30th April 2008 - Tallington
On March 30th I had my first meeting of the 2008 season at Tallington. Getting back onto the bike felt as good as ever and it felt like last season had never ended.
After setting up and ensuring everything was ok with the bikes it was time to hit the track for practice.
I was happy with how the practice went and with the set up of the bike heading into the first heat of three. Heat one went very well, leading from when the tapes went up to the chequered flag collecting 11 points, although I was being pressured by David Speight. Races two and three saw me finish second both times to Richard Smith and collecting 9 points per race. Making a couple of changes between these races enabled me to close the winning margin.
With 29 points I went into the semi finals as the fourth highest points scorer of the day. The race again went well and it finished with my second race win of the day and gave me another 11 point score.
As the second highest scorer I chose my gate and prepared for the final. Unfortunately the gate I chose had a deeper rut than expected. When the tapes went up the back wheel span into the loose dirt which prevented me from making the start I was hoping for. Going down the back straight for the first time I found myself in 10th position. Slowly I fought my way through to 3rd position and even challenged David Speight for 2nd place on the last bend.
Coming 3rd in the final was a massive achievement and made it a successful day for me. My compliments go out to Richard and David for a great days racing and to all the riders in the 500cc solo class.
As the Champions of Champions has been postponed my attention now goes to Cornwall on the 6th April.
Photo - Roger Adlem