Round 3 Race report - Finally a small reward for all that hard work

Grateful to be fit is an understatement as I left the medical centre on Saturday morning all signed off a free to ride. To be out in Free practice was just a relief but we managed to post some reasonable times and although we are two full rounds behind everyone else we ended the day 3rd fastest.

With expectations high Brian tried not to disappoint and stayed in the top 4 right up to the end of the session and only the fact that Brian caught a slower rider into Coppice then a pair into the Fogarty Esses on his best lap meant we missed out on a provisional front row place by only 0.110 of a second. Satisfied but sure we could improve new tyres and more minor changes were made in an attempt to try and make the bike perform how Brian would like it to for the second qualifying session. The weather was at its best for second qualifying, very still and more than 20 degrees, a rare occurrence at Donington Park, I can assure you! The changes weren’t what the team needed and after a frustrating session they were left in 9th position on the grid for Monday’s race.

‘I’m a little disappointed from todays result, we had the pace this morning and easily would have been front row if it wasn’t for the traffic but the bike’s just not as I want it to be yet and the changes we made just didn’t work and hindered the bike mid turn slowing me further for Qual. 2. Trying to catch up on two rounds riding is difficult in just two sessions but we have a few ideas and hopefully by tonight we’ll be more confident for the race’ an upbeat Brian said after a long day in the sun.

The weather warned of a change for rain but the morning was dry giving us the chance to try the adjustments made over night. Instantly it felt better and in only 5 laps Brian matched his second qualifying session time, giving the team hope for the race.

The lights went out for the start of the race and everybody surged forward, everyone that is except Brian, he’d ‘fluffed’ the start leaving him down in 26th as he exited the first turn. Three laps later he had battled upto 9th and was making good progress on the leading group as they battled away. Then the heavens opened bringing out the red flags and an uneasy feel in the Banks camp. Had all that hard work been a waste? The rain passed and everybody lined up on wets as it looked like more could come at any time. Unbelievably Brian ‘fluffed’ the start again leaving him 20th this time but as they came round to complete the first lap of the shortened 7 lap race, Brian had battled upto fourth and in between the KRP riders, two laps later he took the lead and began to pull away, but it wasn’t over and with awkward conditions Brian looked fast but stable and the overwhelming power of the KRP machines caught him leading to a 4 way battle for the lead until Tim Hastings slid out of contention with an over exuberant passing maneuver at the Melbourne loop. With only a lap to go and a 6 second gap on the next group Brian kept his cool and whilst giving the front two enough space to battle it out he lay in wait to pounce should either make a mistake, finally finishing this very exciting race third!

‘It’s been a long time coming this, Yes it would have been great to of pushed for the win but having had to suffer 6 weeks with a broken arm and two sorry weekends of not competing today was just about getting some points on the board. Next week we’ll be stronger and I’ll be more focused, and hopefully by then I’ll of had chance to practice my starts! With team mate Matt Paulo finishing 7th too it’s been a great weekend for the Banks Racing Squad! Obviously I’m grateful to everybody who’s helped to make this possible either financially or physically but there’s still a long way to go but let’s hope that with performances like this it may help make it easier. My biggest thanks go to Chris at Xpress Racewear, Pete, Alan & Steven the Banks Racing Team, Jon & Lisa at Tamworth Yamaha, Martin on the board and my lucky mascot’s my wife Stacey & son Owen. A special Thanks must go to Toby Branfoot BSB Medical Director for easing the pain in the wrist for race day! Roll on Thruxton in four days!’ said a reasonably satisfied Clark.

Round Four of the 125cc British Championship is at Thruxton, Hampshire 29th – 31st 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 contact team owner Pete Banks at pete@banksracing125.com.