F
I have been on the podium in the past in other divisions at Cadwell Park, and my confidence remains from those results every year when it’s time to race the circuit again despite it not suiting the style of circuit I feel I excel on such as the GP format tracks.
Free Practice saw us post an average time within the 1:32’s, sitting me in 11th position, but this didn’t worry me as I could feel everything the bike was doing on track. The data backed up the issues I expressed so we were able to make a calculated decision of what to change the bike’s handling too.
Qualifying 1
We were straight up to pace, leading for most of the session on a 1:30:1 lap time set on the 10th lap which would eventually put me in 2nd position, I was very happy with the bike’s change and handling.
Qualifying 2 was interrupted by chalk dust after some blow ups earlier in the day which had me feeling nervous when entering the mountain chicane, I didn’t get the lap in at the end of the session on a clean track which I needed, my Qualifying 1 time would qualify me in 5th on the grid for the race.
Warm Up
In warm up we tried some different things on the bike just to find more grip but found that a sweet spot had been found in first qualifying which we would go with for the race.
Race
I got a good launch in the first start and was in 5th position and holding station to let the first few laps play out and avoid any incidents. When the red flag came out due to a crash involving 2 riders the race would be held to tend to the incident.
The race was cut from 15 to 8 laps for the restart, so a sprint race was on the cards and I knew I had to push from the very start and get away with the pack.
My 2nd launch was frustratingly worse than the first. When the lights went out I got away ok but got boxed in going in to turn 1 and found myself with more work to do.
Lap 1 was completed in 8th position with Adam Jenkinson ahead on the Yamaha which I quickly overtook on lap 2, out braking the R1 in to Park Corner.
Just ahead was Josh Wainwright who I closed in on quickly to pass once again at Park corner on lap 3. I went to work on closing the leaders who already had around a second gap.
Lap 4 I closed on to the back of Luke Quigley who I went to work on overtaking, I felt I had the speed to move through but after a big incident at the Mountain on lap 5 the race was red flagged once more and declared a result, putting a halt on my charge and resulting in a 5th place finish.
‘ I am happy for the 5th place finish, but this was the minimum I wanted from the weekend in terms of results, due to other events in the race, the championship has become closer, making 4th place possible and 5th place even more achievable from our current 6th spot. I will be focusing on my starts and qualifying for the coming rounds to make sure we achieve the highest place in the championship of which we can still achieve.
Cadwell Park showcased our pace once again, and this is due to the hard work and dedication my team have shown to produce the package and allow me to progress.
Thank you to Downshift and our loyal sponsors.’
Downshift Motorcycle & Mountain Bike are a business based in Preston, Lancashire, UK, and specialise in competition cycle sports. Race Service, Builds, Maintenance and Product Purchase are available and carried out with the highest possible standards.
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– Seen the custom camo Samco Sport performance silicone hoses keeping the Downshift machines running cool? well you can order them today on the link above, quote in the comment box when ordering, Green, Black, Red and White when choosing custom camo for a Downshift replica design, or mix it up with the colour of your choice.
http://www.bournemouth-kawasaki.co.uk/ – The ZX10’s had lights and mirrors once. No really, and when they did, they came from Bournemouth Kawasaki. Order your Kawasaki machine, gear or parts today.
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www.k-tech.uk.com – Downshift turn and grip with KTECH Suspension Components
http://www.bellhelmets.com/ – The choice of Crash Helmet for Downshift. Light, Strong, ready for P1.
http://www.pfc.parts/ – Gives Downshift stopping power with superior brake pads.
www.venhill.co.uk – Providing fast lines, Venhill Brake Hoses.
www.jap4performance.com – The beautiful Carbon Frame Protectors on the Downshift ZX10R’s are kindly supplied by Jap 4, check out their range.
www.reactiveparts.com – Race Parts
Downshift are backed, sponsored and partnered by Gridworx, Nettworx, 2Works traffic management, Star Delta, AUS, Duco Power and Aptus Utilities, Vinyl Infusion.
