11/08/2021
I'm still feeling on a high after a great weekend racing at Aberdare Park Road Races! Before arriving for the weekend i felt abit defeated due to the amazing line up of some very fast and experienced riders ranging from Ex MotoGP Riders to Ex BSB/TT Riders.
On Saturday the weather unfortunately wasn't on our side but this didn't bother me as i felt good in the free practice and tyre grip was good considering the wet conditions. Having track knowledge and having ridden there before in 2019, gave me a great advantage. I then went down for the first qualifying session for the Park Challenge 600cc. After battling some very wet conditions i qualified my first session in 1st, Pole position! My best ever qualifying position at Aberdare Park and any other circuit. I then went on to have my qualifying session for the welsh open, in which i qualified 3rd.
In my first Park Challenge race i started on Pole position on the grid but lost a few places to 2 very fast riders, Davey Todd (Ex BSB Rider) and Chris Burns (Ex Motogp Rider) but after a very wet race, i finished behind Chris Burns with a 3rd, which i was very happy with. I even set the fastest lap of that race, above Davey Todd and Chris Burns.
My next race was then the Welsh Open Heat 2, started in 3rd and finished in 4th behind John Simpson, who holds the lap record for Aberdare Park and Manx Senior Winner, again very happy with that result.
I then went on to compete in the Park Challenge final race, Still very wet conditions. Started in 3rd of the grid and finished with a 3rd, so that meant winning my first trophy of the weekend. Very pleased as was some tough conditions out there.
The final race on Saturday was the Welsh Open Final. Again, still wet conditions. Started in 7th off the grid as the two heats from the morning race had been combined. I had a good battle with Matthew Rees for the 3rd position but he just pipped me to the line. I, infact crossed the start line, grass tracking! Everyone watching was shocked that i managed to keep the bike upright and over the line in one piece, very close call! So, i was extremely happy with a 5th position finish after losing a position to Jay Bellers-Smith!
On Sunday Conditions had improved slightly and a dry line was appearing on the track. My first race was the Park Challenge in which i started 3rd on the grid. After a good battle with Jay Bellers-Smith, i finished 4th just behind him. But with every lap, i was closing the gap between me and Jay! My Next Race of the day was the Park Challenge Final, starting 4th off the grid. As conditions were drying up, i had to make a decision on what tyres to run with, so opted for a wet front and dry rear. This decision resulted in a 3rd position finish and getting me my second trophy of the weekend.
The final Race of the day was the Welsh Open Final. As conditions, again were drying up very quickly, i then swapped both wheels for dry's. I started in 5th off the grid. After a few laps the race was red flagged due to a poor squirrel unfortunately losing its life to a dangerous sport. So a 10 lap race re run was announced. During the first few laps after the race re run, the bike didn't feel right. Maybe because id been riding on wets all weekend and then i had suddenly swapped to dry's, i don't know. But i had to give me head a wobble and get my head back into the race!
By this point i had dropped back into 9th so i had some work to do. I managed to climb my way through the pack by taking every opportunity to pass the rider in front, resulting in a 4th Finish in this race! I was soo happy with the result as at one point i was contemplating pulling in.
Its safe to say that i had a very successful weekend racing. Came home with two podium finish trophies and the bike in one piece. Looking forward to Tonfanau Races on August bank holiday weekend.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank every one who supports me. My sponsors - KJ Electronics, IT Culliss, Bodans Campervan Conversions, SY Crafts By Tash, JK Coatings, Bryan Price Roofing, Autosmart, Motul. My Fiance, Family and Friends, Without you all, none of this would ever be possible.
If anybody would like there name featured on the bike then please get in touch at [email protected] as any sponsors are greatly appreciated.
