Round 1 Race report - Not what we'd hoped for!

As we arrived at Brands Hatch for round one of the 2009 British Championship I thought to myself what an unusual day it had been. Nothing had gone to plan, I’d managed to incorporate three separate un-needy diversions on our way (a formal description for getting lost!) and now we arrive at the gates only 15 minutes late meaning we are to spend the night outside in the truck, get up at 6.30am to get in and then set ourselves up for the weekend. Albeit Pete and the bike were already in and all set-up but it was just another annoying inconvenience.

For first practice I was a little apprehensive, we had been and tested the bike but this was to be my first outing for nearly 2 years at BSB and my first with all these new faces that seemed to be flying whilst out testing in Spain. I took in steadily after all the race was still three days away and a lot can happen in that time, as it did. We finished the first session in the top six, not bad for a rusty old boy I thought!

A drizzly afternoon followed and we opted to miss the session as the weather looked as it would improve for the morning. It didn’t so for Saturday morning we fitted the wets and went for a ride around just in case this was what we had to look forward to for the rest of the weekend. Result, we were quickest in the session even with a fogging visor, so things looked to be on track!

With the weather improving our last free practice session was almost completely dry. Again I just continued to circulate to build on my pace and learn about the machine a little more in readiness for qualifying. We were running in the top five and had just moved up to second quickest when as I entered Turn one, Paddock Hill I passed another rider late and had to tighten my entry line just running close to the damp part of the circuit, as I came back to the throttle to exit the turn the rear tyre gave a small slide bringing me out of the seat I instantly shut the throttle to save it as so many times before I had, unfortunately the rider I had just passed was so close he ran into the rear of my machine sending me over the bars and down the very steep gradient that is Paddock Hill. Dusty and dazed I limped back to the Team awning disgusted with myself that I had started the season so badly, my arm and ankle throbbing. Gladly I was soon informed that it was out of my control but as my wrist began to swell I soon realized that the blame was the least of my worries.

I was met at the Medical centre by the eager team led by the ever happy Toby Branfoot, who suggested an X-ray and then both himself and Ruth the Radiographer informed me that the Radius had snapped, most probably from the force through my palm as I hit the ground. A quick local anesthetic and Toby had manipulated it back into place and with a back slab I was sent on my very disappointed and annoyed way, with the mention of at least 6 weeks away from racing, not what I was hoping for on my return!

Well things could be worse a few others didn’t have a perfect weekend and there’s still another eleven rounds to make amends as long as the bone repairs in three weeks!

I must say a Big Big Thank You to everyone who wished me well, it was much appreciated. Also Thank you to the medical staff, a first class service although I hope not to be needing it again soon! Finally Pete and his team and my sponsors have all been very supportive and I’m only sorry I couldn’t give them what they deserved this weekend but we’ll make amends next time out, a promise!

Round Two of the 125cc British Championship is at Oulton Park, Cheshire 2nd – 4th May. It has its ups and downs but being involved with the team is never boring. If you’re interested, then contact Chris Parry on cp@parrisprint.co.uk or 07770688559. Alternatively speak to team owner Pete Banks at pete@banksracing125.com