Round 5- Thruxton Park- British Superstocks

Thruxton is a track I have never been to before - and I was keen to get track knowledge and set up early on.

For warm up I had taken guesses on gearing and set up, It was not too far off and I felt I could progress from there - others who had raced here previously were already fast and making final adjustments to their set up. After warm up I took time out to assess what I had learnt and try to improve the bike and myself to get faster.

In 1st Qualifying I went alot faster on the new settings but was still only 23 in my group - I knew I had a lot to do and with more time I knew I could do it - unfortunalty I only had another 15 min session to get it right. In 2nd Qualifying I was quicker again and moved up to 21st in my group - 22nd overall on the grid. With only 2 seconds covering the first 23 I felt I had done OK and was sure I could improve again in the race - I was just getting to grips with the circuit and wanted to stamp my name on it.

Lining up on the grid I was eager to make a good start because I knew I could run with the front boys if I could get with them from the start. The rider next to me was obviously thinking the same and moved before the light turned green, I rolled forward slightly and wondered if I had crossed the sensors that judge the jump start. I stopped the bike moving and when they turned green gave it my all. I got a fantastic start and was straight into the to top 10 at the end of the first lap - I felt happy with the pace and even thought I could move further up with no problems. A few laps into the race I noticed that I was being black flagged (this means a problem with the bike and to come in), I came in at the first opportunity not knowing what the problem was I thought my race was over, I cruised down pitt lane to see people waving me out again - it was a pitt lane pass because of the jump start and I could go out again!!. It turns out I was lucky because they had been trying to get me in for a few laps and I had not noticed - that was my last chance!!

Back on the track I had lost alot of time and was running mid pack, I battled my way through a bunch of riders and up to 16th where I could not quite pass the rider in front, on a few occasions I nearly rolled into the back of him but didn't have enough to get past quickly. I eventually passed to get 15th and lead bike of the second pack - but I had no chance of catching the lead pack. I finished a well earnt 15th and in the points.

I felt I rode very well in the race - and if it wasn't for the pitt lane pass I knew I could have run with the leaders. Overall I was happy for a first time at the circuit. I was now lying 15th in the championship.