“Finally, a weekend to smile about!

“100% race completion, some decent results, and most importantly, confidence back on the bikes. Hopefully we’ve finally turned a corner.â€�

Qualifying (Starting P4)

“Throughout the weekend, I struggled with the brakes overheating and the pads glazing, but this was the first time I’ve properly raced the 750 without any mechanical issues.:

Race 1

“A solid race, but I couldn’t quite stay with the riders ahead. Finished P4.â€�

Race 2

“I got a great launch before a red flag brought the race to a halt. On the restart I made another strong start and stayed with the leader, but just didn’t quite have enough to make a move. Finished P2.â€�

Race 3

“Another great start saw me lead into Turn 1. I expected the 1000cc bikes to out-drag me down the back straight, but the 750 held its own. By lap 3 the brakes were becoming a real struggle, but thankfully I’d built enough of a gap to manage it. Finished P1.â€�

Race 4

“As I was still struggling with the brakes, we swapped them over before the final race, which made a huge difference. Another strong start saw me battling with Tyler for the opening laps, swapping positions several times before I finally took the lead. From there I pushed on and took the win by 9.185 seconds.

“I always believed the 750 could be competitive in Thunderbike Ultra, but coming to Snetterton with its long straights, I expected the 1000s to have a clear advantage. I’m really pleased to have been proven wrong – the bike was more than capable of holding its own.

“Overall, I’m really happy with how the weekend went. It was great to feel confident again and to come away with consistent finishes, podiums and a pair of wins.

“Now it’s on to Donington Park on 25th & 26th July.â€�

Pic credit:

“A really positive weekend overall with plenty to take away!

“On the Aprilia RS660, we brought home a solid P10 in the opening race. Things got interesting before we even got going when a rider broke down on the start line, leaving me with nowhere to go and costing me valuable time. I kept my head down, stayed focused, and fought back to finish 10th.

“Sunday was where the Aprilia really came alive. We had some brilliant battles throughout the first race, but I was really struggling to get the bike stopped under braking, making it difficult to attack into the corners. Before the final race, we fitted a fresh set of ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Racing brake pads, and the transformation was incredible. The confidence under braking came straight back, allowing me to brake later, carry more speed into the turns and race the bike properly. We finished the day with two P8 finishes, and it was a fantastic reminder of just how much difference quality braking performance makes. A huge thank you to ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ for supplying products that perform when it matters most. Proud to have them supporting the team!â€�

“The Triumph 765 had a tougher start to the weekend. An oil leak in qualifying meant we were just outside the qualifying time, putting us 4th on the grid for the Support Race.

“In that race, I made a move up the inside into Turn 1 on lap 3, but another rider turned in and we had a coming together. Thankfully we both stayed upright, although I dropped back to 8th. I dug deep, worked my way back through the field, and came home with a P3 podium finish.Ìý

“Sunday couldn’t have gone much better!

“Because the Triumph race from Saturday had been cancelled following three separate red flags, we lined up 2nd on the grid for the rescheduled race. I got a great start and settled into 2nd place, keeping the pressure on the race leader. A few laps in, the leader made a small mistake and ran wide. I was in exactly the right place to take advantage, slipped through into the lead, and never looked back. It certainly wasn’t an easy race, but it was an enjoyable one, and taking my first win on the Triumph 765 made all the hard work worthwhile.Ìý

“A massive thank you to ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ, all my sponsors, supporters, family and everyone who continues to back us. Every lap we’re learning more about both bikes, and the results are starting to show. Time to get everything prepared for the next meeting!â€�

Test Day

“Hot, and I mean hot! We didn’t get many laps in; lots of stoppages, a lack of marshals and the notorious Brands catching riders out.

“For a change, I didn’t need many laps. I felt I was riding well and enjoyed lapping in the 1:32 mark with little effort, while working a few things out when I got some space.�

Qualifying (P15 on Grid)

“In the first qualifying session, I was near the front and had got myself some space with a tow from fast lads. I thought ‘perfect’, only for the session to be red-flagged coming on to our 3^rd lap. I do hope Jack Morgan makes a full recovery – that was big.

