I couldn’t wait to get in the mix with the front-runners in the 450 race.

The first RRV450GP race of the weekend got underway and what a cracker this was. Swapping positions left right and centre with Will Hodgson, Callan Cooper, Ross Twyman and Harry Coomber. I felt very strong throughout the race setting a lap time that was 3 tenths of a second faster than anyone else on the circuit and 1 tenth of a second of the lap record, but unfortunately I couldn’t capitalise on this confidence losing out and dropping from first to 4^th on the last lap, I have often mentioned the racing is close. I was a bit gutted with this result but unfortunately you can’t have it all your way. I was incredibly happy with my performance and how I rode which is what really matters. Role on race 2.

Race 2 of the Supertwins championship unfortunately didn’t go to plan. With a long delay before the start of the race this forced my tyres to go stone cold and with a new rear tyre on this didn’t do my confidence any favours dictating I wait a little while longer before I started to work my way through the field. I was still able to force my way in to twelfth, which I was very happy with.

The race I was looking forward to, RRV race two. Gaining a good start I saw myself in second place and looking to take the lead on the second lap. I set my self to take the position on the brakes but as soon as I started to break I found myself not able to brake as hard as I knew I could and then all of a sudden the braking force kicked in, this sent me out wide and dropping me back in to 4^th place. During the same lap I came round to the penultimate corner at max lean and my bike just drifted away from me and I slid off to the side of the track bringing my race to a premature halt. Startled as to what had happened I got the bike back to the awning to find traces of oil over the right side of my bike. This was very devastating because in two seasons I have never experienced bike problems and I am proud of the work I undertake between meetings to ensure this does not happen to my beloved RRV. This explained a few of the incidents that had happened during my short time on the circuit during that race. Not the best way for day 1 to end but I was ready for the next days racing with a good grid position in both championships due to the mega laps system I was starting from fourth place and front row in both championships, and I couldn’t wait to improve my performance.

Unfortunately after a sleepless night of listening to the awning want to fly off in to the sea and torrential rain the following days race action was cancelled. This was very disappointing to all the competitors and race officials but it was the right decision to take due to safety being a primary concern of a race weekend.

Not my dream weekend I must admit, but still one I am very proud of as I felt I handled my disappointment well and rode brilliantly to my own standards

Rockingham Rd6 Race Report

Hi everyone, round six of the nine round championships got underway at the Rockingham International Circuit in Northamptonshire. And what a blinding weekend it was with highs all the way through the weekend. Here is how it went for me.

Qualifying kicked off with two solid grid positions placing me in fourth for the RRV450GP championship and fifth place in the Supertwins championship. A good start to the weekend and I was looking forward to getting the racing underway.

Race 1 in the Supertwins championship and I didn’t start off the best when the lights went out dropping down to seventh and losing touch with the leading pack. I managed to break my way back in to fifth and started to get my head down clawing 4^th place back on the final lap of the eight lap race putting me in 3 place within the Supertwins class. A great race and my confidence were high for the first RRV race of the weekend ahead.

Aprilia RRV450GP race 1, receiving a good start I sat in 3^rd right on the tales of the leaders, trying to make ground early on in the race, I made a few attempts to break my way in to the lead with a few of these attempts failing I eventually managed to make it stick and took the lead. Unfortunately I was not able to break away from the following riders so a real fight was on my hands but I rose to the challenge and held my ground taking the first RRV race win of the weekend. A brilliant result and one I was very proud of because I was really pleased with my race management and strategy.

After a great result like that I had to get quickly back to ‘the here and now’, as I still had another two races to fight for.

The second race of the Supertwins championship did not go as planned but I was still happy with what I achieved. Encountering a battle from the hard fought Will Hodgson, neither of us was willing to give in for a space and myself coming of worst and having to take evasive action and go straight on through a run off section of track. Although this diversion cost me many places I was still able to take home another podium in my class thankfully, as points are need for the championship standings.

