Derby Phoenix Snetterton June 2008

For those who do not know we have been struggling for money this year - not due to people not giving 100% but more down to bad luck with engines and running costs of the Triumph. From this the only option left to us was to sell my beloved Triumph and try to move on to more cost-effective options, heartbreaking as this really was it’s the only option.

A HUGE thanks to A.P Services in Louth and TK Racing for offering the use of one of their R6’s this weekend so we could pop out and have some fun. Thanks guys and gals!

A.P. Services (Louth) Ltd Industrial and Domestic Heating Service Engineers Yonder, Legbourne Road, Louth, Lincs, LN11 8LQ T: 01507 600 027

With Derby Phoenix there is no qualifying and as new comers we are back of the grid in the first race – then the finishing position determines your next start position.

The weekend didn’t start too well as it was damp and raining, or raining and damp which ever you prefer making it very hard to chose a tyre and learn a bike that isn’t yours! To add to our woes, and to continue my luck the bike refused to tick over when warm causing all sorts of difficulties! Anyway we did ok and made some drastic changes to the bike set up as it really was not how I would have my own bike!

Into the first race and its tippin it down! And from last on the grid it was hard to see what was going on ahead, I enjoyed the race and battled through to 22nd I think although I over shot a few times as I still didn’t have the bike right and really didn’t want to throw it at a tyre wall and own it!

2nd race and its dry so at least I can see where I am going and we have gone even further with the suspension and all is much better – however a terrible start get me back into the mid 20’s for the first corner and I battle through to 14th by the chequered and then straight back to the collection area for the last open race.

From 14th on the grid I am 3rd in to the first corner behind to 1000’s and can only just see them at the bottom of both straights but I eventually pull them in and pass them, then break them to lead from the 3rd lap till the end to take the win!! Well chuffed.

Sunday is looking better and I feel much better about the bike – would be even better if we could stop it stalling! I go backwards from the start again and end up down th pack but come through to 8th and really fancy my chances of winning the last race – unfortunately, trying to get a better start the clutch fries from the first corner and I gracefully retire to fight another day!

Thanks to all who helped out and hopefully see you at Donny on MY bike (whatever it might be) to have another go