Grant went into practise having already done a trackday at the circuit to gain experience and try and improve where he was strugglering. Grant felt comfortable in the practise session and found himself in 14th place at the end of it.
The qualifying sessions didn’t quite go to plan for Grant, the weather was really warm and Grant was finding it very difficult to get out on key corners onto the big straight at the 2.5 mile circuit. His bike was quick in the speed traps but he was losing the grunt out of the turns. This was a huge issue for Grant and throughout both sessions Grant tried to improve the bike. At the end of the 2 x 25minute qualifying sessions Grant found himself in a disappointing 21st position on Row 6. This was a huge shame for Grant & the team as they feel that if they found an issue to the rear grip problem that they would be able to challenge for a top 6 position.
The race was here and Grant got a great start, having found a little something to help with the setup of the HWW Racing Yamaha R6 he felt very confident. By the first corner Grant had already jumped a row and found himself inside the top 20. At the end of the 1st lap Grant had already barged his way through the rides in front of him and was around 18th. Grant had changed the bike to help him feel more stable and controlled into the hard braking zones as this is where he was losing a lot of time. This enabled Grant to out-brake fellow riders into the last couple of corners. Grant was picking up places every lap. Grant found himself up into 13th position at the end of lap 8 and ahead of a big pack of riders. Unfortunately the race was red flagged at this stage because a rider had crashed ahead of Grant so this moved Grant up to 12th position come the end of the race. This was quiet frustrating for Grant as he felt he had a good race pace and could last the full 12 lap race.
Grant would like to thank all the people who came to support him throughout the weekend Jeremy & Ann from Economy Spares Ltd, Jonathan, Jason & the girls from Bond-A-Band Transmissions Ltd, Ashton Service Centre, Springfield Cleaning Services Ltd, Jim & Katie Higgs.
Grant would like to say a special thank-you to his wonderful Girlfriend Laura, Super Duper Mechanic Sam, Sister and Dad for their ongoing support. Grant would like to once again thank all the loyal members of the 79 club.
Please feel free to make enquires, regarding how our sponsor’s services may be of assistance to you. We would be happy to have you on board the #79 club.
If anyone would like to purchase a 79 club wristband then please let me know or you can collect yours at any of the race meetings. Minimum £2.50 Minimum donation – all money made goes towards Grant Whitaker Racing #79.
Any help is greatly appreciated, so if you are in the position to help in any way, then please contact the team and see how Grant Whitaker Racing can benefit you and your business.
WINNER OF 2 VIP TICKETS TO THE NEXT ROUND AT SILVERSTONE ARENA GP 28 – 30 SEPTEMBER 2012 IS NO.55 ALAN MATTHEWS – BARNES DAF