The second RRV race got underway with a fantastic battle between four of my main rivals. Swapping positions lap after lap corner after corner, unfortunately this gave Callan Cooper room to make a break and leave the field battling for the runner up spots on the rostrum. Fortunately I was able to get the best of the battle crossing the chequered flag in second position. Although I was a bit gutted Cooper managed to make a break and also with my bad start, however I was still pleased and couldn’t wait for the following day to get under way.

Due to an unusually high demand for tyres, Bridgestone ran out which presented a new challenge for me and I had to manage race pace on worn rubber. I was up for it to see how my pace would be affected on old race tyres.

Sunday started of quite cold in comparison to the previous day’s gorgeous sunshine, this reduced grip levels and after a red flag In the first Supertwins race of the day due to a crash, my tyres went very cold which pushed my confidence level and I was very cautious on the first few laps. I lost out on a lot of places but I was able to come back just missing out on the podium. A sensible ride to finish and earn valuable points.

Race one, of the RRV’s went well, after another poor start I dropping me back and a gap emerged between myself and 3^rd placed Tom Oliver. I gritted my teeth and made a late hard charge and I was able to take 3rd place after a hard manoeuvre on Oliver at the final chicane to give me another podium of the weekend. A great result for me.

Race two of the Supertwins this time I gained a good start for once, maintaining my position however I dropped back a tad after being caught napping in the early stages of the race but once I woke up at the mid-way stage I got back in to second and I was able to hold off the rest of the field until the chequered flag.

The last race of the weekend for the RRV450GP’s, gaining a good start I bumped my way in to third and I hung on to the Cooper and Coomber duo, but this didn’t last for long whilst struggling to find the grip to hold the pace. I pushed as hard as I could for as long as I could but I couldn’t drive out of the corners as I would do normally, and could not stay with the front two. I was happy with how I rode and my performance, I found it a shame I couldn’t hang on the front two but I did my best as all ways, and my rear tyre was truly shot by the end of the day.

Another great weekend to add to my brilliant season thus far and I would like to say a massive thank you to my new fan club formed by the young children on top of the garages who cheered me on all weekend. I was informed of how much support they showed. It is great to have people like that within the paddock as all racers need as much support as they can get and I am glad I can give them good results back.

Never Unnoticed

A TV interview can be a very complicated task at the best of times, let alone 5 minutes after an adrenaline fuelled race, so as you could imagine many topics are missed out as you do not want to start rehearsing your perfect interview as you could be tempting fate. This brings me on to talk about a business I have hardly mentioned throughout my interviews but the support they give me has definitely not gone unnoticed, Harpers motorcycle clothing. They are a small store operating out of a high street shop in Leigh-on-sea. These guys mainly specialize in Wolf leathers, AGV helmets, TCX boots and RST gloves but they do not just stop at these brands and cater for all people’s needs. But what really makes Phil and his team stand out from any normal motorcycle clothing store is their ability to construct made to measure leathers under the Wolf branding. These leathers are made to a fantastic level of quality allowing comfort and flexibility with a choice from a range of many colours enabling your dream leathers to come true, at a fantastic price and a quick turnaround it is the way forward…… and let’s face it, if Phil’s made to measure leathers are not good enough for a certain Neil McKenzie from his Cadbury Boost Yamaha days then who are they good for? Please check Harpers out and they will do their best to help you out with your needs.

A Few Updates!

Just letting you know that my race report from Snetterton is now on the blog for you all to read! I hope you enjoy :)

Also the Aprilia RRV450GP Challenge coverage from Oulton Park has now been added onto the Media page along with new photos from Snetterton added to the Photo page!

Have a good look around and enjoy the new updates about my racing adventures!

Again a huge thank-you for all of your support!

A Big Thank-you

A huge thank you goes out to all the friends, family, sponsors and my team who are constantly helping me get out at each round doing all they can to help my racing dreams come true. The support I am receiving is fantastic and I hope I am doing you all proud with the results I am bringing in. Thank you.

