The team arrived at Cadwell Park in great spirits having had 3 x 7th places on the bounce.
Grant went into free practice feeling confidence and keen to get back into the swing of things around the Lincolnshire circuit. Unfortunately after 6 laps Grant got wiped out due to another rider in front of him playing stupid games and crashing into him. This was the end of Grant session.
Qualifying 1 was here and with Grant eager to make up for the lost time suffered in free practice, he got straight to work and improved his lap times dramatically and moved inside the top 10, 9th position at the end of the session. This was encouraging as Grant had only previously done 6 laps of the circuit.
Qualifying 2 was the following day and with Grant keen to hold or improve his time he set about it right from the off. He had a new tyre in for the session and on his last lap, posted a superb lap time which ramped him up into 7th position, just missing out on a row 2 start.
Grant was happy with this as he felt he knew he could be strong in the race if he could get away cleanly from the start.
The race was here and with 12 laps of the very demanding Cadwell Park circuit ahead Grant got a fantastic start as always. He jumped straight up into 4th position and began to set about chasing down the leaders. He held his 4th place for a couple of laps until he suffered a big high-side at the top of the gooseneck which subsequently caused him to slow down which allowed 2 riders past and pushed him back to 6th position. After 5 – 6 laps the rider in 3rd position crashed out. This moved Grant up to 5th position. By this time Grant had lost ground on the rider in front and knew he had to re-group if he was going to challenge for a podium spot. Grant did this and found himself on the back of 4th position of which was the championship leader. Grant was looking for a way through every lap and on the last lap he very nearly found this but just didn’t have to confidence to make the move stick without sacrificing his position. Grant finished the race in 5th position. This was excellent for Grant and the team as it really did give him a boost and proved once he got away at the front he could stick with the group
Grant would like to thank the following for all their support:
J&S Accessories
HWW Racing
Economy Spares Ltd
Ferris Racing
Bond-A-Band Transmissions Ltd
Barnes DAF
KneedownUK.com
Stavros-Sports.com
HWW Tyre warmers
General Banner Company
Springfield Cleaning Services Ltd
Thank-you to all the 79 club members & people who attended over the weekend for your help and support including:
Laura -my girlfriend, Gordon – my dad, Anna – my mom, Georgina, Sam Black, Mark Standen, Andy Standen, Liz Standen, Jeremy & Ann, Steve Jeanes, Jonathan + Kate + Steph + Sean , Tony – Tracy & Family, Jim & Katie Higgs, Tiff, Mark Wainwright & Family, Nixi + Simon + Mick, Ray & Tom Walker, Phillis & Family.
The winner of the 79 club who will win 2 VIP tickets to the next round at Donington Park is:
No. 9 Chris & Sarah