Snett Report
Following the recent endurance race I have high hopes of a good performance at Snett, its very windy but warm, the only change to the bike is a bit of an experiment with the gearing for first Qual.

Before we go out a sidecar spills oil all through Corums and through Russels on the racing line so its going be a tough session for everyone. I can tell straight away that the gearing is not right but with the oil down I know that everyone will be slow anyway, to my surprise I run top 4 until very close to the end when I drop to 6th, seems everyone was struggling with the wind and oil.

With a gaggle of rider’s right behind me but a fairly big gap to 5th its obvious we have to go faster for the next session so we pull out a new rear and change the gearing. I’m riding really well and get some clear air for a change and put in a personal best to keep 6th on the grid – it’s very close from 4th to 10th so it’s going to be some very interesting racing and with some fast wild cards in the mix it’s going to be fun.

I get a good start but very nearly get wiped out on the first corner which costs me lots of time, I really want to get away with the lead pack as I know I can find the extra to live with them buts its not to be, It takes me 2 laps to make a move stick and clear this pack and I’m off and pulling away – I can hold the guys in front but not make any headway, I finish in 6th place which im happy with – a few tenths off my qualifying time but then the rubber has done a few more miles now.

For the first race Sunday we have been spoiled again and have a new rear, weather is a bit better with the wind slightly lower – I get a good start but get in a tussle with Ollie Linsdell and even though he is slower out of the corner he is fast in the important places and I can’t make a move stick, by three quarter distance (longer races on the Sunday 15 laps) im starting to fade to my disappointment and get the arm pump feeling – I take a few laps out to relax and relax too much as I lose 2 places on the straight – on the stocker if I’m not out of Sears fast I get eaten on the straights and that’s what happened – so I’m on it again but have nothing left, in fact I get severe arm pump which slows me right down to the point of wincing with pain in my helmet – even the cool down lap hurts – classic trying to hard I think! I finish 9th.

Determined to make amends for this I relax between races and feel ready for the next race – I get an awesome start right on the back of the lead 4 or 5 and stick with them setting my best time ever round snett and matching it every lap, we come to some back markers and they land just wrong for me so I lose the group by a second or so but can still maintain the gap – it has however pulled the next group to me and they are now hitching a lift from me – on the last lap I’m held up by another back marker through Russells and don’t have the speed to get him at the end of the straights which puts the pack well and truly on my heels – again I don’t get the drive I need onto the straight and lose a place putting me into 8th where I cross the line.

All together I’m very happy with the weekend – consistent good lap times and other than race 2 which I want to forget - I rode really well making some good passes and riding a good race.

In the championship the guys in front of me either finished behind me in the race or had some bad luck so its boosted my points as well.

Hopefully we can make the next round at Brands and keep up the good form.