Dave and Bernadette Stewart of Thundersport GB,

Ian and Myra Newton of INCompetition (series founders),

SPRING11,

RSRmotosport,

AF Switchgear,

Power System Partners,

Electro Pro Solutions,

Holbeach motorcycle tyres,

BMS Services,

Harpers motorcycle leathers,

Nitro race helmets,

Daytona Paint designs,

Mum and Dad,

Jamie Wilkins,

Chris and Laura Moore,

Photographers: Brad Cox & Martin Cox,

Medics and Marshals,

And all of my supporters who follow me and my racing dream

Snetterton Rd5 Race Report

Hi everyone, here I am again writing another report on my latest racing adventure. Snetterton; known for its long high speed straight.

Friday test day got underway with mixed weather conditions, tired of changing wheels from wet to dry tyres and back, by the end of the day I didn't feel I was totally prepared for the races.Unfortunately that is how things can feel from time to time and I just had to keep reminding myself that I was not the only one experiencing the changeable track conditions. 

Unfortunately like the previous round I selected the wrong gearing which became a big hindrance during the qualifying sessions held on the Saturday morning. This determined seventh place on the grid in Doodson Supertwins and eighth in the Aprilia RRV450GP championship. I stayed calm as I reminded myself of what I had achieved at Oulton Park from a lowly grid position.

Doodson Supertwins Race one, I experienced a great start and I was able to capitalize and push myself into the lead by the midway point of the race until I made a mistake on the back section of the circuit, sending me off the track and forcing me to work my way back up the field taking home a sixth place finish. This was a good result as I was the fastest 450 rider on the grid, a good confidence booster for the first 450 race.

Unfortunately the Aprillia RRV450GP Race one didn't go to plan as I collided with Ross Twyman, due to a mistake firmly instigated by me, and me only. Our collision unfortunately snapped my clutch lever off forcing me to retire on the side of the barrier. 

This mistake really upset me and left me feeling down because I cannot afford DNF’s in this series if I want to maintain my progress at the top end of the championship table. And crashing on the first turn could also lead to injury, and Ross was just the innocent party in all of this. After some scrappy races I then finished seventh in the Doodson Supertwins, second race and fifth in the Aprilia Challenge second outing. All in all this was not an easy day and we felt a little low that evening. 

Although these were not the kind of results I had hoped, let’s be honest achieving podiums every race in this competition is stuff of dreams! If this is what I class as a bad day then it can't be all bad can it? Something still had to change the next day, an early night and a positive approach was required.

Sunday greeted us with heavy rain and sodden track, but I was up and ready for the challenge. With help of my team and friends we felt good for Doodson Supertwins race one on TV day. Off the start I was able to maintain my position which is where I sat until everyone had calmed down, I then went on and made my attack picking off one rider at a time until I had two in front on the last lap. I was able to sneak my way up the inside of second place around the newly reshaped Coram curve and that is how I crossed the finish line. A second place across the stripe and first place in my class 650 open. That's better! 

Race one, Aprilia challenge, a quickly drying track whilst racing on wet tyres, lovely! I started the race off in exactly the same way as the previous Supertwins race biding my time. I started my attack on the second lap and worked my way into the lead. I started to put the hammer down and managed to break the field of riders behind, Brilliant! Another error on my part into the low speed hairpin saw me lose the front and I crashed out of the lead with only two laps to the finish line. Although I made this mistake I did not let it get to me, and I carried on as usual. I was really happy with how I rode in this race as I had a really good feeling for the bike and I felt extremely confident. The main thing I took out of the situation was that I knew why the mistake was made. 

Race two in the Doodson Supertwins, saw me struggle due to the amount of back markers we approached and lapped throughout the race, and on a few occasions I lost my rhythm. I still bought it home in a respectable 5th place. 

I was feeling good for the final Aprilia RRV450GP Race. Race two got under way. On the first lap I settled down and set my pace holding my position off the line. I then worked on making way through the field and set my sights on Callan Cooper who made a big attempt to break from the following pack. Tom Oliver joined me in our attempt to close down the gap Cooper had made. Once the gap had been closed it became a three way dice to the finish line, with lead changing many times. Eventually after a last gasp last corner move to dive up the inside of Tom Oliver I managed to cross the line in close second behind Callan Cooper. A brilliant result and a great race, one I was very proud of. Although I didn't win the race I was very pleased with my strategy and I felt I could hold my head up high, as I did my best and I gave my all to win the race.

