The 2nd stop at Oulton Park saw us enter the last 3 rounds of the Championship. For this race I was ready to push hard and see what we got, as it’s not a favourite circuit of mine, and Silverstone and Brands Hatch GP were my preferred focus, however with that I knew with our new found, and ever increasing pace, we would be fast.
This confidence was met with confirmation of a fast time right away in free practice, on a 1:39:067 to see me finish the session in 4th position.
The bike felt good in Practice, but I felt more control was needed from the front of the motorcycle, so changes were made for Qualifying 1 where I found a new pace, much faster than my previous personal best with a time of 1:37:976 to put me 2nd on the grid provisionally. Our predictions for the setup had worked, of which I was very happy with.
Qualifying 2 was met by a wet track after rain over night, so no improvements were made on time which confirmed our 2nd place grid position and first front row start of the year.
The bike was fantastic, the best 1000cc machine I’ve ridden so after trying something in Warm Up which hadn’t given me a good feeling we reverted back to our qualifying setup for the race.
Race
I got a fantastic start and was in a good position for turn 1, on the first lap I tripped over the back of Alastair Seeley, who, had closed the door on me at She’ll Oils Hairpin, this lost me some time, but I was soon back on the leading pack when on lap 3, the safety car came out after a 1st turn crash involving 3 riders.
Upon the safety car returning, I got up to pace once more, posting my fastest lap of the race with a 1:37:4, but, as the final laps played out I couldn’t keep this pace on the worn tyre and I fell back to 5th place where I would finish the race.
I am happy with the pace achieved as we ran at the front and posted times well within those needed to achieve a podium, however we now need to work on holding this pace over a race distance.
Thank you to Downshift Motorsport, my mechanic Dave Hopkinson, Walters Medical, all of our collective sponsors which make the team possible, Simon and Karen Sherras and Jack Valentine for his oversight, all is appreciated and I’m looking forward to the closing rounds where I will be pushing for podiums.
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.
www.putoline.co.uk – The best High Performance Engine Lubriation.
www.held.de – For 1st class rider protection
www.jtsprockets.com – Downshift is geared using JT Sprockets
http://www.ftwco.com/ – Downshift’s apparel of choice – Shirts on our back, at home, or at the track
http://racebikebitz.com/Kawasaki-ZX10-R-2011-2014-7-Piece-Moulded-Y-Piece-Samco-Sport-Silicone-Hose-Kit-Race-Design
– 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.
http://www.moto-master.com/ – The best brakes around are stopping Downshift this year.
http://www.dynojet.co.uk/ – Give us the figures we want to see. BHP.
www.gbracing.eu – Engine Protection
https://www.directdistributionservice… – Buy your consumables today.
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.