Round 5 Race report - Hard weekend at Snetterton for Clark

The Fifth round of the 125cc British Championship which supports the British Superbike held at the Ultra High speed circuit of Snetterton this weekend where Brian on board the Xpress Racewear supported Banks Racing Honda managed a sixth position in a hard fought battle.

With the KRP machines noted for their exceptional top speed it was deemed as perhaps the most difficult event on the calendar and the team knew it would have to be another perfect weekend if we were to upset the apple cart again. Friday Free practice came and went and with constant changes we managed to stay somewhere near the front in sixth position. Strong winds had hampered any real chance to find a perfect setup but with new rubber from Dunlop Motorsport and a few words of encouragement from Pat Walsh and his team Brian was confident of improvements in the morning.

Saturdays’ opening Qualifying session began with Brian having to run-in new engine parts so the first few laps were steady then he began picking up the pace. Moving straight onto the front row with his first flying lap and then improved again ever time round for 5 laps, Brian then pitted for adjustments. Changes made and out again he went hoping for some traffic to gain a slipstream down either of the straights to bridge the ever increasing top end speed of the KRP machines. As always Brian managed to avoid anyone able to assist in this but still managed to post a time good enough for 5th position, just off the front row.

‘When I pitted mid-session I saw Martin with the board showing P2, the time I had done wasn’t fantastic and I knew I could improve when back out there, but just never found a gap in the traffic so I’m a little disappointed that I could only find a few more tenths, but 5th is a good start and hopefully a few more changes for second qualifying and we’ll make the front row!’ A satisfied but eager for more Clark said after the session. With a weather change later in the day second qualifying didn’t allow for any improvements and 5th was the grid position for Sundays race.

Disappointed of not being able to improve times Brian focused on Morning warm-up for his chance to test the new settings for the race. They seemed better, however the overnight rain had removed most of the grip from the circuit and as he entered the fast left hander (90mph) off the back straight the front lost grip and down he went. Shocked he attempted to re-mount but the damage was too severe.

The lights went out and the crash was forgotten, it looked like a good start but then Brian ran deep into turn one and in turn losing drive up to turn two. This little error cost him dearly and down the back straight he was pushed back to twelth. With it all to do Brian set about cutting through the field but with the slipstream effect could not easily break the group and could only watch as the leaders slowly pulled away. Determined he finally got out of the battle and was now lying sixth chasing championship leader Glossop and hoping to gain a few extra points. With a lap to go Brian was in striking distance but a small mistake through the turn he had fell at earlier in the day but paid to it and he settled for sixth. The first non KRP machine home!

‘Now that wasn’t what I was hoping for, the first turn error has cost me dearly and I knew that I would get caught up in a slipstream battle. It’s true we only gave one point away to the Championship lead but we’ve dropped to fifth overall with the KRP boys at the front today. This was always an uphill battle and I must be grateful to be as close to them at such a circuit, Knockhill is next and at least there’s a little more riding required there!’ A dejected Brian said after the race.

‘Many thanks to all those who came so far to support me and also those who make it possible each week, Xpress Racewear, Pete & Steven at Banks Racing, Tamworth Yamaha, On Two Wheels Distribution, DTEC, Proppa.com, NGK, Dunlop Motorsport, Steve at Chase Accident Repairs and the latest additions, Telford Rewinds & Alan Morris Vehicle Repairs.’

Ever been to Scotland, round Six is at Knockhill, Dunfermline from 3rd – 5th July. Why not get involved? Surely it’s more fun being with the underdogs? For more information, a brochure or even to pledge monies contact Chris Parry on cp@parrisprint.co.uk or 07770688559. Alternatively you can contact team owner Pete Banks at pete@banksracing125.com