Another massive learning curve experienced this weekend and I am enjoying the whole experience of the Aprilia Challenge. Over the course of the weekend Ian Newton (founder of the Aprilia Challenge) and I were having a laugh about how slow I was on the Aprilia 125 in the Superteen series back in 2008, and it makes me smile every time I remember that I was not able to keep up with the grid on the warm up lap. Great memories!

Media Update

Hi Everyone!

Check out the NEW coverage of the Doodson Motorsport Supertwins from Oulton Park on the Media page!

Thank you again for all your support and I hope you enjoy the watch!

Photo Update

New photos from Snetterton have been added to the Photo page above.

Many thanks to my brother, Brad Cox, who has taken all the awesome photos featured on the Blog.

Also keep an eye on the Photo page because there is soon to be a big change!

Point Standings Update

The Point Standings for both the Aprilia RRV450 Challenge and Doodson Motorsport Supertwins have had a mix up after Snetterton!

Find the updated tables on the left :)

thundersportgb.com & apriliachallenge.net

If you want to know more about ThundersportGB or The Aprilia RRV450GP Challenge then take a look at the following sites: 

www.thundersportgb.com

www.apriliachallenge.net

Thank-you

I would just like to say a massive thank you to everyone who get’s me out racing every race weekend and for their support. I would not be able to do it without you. It's amazing what people are willing to do to make someone else's dreams happen.

Dave and Bernadette Stewart of Thundersport GB,

Ian and Myra Newton of INCompetition (series founders), 
 SPRING11,
RSRmotosport, 

AF Switchgear, 

Power System Partners, 

Electro Pro Solutions, 

Holbeach motorcycle tyres, 

BMS Services, 

Harpers motorcycle leathers, 

Nitro race helmets,

Daytona Paint designs, 

Mum and Dad, 

Jamie Wilkins, 

Chris and Laura Moore, 

Photographers: Brad Cox & Martin Cox,

Medics and Marshals, 

And all of my supporters who follow me and my racing dream

Oulton Park Rd4 Race Report

Hi all, it is that time again for another update on my racing adventures. I hope you enjoy the read as this round was possibly my best one yet. Two days packed with many highs and a few lows, this is my story. 

Round 4 of the Aprilia RRV450GP and Doodson Supertwins championships were held at the picturesque Oulton park in Cheshire known for its rapidly steep cambering and daring corners, a very technical circuit indeed. The sun was beaming strongly all the way through the weekend making for perfect racing conditions.

Friday testing got under way, and as Oulton Park is a short two day event Thundersport GB were only able to squeeze in three twenty minute sessions per championship, this doesn't leave much time to nail down the challenges of this circuit, but hey, it is the same for everyone. We got under way but not quite the way I had planned. Two laps into the first session my clutch cable popped out forcing me to pit, but thankfully Chris Tagg was at hand to sort it out for me and get me back on track for the final 5 minutes. With little luck in the second session I tipped off in the closing stages of the session due to oil that had been dropped and un noticed until three riders fell on it including me. The final session I managed to have a clean one, prior to heading into Qualifying sessions, which also definitely didn't go the way I had planned.

In the Doodson Supertwins I qualified in 9th place and in the RRV450GP I qualified 12th, in both instances some 3.5 seconds off the pace. I have shown that this year I can run with the best and even have a lap record to my name at Donington Park. Struggling to find the cause of my problem we made a few changes during Friday night, including a new clutch pack which Ian Newton kindly helped me to fit. With a new gear ratio also to test in the morning warm up sessions the following day. It was disappointing to find that we still lacked pace. It is not a nice feeling and confusing when you feel you are pushing as hard as I always do.

Race one, Doodson Supertwins approached and with still no answers to why I was struggling, we then made use of a calculator to fathom the gearing ratio’s and made a further change, which was heavily persuaded by Chris Moore my suspension expert. It sure didn't let me down, gaining a great start I bumped and barged through the grid into 6th place and sat behind Will Hodgson, who was setting a good pace and we closed in on 3rd and 4th positions. I then managed to make my moves and forced my way in to 3rd place and maintained it to the finish line, after a very hairy last lap with Will who did not wish to give up a potential podium position. To my surprise we had gone from three seconds adrift of pole position to being awarded the Supertwins Lap record in the race. A big sigh of relief for my dad and I, we had now found the pace that I always knew I could run.

