The first practise session was 30 minutes long and the full GP circuit of Donington Park. Grant went out on used tyres and started to get comfortable on the bike and get some data on board. He found a problem with the front tyre which held him up for a short time as it was making the bike feel completely different. Grant adjusted a couple of things and went back out. He found a better setting with the bike but ran out of time and didn’t get a good lap time in, therefore he finished the session in 13th position.
The 1st qualifying session of the weekend was later in the day and the conditions where a lot different as it rained and the circuit is known for being very slippery once this happens. This was quiet annoying for Grant as he wanted to try some things with the bike as the suspension was where he felt he had to improve. Grant felt very comfortable in the wet conditions but with the weather 100% certain to be dry the following day then it was not worth pushing and risking crashing like 50% of the riders who went out did. Grant finished this session in 14th position.
The following day was glorious sun shine and the 30 minute session gave Grant a little more time to try and get a good feeling with the bike.
Grant continued to make some changes with the bike and could only manage 17th position. This was a big disappointment for Grant & the team as he still knew he had to make improvements to the bike but due to the organises not giving us a warm up the following day before the race then Grant would go into the race completely blind.
Come the race it was 16:45 and the condition where still warm but not too warm with the sun shining. Grant made a good start to the race and gained some positions. By mid race Grant was in 12th position then the safety car was deployed due to an accident. This was out for 3 laps, once the race was restarted Grant didn’t quite make the best of the restart. He immediately didn’t feel comfortable on the bike therefore this gave Grant no confidence to push up and hold his position, unfortunately Grant dropped down the 15th position come the end of the race. Grant was very very disappointed with the result as this is not like Grant to lose any positions especially at the end of the race where he comes strong. Grant felt the setup of the bike was completely different and made it very difficult for him to ride, very mind race the bike. The changes he and the team made over night had obviously been not for the best and due to Grant not having a warm up it completely stuffed his race result.
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
All the 79 club members & all the people who attended over the weekend Laura Standen, Mum & Dad, Georgina, Sam Black & Tiff, Andy & Liz Standen, Jeremy & Ann, Steve Jeans, Jim & Damon from Elliott Metals & Tadge and his friends.
The winner of the 79 club who will win 2 VIP tickets to the next round at Knockhill is:
No. 46 Nixi & Simon.