“Called back after a long stoppage and, knowing I would be mid-pack, did a Wilf Turner trick and went out at the back. With the track to myself, I managed a 1:32.4, which I was ok with. Would have liked a little more, but still trying to build up the pace and work out what grip we had. Due to all the stoppages our race was moved to Sunday, meaning we had a busy day ahead with 3 races.�

Race 1 (P17/10^th in Class)

“A very poor start and then got boxed-in badly at Paddock Hill and Druids, losing a good few places. I quickly got my act together and moved back up to P17 by the end of Lap 1, but was at the back of a train of five riders. Getting used to the pace, I was looking to make up a couple more places, but we were too close together. By the time I had worked a few things out it was the chequered flag. We ran a good pace and I had a good feeling with the bike so was keen to try again in Race 2.�

Race 2 (P12/8^th in Class)

“Starting 16^th on the grid, I was now on the outside, which I prefer at Brands. This time I ripped off the line, got stuck in and made passes around the outside of Paddock Hill Bend then inside at Druids with inches to spare. I found myself on the back of Liam Murtagh, who is riding strongly this year. I tried to pass him into Surtees, but wasn’t quite close enough. Ran with Liam for a few laps doing 1.31’s until he edged away from me. As the gap gradually widened, I was being chased by Jamie Boyce and Steven Duncan so had to kept it tidy to hold my position until the end. Great race and pleased to run consistent 1:31s all race and matched my PB from last year at 1:31.2.�

Race 3 (P10/8^th in Class)ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý

“Made tweaks to the bike to help with the better pace and go! Great start again.

“Pretty much the same start though Steven Duncan joined the party this time. Duncan made a brave pass on Liam into Hawthornes and I had the best view in the house. My bike was even better in this one so no excuses and I managed a PB of 1:31.0 to close the little gap they had. Then spent six laps trying to get past the fastest Kawasaki I have ever seen, while Liam was trying to get past Duncan again. I thought I was going to get two for the price of one at Druids, but wasn’t sure if Liam could see me as he came back onto the racing line. I had a nibble at Graham Hill Bend to which he chopped my nose off. Duncan now had a few bike lengths on us so back to working out Liam again.

“I felt strong and thought if I can pass Liam I might just get a chance on the last lap to take Steven. I tried everything, but Liam rode well and made it hard. To be honest, even if that wasn’t possible, the fact I was thinking it shows we are so much stronger than we have been. I got really close coming onto the Start/Finish Straight with two laps to go, but another red flag and the fun was over. Credit to Liam, he has really found the pace again this year and it was great trying to work him out.

“I feel like a weight has been lifted this weekend. I have now made the step with the bike that I have been looking for, putting me back in the race. I can’t tell you how happy I am and how much I enjoyed finally racing again. The earlier three rounds were tough to take, but we are on the way back now.

“Thank you so much to all my supporters and sponsors for not giving up on me.

“Next up: my local, Cadwell Park. I can’t wait.�

Photos by Matt Sayle Photography

Barry Sheene Classic – Oliver’s Mount

“The Barry Sheene Classic at Oliver’s Mount provided another fantastic opportunity to race both the A Read Associates Ltd Honda CB350K4 and my own Brook Built Racing SuperTwin. Joining me for the weekend was Ben Long, competing aboard the Brook Built Racing Yamaha YZF-R6.

“We were treated to fantastic weather throughout the entire event, which is a rarity at Oliver’s Mount and made for excellent racing conditions all weekend.

“Practice began positively, with three laps completed on each bike to get settled into the demanding road circuit. Qualifying followed, with strong results across the board. The Brook Built Racing SuperTwin was qualified in 10^th position, while the Honda CB350K4 secured second in class and was the leading 350cc machine on the grid. Ben also qualified successfully for the main 600 Supersport race on the Yamaha R6.�

Road Racing New Classic Solo – Honda CB350K4

“Race 1 saw me make a good start and settle into second place early on. Maintaining a consistent pace throughout, I held the position all the way to the chequered flag.

“Race 2 was another strong outing. After another good start, I maintained solid pace throughout the race and was rewarded with the class victory.