Race one of the RRV450GP, I think is possibly the best I had ever ridden. A strong start and forceful first few laps saw me up in to third place and on the tail of the front two riders. Tom Oliver was leading and set a very good pace which enabled the Top three to break away from the following pack. I momentarily took second from Callan Cooper, who reacted straight away and passed me again, before putting the hammer down even more and upping the pace. I started to make mistakes midway through the race, but I told myself to calm down and get into a rhythm. I then passed Oliver on the penultimate lap and put in my best effort to hunt down Cooper. At the final corner of the final lap I passed Cooper around the outside to take the lead and I maintained it across the line. My first ever RRV450GP win and my favourite win that I have experienced. I was so happy with my performance, the way I managed my race and how I took the win. And not only that I also took the RRV450GP lap record on the final lap. Perfect!

The Second Doodson Supertwins race saw me again finish across the line in third place after an epic battle between, Will Hodgson, Joe Ravenscroft and myself. Great close racing!

Unfortunately my second RRV450GP race was taken to a premature halt on the first lap as I tipped off on the first lap due to losing my focus for a split second, which ended up in me making a silly mistake. This crash did not do me any favours as this race was worth double points, but I really can't grumble as it turned out to be one amazing weekend, and I didn’t lose any positions in the championship table.

After this race weekend I am still third place within the Aprilia RRV450GP championship and I am currently leading the Doodson Supertwins championship. I am really proud of myself, and what I have achieved so far this season. and I look to continue my progress as the season continues. I learnt a lot about myself this weekend as it was very much two days of character building. Chris, dad and I just calmly got on with the job of finding three seconds in perfect harmony! Dad, I know my racing comes before your own; thanks, and sorry for the lightning fast rear shock removal between warm up’s to alter the ride height, it did not work out, but you have to try, don’t you?

I hope you have enjoyed my race report and it has motivated you to want to get a feel for the passion we all have in the racing paddock by coming along to my next round held at Snetterton on the 22nd-24th of June.

Mallory Park Rd3 Race Report

Hi all, I hope you are ready for my third race report of the season and what a cracker this one is to say the least, some hard close racing and some brilliant results. I will not give too much away as I will let you find out during the course of the report. I hope you enjoy the read, and feel the passion I have for my motorcycle racing.

This time round we headed off to the prestigious Mallory Park circuit, a famously known track for its fast sweeping first right handed turn, Gerrads, this is not a corner to get wrong as many have found out, just ask my Dad. The forecast for the weekend was heavy showers all the way through but with a surprise beam of sunshine beating down on the Leicestershire circuit in the morning on Friday test day, we got under way with our program. Friday test day went well, however I did take a tumble in the third session of the day whilst testing a new set up. Then rain come in to play but I still felt prepared for Saturday’s morning qualifiers. Yet again I was competing in two classes, Aprilia RRV450GP and the Doodson Supertwins.

Saturday morning also managed to stay clear determining a dry track just in time before my first session of the day. Qualifying went well for me in both classes taking 3rd in the Supertwins and 4th in the Aprilia RRV championship with two tenths covering the top five in the RRV championship, and both front row starts.

A dry Doodson Supertwins race one got underway, and what a battle it was, but unfortunately no one could fend of young Josh Daley who was not taking no for an answer, I managed to shake off the rest of the field consisting of David Allingham, Tom Olliver and Callan Cooper to cross the line in 2nd place. The Pace was very fast and yet there was still more to come in our lap times.

Unfortunately the heavens opened shortly before the first RRV race of the weekend forcing the rest of the day to be called under wet race rules. Race one of the RRV’s and I was disappointed with myself, as I received a poor start dropping me way back in the field, fortunately I was able to claw back in to fifth position but I was just not able to close the distance between myself and the leading pack, whilst battling at close quarters.

