posted on April 22, 2010 12:48
Thruxton 2010 Rnd 2
Well, where do I start, from the word go it looked like Thruxton was going to be eventful and it was.
Because of the volcano we had to try and get a boat, we got the ferry from Dublin to Holyhead at four o'clock and by the time we got off the ferry and drove down to pick up the camper and bike, it was late already. We didn't actually get to Thruxton till three in the morning on Friday, so my parents got everything set up while they let me catch up on sleep before the first practice session.
I knew I would struggle this weekend because we still hadn't got a power commander on, so the bike was down on speed, but during the practice session I felt comfortable with the bike and ended up finishing 15th doing a pretty good time and I knew where I needed to make up the time. We had our first qualifying on the same day and I got used to the track so quickly round there and I was feeling really good around the back section, I finished qualifying in 16th as I pushed myself a bit more. I knew I had to be up there and when I saw 21st on the pit board with a couple of minutes to go I knew I needed to pick the pace up.
Second qualifying came and I went out with the same tyres with a new rear waiting for me in the pits. I was trying to push, but I came in half way for the new tyre. When I went out the rear was everywhere, I couldn't understand it, I knew it couldn't have went off already, but I had to back off, because I was nearly launching it out of the last corner every lap. When I came in at the end of qualifying we noticed I had an oil leak that was going back onto my boots, the bike and also the tyre which explains why it barely had any grip, it left me sitting 13th for the the shoot out race and knowing I had to be in the top ten to get into the race the pressure was on.
Sadly I messed up my start wheeling twice as I set off leaving me near the back, and when the race was red flagged I thought, yes, a second chance, but sadly this time the bike just didn't want to go off the line, so I was near the back and my race was over.
Sunday I was giving some help to Feridaz during the busy times of the day, then I watched the 600 stock race and the 125 race and packed up ready to go home. We drove back up to east mids and left on Monday morning to get a ferry back home.
Let's hope Oulton is a better weekened for me, fingers crossed guys.
Nicole #69
nicolemcaleer.com