“Race 3 proved to be another textbook race. A strong performance resulted in a second-place finish, which was enough to secure the overall New Classic Solo class victory for the weekend.�

Pub & Kitchen Twins – Brook Built Racing SuperTwin

“Race 1 got underway with a good start, and after a competitive race I brought the bike home in 8^th position.

“In Race 2, the start wasn’t quite as strong, but I settled into a solid rhythm and worked my way to an 11^th-place finish.

“Race 3 was unfortunately less straightforward. I was boxed in approaching the first corner and lost several positions. The race was subsequently red-flagged, but while making my way back to the grid the bike cut out, preventing me from taking the restart and resulting in a non-start for the final race.�

HM Civils Supersport – Yamaha YZF-R6

“My teammate, Ben Long, enjoyed a successful weekend aboard the Brook Built Racing Yamaha YZF-R6. Competing in the highly competitive HM Civils Supersport class, Ben continued to improve throughout the event, beating his previous best lap times around Oliver’s Mount. His efforts were rewarded with consistent finishes of 18^th, 21^st, and 19^th in the three Supersport races, marking another positive step forward in his road racing development.�

Thanks

“Both bikes performed faultlessly throughout the weekend, running and stopping perfectly with Aztec Oils Endurance 10W/50 engine oil and ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ GPFAX brake pads.

“A massive thank you goes to all of our sponsors and supporters who continue to make our racing possible. Your backing is greatly appreciated and plays a huge part in every result achieved on track.

“We now look forward to the next event and building on a successful weekend at The Southern 100.�

Pics: Adam Garrett/Mark Huckerby

Test Day

“Very windy, but I enjoyed the day. It was fun getting to grips with the Croft track – one I don’t go to that often. Had a few brake and data issues to sort, which was annoying, but by the last session I was happy running in the 1:25s.�

Qualifying

“Nightmare! I normally try and go out towards the front, but I was mid-pack so backed off to find space. Every lap I caught riders which cost me valuable time. I was patient, but ran out of time and could only manage a 1:26.�

Race 1

“Great start which was good. I needed it! So good in fact I was 7th in class by the end of Lap 1. Ran consistent mid-1:25s to finish P10 and 7th in class and managed to hold on with Wilf Turner, Paul Charman and Jennings behind me.

“I was happy with the result from where I started, but it didn’t feel easy. I knew the times were not enough for the next race so had to find precious seconds for that one.�

Race 2

“An okay start from 14th on the grid and enjoyed a few passes in the early laps. It was fun racing behind Turner and Charman and running in the low 1:25s until Lap 6. First Wilf and then Paul put in 1:24s and I just couldn’t hold them. From Lap 8, it started to become hard work leading to arm pump so bad I had to do what I could just to bring it home. We were faster, but not lasting the race is not good.�

Race 3

“We made some changes which felt good! I felt my body language was loads better and the bike handling felt easy. I passed Charman on Lap 2 and was looking at closing the gap to Turner, but for some reason by Lap 5 it became hard work. The arm pump, which I very rarely get, kicked in again. By Lap 7, I was done in and started to add a second a lap to drop right back.

“I feel I’m doing all the right things, but for one reason or another, I’m struggling to even run at the pace I was last year.Ìý I’m not far off, but it’s how hard it seems which is concerning me. I have some test time coming up and I’ll try get a better feeling on the bike and mentally to come back stronger for Brands Hatch in a few weeks.

“Once again, thank you so much to all the sponsors and supporters that make this ±è´Ç²õ²õ¾±²ú±ô±ð.â€�

Photos by Matt Sayle Photography

Thunderbike Sport

“The weekend started strongly in Thunderbike Sport qualifying. I was initially able to get some good times on the board but knew there was still more pace in the bike. With the track becoming increasingly busy, I chose to back off and create a gap to give myself some clean air for a final push lap. The strategy paid off, and I secured P1 in class.â€�Ìý

Race 1

“Unfortunately, we were still struggling with the issue that was affecting my starts. As the lights went out, I produced another impressive kangaroo impression, losing several positions off the line. I quickly settled into a rhythm and began fighting my way back through the field, enjoying some great battles along the way. By the chequered flag, I had recovered to finish P2.�

Race 2 & 3

“Both races followed a very similar pattern. Another difficult launch off the line left me with work to do in the opening laps, but I was able to make progress through the pack and enjoy some close racing as I regained positions. Despite the strong pace, the gap to the leader was too much to close, and I brought the bike home in P2 in both races.�

Race 4

“The final race of the weekend started in familiar fashion, with another poor start dropping me several places from my P6 grid position. Once again, I fought my way forward and was involved in some fantastic battles throughout the race. The highlight was a thrilling last-lap fight with Jamison. I had lined up a move, but unfortunately we caught a backmarker at exactly the wrong moment in the last part of the track, ending any chance of an overtake. I crossed the line in P3, but thoroughly enjoyed the battle and ended the weekend on a positive note.Ìý

“Overall, it was a weekend of strong pace and hard-fought racing. While the starts continue to be an area we need to improve, the speed was there all weekend and there are plenty of positives to take into the next round.�

Thunderbike Ultra

“The weekend started with a frustrating qualifying session. I headed out on the 750 but quickly realised we were still suffering from a clutch issue, forcing me to return to the pits without being able to complete a representative lap. After switching to the 1000, I was left with very little time to get a lap on the board, but I managed to put in a qualifying time. Due to the bike change, I was handed a six-place grid penalty for Race 1, dropping me to P12 on the grid.�

Race 1

“Despite the penalty, I got a strong launch off the line and immediately started working my way through the pack. With some good pace and consistent lap times, I was able to make up positions throughout the race and fight my way through to a solid P5 finish.

“Unfortunately, in the Powerbike race, the 1000 developed an overheating issue which caused further mechanical problems and left us unable to continue competing on that bike for the remainder of the day. The team switched focus to repairing the 750, and after a lot of hard work we managed to get it ready in time for Sunday morning.�

Race 3

“Having missed Race 2, I was forced to start Race 3 from the back of the grid. I made good progress through the field, enjoyed some great battles, and worked my way up to finish in P6.

“While it was encouraging to get the bike back out and be competitive again, the damage to the clutch had already been done before the repair. To avoid causing any further issues and risking a bigger failure, we made the difficult decision to sit out Race 4.

“A challenging weekend with plenty of setbacks, but there were positives to take away.�

Thanks toÌýGlyn’s Photos and SJG_punkrocknracing_pix for the images.

Luca Wilkinson aka El Loco #76

Round 1 – Oulton Park

“Friday practice was OK. I didn’t feel great in the new leathers and had a small issue with the electronics on the bike (quickshifter and blipper), but it was OK. In qualifying I only got two laps in as the clutch failed, so we qualified at the back of the grid.

“Race 1 – Great start from last up to 14th and trying to push forward, but the new leathers really caused me pain. I’d never had arm pump and it was the worst feeling. I eventually had to retire on lap seven as it was becoming dangerous. So disappointed, but the right decision.

“Race 2 – Starting from P14 I had another brilliant start up to P8, settled in and was battling for P9, but the engine started overheating and I eventually got meatballed (black and orange flag). A really disappointing weekend, but the team worked so hard and we’ve now resolved the mechanical issues that were causing the problems. Roll on Donington Park.�

Round 2 – Donington Park

“Straight from my exams, it was a mad dash to get on track. Three laps to settle, then Nick pulled me in, told me what I needed to do, and I beat my previous PB by 2.1 seconds with a 1:41.9 to sit P9 by the end of the session. In qualifying I got onto the pace straight away and on my fourth flying lap went quicker still for a new PB of 1:40.8, putting me ninth on the grid. Really happy with a top-ten grid spot.

“Race 1 – A wet race! Not the best start as I spun up off the line, and on the first lap through Starkey’s a rider ahead lost the rear and sent me across the wet grass at 100mph – new underwear time! I jumped the access road and managed to rejoin just before Coppice, dead last. The safety car came out and caught the riders in front, so we lost the pack and I was 12.5s behind at the restart. I settled in, pushed as hard as I could, had a few little slides but brought it home in 9th, setting a time that put me on the front row in P2. Well pleased.