Race 2 of the Doodson Supertwins, having worked on my starts and this time I held my position but I was unable to find the Grip and feel that the leading 3 were able to find in the tricky wet racing conditions. I held my position for the rest of the race to eventually cross the line in fourth place. Still a consistent result.

After debriefing with my team we decided to opt on a new wet set up for the final race of the day. And boy what a difference it made for the final RRV450GP race. Bagging a good start saw me in second place behind David Allingham on a drastically drying track. Lots of close hard racing and a few near crash moments were experienced on the closing laps I lost touch with the leading group dropping me back in to 4th place. I kept my head down and I was able to bridge the gap slightly but it wasn’t quite enough. I was happy with my performance in that race, and it put me in the right state of mind for the next day.

Yet again the sun came out to play on the Sunday morning, drying the track just in time for the first race of the day. Having practiced a few new lines in specific areas of the track during morning warm up, I was feeling really confident for the day ahead.

Race 3 of the Doodson Supertwins was a similar story to the first race on the Saturday but this time I got my first chance to lead a race, doing so for 3 laps, it was an epic battle between myself, Tom Oliver and Josh Daley, managing to drop down in to 55 second lap times, half a second shy of last year’s lap times. Still not able to hold of Josh Daley I managed to cross the line in second place just ahead of Tom Oliver by one thousandth of a second. Some epic racing with many close shoulder rubbing, encounters and green paint left on my right shoulder from the inside of raised hairpin painted slabs. It was great fun and hoped for much more of that to come.

Race three, Aprilia RRV450GP got underway in wet conditions and another great battle commenced. I sat in second place for the majority of the race as Harry Coomber had edged away with his ferociously fast wet pace until a hard Charging David Allingham come from last place to 3rd forcing me to put a fight for second, bumping and barging our way I was able to maintain my 2nd place across the line. This race was so much fun and I just wanted more of it.

Race four in the Doodson Supertwins is possibly my favourite race of the weekend. I worked my way in to second place after a bit of a tussle with Tom Oliver and Callan Cooper and that is where I sat for the remainder of the race up until the last lap. David Allingham was leading and I felt very confident, as I had worked a plan in my head. Knowing I was stronger than David in a certain section of the track. I was feeling very good. I waited for the last lap flag to appear and I made my move, going round the outside of David at the very fast first turn to take the lead onto the back straight, I then took a defensive line around the rest of the circuit fending David off, and I was able to cross the finish line in the lead and took my first overall win by one hundredth of a second. This is an amazing and a great feeling to have experienced. That was the race craft I have been lacking and I had started to learn. Now I was just hoping I could transform that in to my maiden RRV450GP win with one race to go of the day.

The RRV450GP’s final race of the weekend and it was my last chance of the weekend to make it really count. To be honest I do not have any real recollection of this race as so much happened throughout the race I really don’t know where to begin, yet again, I really cannot put in to words how manic this race was, It was insane and it felt like I was not able to keep the same position for no longer than half a lap. All I do know is that there was one man no one could beat all weekend, which was Harry Coomber, taking his fourth win of the weekend with me in Second and David in third place.

I apologise that I cannot go in to further depth about this race, but a regular race in the RRV450GP championship is always a dogfight such is the level of competition in this class. All I can say is watch the races on TV or on line; you do not want to miss them. I hope you have enjoyed the read and I have wetted your appetite to come and join the team and I at the next round of the Thundersport GB calendar at Oulton Park in Cheshire on the 25th and the 26th of May.

This was another amazing race weekend for me, like the previous years I absolutely love my racing this season, and I am learning every time I swing my leg over the bike, and I cannot keep the smile of my face. I am now currently lying 3rd in both championships, which I am over the moon about and I hope to keep progressing throughout the season. I would just like to say a massive thank you to everyone who get’s me out racing and for their support. I wouldn’t be able to do it without you.

Media Coverage

Hi Everyone!

Check out the coverage from the Aprilia RRV450 and Doodson Supertwins on the Media page!

New videos added from Mallory Park!

Enjoy :)

Welcome

Hi all and welcome to my blogging site.

I hope you enjoy reading my posts and want to keep on following my racing dreams.

Thank you