Well, Mallory, for sure it was certainly noted down as a ‘random’ weekend. Once again my Mallory jinx continued but somehow it all turned around on the Sunday but by very strange circumstances. I left the weekend with a 75.5 point lead from my team-mate James and I gained a second and first in the two races.

However, I didn’t have much track time over the weekend, my number one bike was very poorly and needed some TLC. This left me with the trusty Superstock bike for Friday morning, I went out just to get a feel for the track on a Yamaha. The boys were working frantically on my number one bike and I managed to get out on Saturday afternoon for qualifying and put the old girl on pole. A relief after what had happened so far over the weekend.

There is something about that track that doesn’t seem to like me, my last win there was in 2004 for Padgetts in Supersport but even then I’d crashed in qualifying which put me on crutches with a groin strain. I was quite looking forward to Sunday night and putting the weekend behind me but I still had the races to contend with.

I got a fairly good start but Harris sat up which knocked off Richard Cooper, causing me to come to a complete standstill and then have to ride around Richard and after the opening lap I was 24th. Just my luck and I thought my bad luck at Mallory was continuing. I dug deep and the only passing place that really worked for me was into Edwina’s. I was lying in eighth and about 0.5 quicker than the bunch in front of me, I was eager to catch them to see where I could end up.

On lap 22 I came round to the Hairpin and it was utter carnage, there were bikes and riders everywhere. I cruised round trying to miss everything and the fluid on the track and as I didn’t know what was happening I crossed the line, by the time I reached the first corner the red flags came out. I pulled into the pits and was sat in the garage thinking about my result when the organisers came in and told me I was second and James had won.

For me that was a bit of a strange feeling as I was eighth on the track but somehow I’d been given second, I begrudgingly went to the podium as that’s what we were told to do but I didn’t feel right getting the award. Rules are rules and Stuart Higgs made a very tough decision which caused a bit of friction in the pits. It would have been nice to see Simon win it, he’s a good mate of mine. It’s all very odd but that’s racing I guess.

The second race, well the second race was wet, very wet and was stopped at half distance and with it still raining Stuart called it a result and we were all awarded half points. To be fair Stuart (Higgs) had a very tough day on Sunday and made some good and difficult decisions, I can’t imagine it’s easy doing the job he does and glad sometimes I’m just the rider as I only have to made decisions about my bike and which lines to take!!

I’ve not really had much wet time on the Airwaves Yamaha but once again we kicked up a gear and I managed to take win number 11. In all fairness that Airwaves Yamaha felt absolutely mega in the wet but I think I’ll stick to dry races from now on (please!!)! Considering the problems we had the Airwaves team once again did a brilliant job and thankfully come race day, all be it with a bit of luck we managed to turn it all around and carry on with good results.

Brands Hatch is next for us and I can’t wait, it’s one of my favourite circuits and the long track to ride is really good fun. I’m looking forward to getting back out there and getting some more good results until then I’m training and chilling out! I am glad Mallory is out of the way I have to say!

Thanks for everyone who stayed to watch in the pouring rain, hard core British Superbike fans!

Cheers

Leon #2