Normal service resumed, well lets hope so!

After such a disappointment at Cadwell Park two weeks earlier Brian hoped that a trip to Croft, North Yorkshire for round 10 of the Relentless 125cc British championship would give him chance to prove that there is, ‘still life in the old dog!’

Things didn’t start too well though as an after effect of the engine trouble from Cadwell Park caused a further cooling problem to the engine meaning Brian missed the first session of the weekend. All repaired Brian managed to complete the second free practice session and although already on the back foot managed to post the tenth fastest time of the day. Brian had brought an extra addition to the team this weekend in the shape of Steve ‘Shagger’ Cambers in the hope that he could solve Brian’s suspension woes that have been upsetting his progress as of late and although only one riding in the one session of the day in de-brief later that evening it seemed as though progress had begun!

Keen to try and catch up on the missed session Brian was away first in Saturday morning first qualifying. With the teams second engine fitted to the bike after the cooling issues on Friday Brian was a little unsure what to expect but the bikes performance was as strong as always and after a few further suspension tweeks Brian took a full second of his best time ending the session in tenth overall. As the day progressed the weather improved further and for second qualifying the ambient temperature was a whopping 23.5 degrees! Still intent on improving Brian found a few tenths from the new tyres and after a late pitstop leaving time for just one flying lap he managed to put a lap together and finish sixth overall for Sundays race.
‘That was so nearly a bad session, traffic is so difficult to pass hear that you really need a clear lap for a good time and I only got the one then. We’ve got the bike turning a lot better and more stable under braking but I still feel I could go faster. The weather made it hard this afternoon with many not matching their morning times so I feel confident for tomorrow’ Brian seemed happy with his afternoon performance and it looked as though he may have a little bit left still to come?

Sunday race day brought a change of weather and after two glorious days strong winds and grey clouds loomed above constantly threatening rain. As they lined up on the grid rain began to spit and it looked as though it could be another one of those days. As the lights went out Brian got an average start and although he lost a few places on the run to turn one he managed to out brake all of them to slot into fifth position. Just managing to narrowly avoid the first lap carnage which saw Danny Kent high side whilst in third place and take out fourth place rider Rob Guiver, then Martin Glossop crash out of the lead at the next turn Clark completed the first lap in second place although a little behind after the detours! The more difficult greasy conditions took a little getting used to but Brian soon found his rhythm and after three laps was out in the lead, in the safest place he thought! Unable to break the following group by half race distance Brian was running second in a six bike battle. Comfortable at the pace Brian judged where he was stronger and hoped to be able to make a move late race to convert his good form. More incidents followed but a the last lap it was Conor Behan from Clark. A pair of back markers at turn two left Brian a distant second to Conor Behan but determined he reeled Conor in around the fast flowing turns and as they exited ‘Sunny out’ he made his move passing Conor on the inside into the last section of the lap. Holding his line Clark looked to have but Conor ran even deep and forced his way up the inside into the next turn and kept his cool to take a much deserved victory, his first at that, well done him!

‘I’m glad to be back at the front but however glad I am perhaps without the back markers it would of been a different result, but Conor just got through them and its all part of racing, maybe next time I’ll be able to repay the favour? Today has been a good day though we’ve been strong throughout and the bike has worked fantastic in every aspect. The conditions weren’t the best and I could have gone a lot faster around the back section but as poor Robbie Stewart found out the track wasn’t good enough today. Obviously the result is not all down to me, the right people giving you the right advice make it possible and those people are Pete Banks, ‘Shagger’ and Pat Walsh at Dunlop so a MASSIVE thanks to them! The support from all of my team and sponsors is great so a Big thanks all round to you guys and I aim to go to Silverstone for some more of the same, well a little bit better if the truth be known! Fingers crossed and I’ll see you there! Clark firmly anounced

Round 11 is at the Silverstone circuit near Northampton on September 25th – 27th. To get involved and help the team finish the season or just to support the team and keep up to date with progress contact Brian at brian@brian-clark.co.uk or 07714018060 or Chris Parry cp@parrisprint.co.uk or 0777 0688559.