“Race 2 – I got a good start but Marley overtook, then up towards McLeans I dived up the inside of Ben to take P2, which I held until he got back past into the Esses. The first couple of laps we were all swapping positions, but with about five laps to go I got back into 2nd and tried to catch Marley. Unfortunately it started to rain slightly and I had a slide out of Melbourne which knocked my confidence, so I dropped back from the leading three. On the last lap Lewis came up my inside into Melbourne, then into Goddards I made a late dive up the inside and held it to the line, with Lewis only 0.01s behind. Very, very happy with the weekend and I can’t wait to go again at Knockhill.�

Zack Weston – #35

Round 1 – Oulton Park

“Definitely not the weekend I thought it would be – a bit of bad luck with technical issues that made the bike really difficult to ride. I did what I could in the races and brought it home. Donington is next weekend so we go again there. Thank you to everyone who makes it ±è´Ç²õ²õ¾±²ú±ô±ð.â€�

Round 2 – Donington Park

“Overall we made a good step with the bike. The team did an amazing job every session, solving technical issues and putting together set-ups. Qualifying wasn’t amazing as I couldn’t get into a rhythm, but I got stuck in during the race and moved forward. Race 2 started well and I was battling with a group of riders, but I struggled with rear grip in the latter stages. A massive thank you to the team for all their hard work this weekend. Roll on Knockhill, and thank you to everyone who makes it ±è´Ç²õ²õ¾±²ú±ô±ð.â€�

Craig Dance

Round 1 – Oulton Park

“A difficult weekend getting used to the bike and bedding in all the new gear in FP1 and FP2. Qualifying was decent in P30. I had pace and felt confident, but something felt wrong with the bike as I was basically last in every speed trap, which is unusual for me – we’re looking into it.

“Race 1 – DNF. On lap one a rider ahead had an issue and unfortunately I was directly behind him. I just managed to swerve in time but still ripped my fairings off, which meant I was shown the meatball flag to retire the bike. Race 2 – P31. I definitely felt I could have done a lot better, but it is what it is and we roll on to Round 2. Thanks to the team for getting my bike ready and looking fresh, and thank you to my sponsors who make all this ±è´Ç²õ²õ¾±²ú±ô±ð.â€�

Hudson Cooper – #27

Round 1 – Oulton Park

“The weekend at Oulton Park started on a very positive note as I continued to build confidence and pace in my debut season in the Moto4 British Cup. After running around the top ten in class throughout free practice, I qualified an impressive P7.

“In Race 1 I had a great start and was running competitively inside the top five. Unfortunately my race ended on the penultimate lap while running P5, after I lost the front through the dip in the chicane and crashed out of contention. I’d also like to apologise to Luke Fitchett, who hit my bike during the incident.

“During the crash I suffered a significant laceration to my neck after contact with the screen of the bike, as well as a knock to the head. The British Superbike Championship medical team were outstanding, providing exceptional care both at the circuit and during the assessments that followed. I was later diagnosed with concussion which, under championship regulations, ruled me out for 20 days – meaning I sadly missed Round 2 at Donington Park.

“While it was disappointing not to line up, the positives from Oulton Park far outweigh that. Qualifying P7 and battling with the front group for a top-five position showed the progress we’ve made and confirmed we have genuine top-ten pace in this highly competitive championship.

“I still attended Donington Park for Round 2 and took part in the Moto4 rider fitness test. It was great to support the NW Racing team all weekend, and I was also invited onto the BSB Radio commentary team for the Moto4 class, which was a great experience.

“My focus now turns to recovery. I’ll keep working on my fitness programme with my personal trainer at Storme CrossFit Ashby and come back stronger, fitter and even more motivated for the next round at Snetterton. A huge thank you to everyone who has messaged and offered support since the crash – it’s been massively appreciated. Thanks also to the entire NW Racing team, my chief mechanic Simon from Powertech UK, my sponsors, and everyone who continues to support me on this journey.�

The whole team now looks ahead to the next rounds at Knockhill and Snetterton, with everyone at ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ wishing Hudson a speedy recovery.

Image credits: Torq Media