BRANDS Race Report 27th October 2001

Well it started off wet in the morning and I felt a bit raw as my last visit to Brands Indy was back in March (there was another round there in August but we didn't go to that).  By the time it was my first race (Rookie 600), there was a dry line most of the way round the track, could have got away with using full wets, but went with drys.  It was damp in the braking and turning in zone, so in these conditions I was cautious (it is all relative mind!!). Started 10th came 15th (of 42 IIRC) -not best chuffed, but glad I

still had a bike to ride!! 

Race 2 (Supersport 600) I was amongst the big boys now, the SS6 is the toughest 600 class we have in BEMSEE.  The track was about 80% dry by now.  Andrew and I started side by side 34th and 35th (IIRC) Andrew 'Anticipated the lights' as per usual and got a better start than me and after the first corner or two had put a few bikes between us.  I spent most of the race trying to catch him. Got close enough to him to make a move about mid race. I chose Graham hill bend, he was weak round here and I could take a different line to get better drive. This is exactly what I did, but as I got alongside him he swerved over, I was only a foot away in the first place, so had no choice but to back off and swerve my self.  Unfortunately I lost quite a bit of ground

here and a place of two, I spent the next few laps trying to dispose of the people in between us, only every time I would get past one, Andrew would put another between us … g*t!!!  I realised there was only a couple of laps to go and I had better pull my finger out or Andrew was indeed going to beet me fair and square.  I buckled down and disposed of the bikes between us, then made my move on Andrew, with just over a lap to go.  I kept it hot until just after Graham hill bend, when I just kept enough pace so he couldn't get past (it is difficult from this point on) crossed the line 0.8 of a second in front of him . Phew!!!!! (26th)

Race 3 Rookie600 Started 15th.  Although I was happy with the now bone dry conditions and had built up some 'lets do it' style aggression for the race (i.e. fu** it, it is the last Rookie race of the season and my last chance at another trophy).  Being back in 15th I realised I had quite a job ahead. I was trying hard but I felt as though I was struggling for grip most of the race so just couldn't get the bike as I like it  specially round paddock hill (fast off camber downhill), rode as fast as I felt it would let me mind. Finished a disappointed 11th. Examined the tyre after the race and had

little chunks coming off it . gulp!! Basically had a faulty tyre and the tread was coming away from the carcass at points.  Didn't have enough time to get it changed before the next race and assessed that it might well hold together enough for the last race, so just stuck with it.  Oh and Andrew got done for a false start!!! (at last the bu@@er got caught at it!! :0) )

Race 4 SS6 As we finished 26th and 27th in the previous race, we were once again side by side at the start.  Andrew got a good start again (more legit this time) but I got past him after the first couple of laps.  Felt I rode as hard as the bike/grip would let me (although still thought I could improve round Chessants/clearways) finished 24th.  Doesn't sound that good, but considering the company I was in and the tyre I had, was fairly chuffed, especially as this time I had significantly kicked my teammates butt :0)