Saturday & Sunday, 17th – 18th March 2007
Round 1 &ndash Irish Superbikes, Mondello Park
Uphill battle
Due to this being the first championship meeting in 2007, there was a huge entry for the Supersport 600s. 2 groups of 34 bikes divided into odd and even numbers. I didn't get my number 69 for this year, and was given number 8 instead, so I was in the second group.
The forecast for the weekend wasn't meant to be good, but when we were heading out for our 3-lap practice session on Saturday morning, it was dry. One warm up lap and two 'flying' laps and we were back into paddock again.
Our qualifying session wasn't too much longer, with only 6 laps to put your fastest time in. During the warm up lap, I got past a few guys thinking I'd get a clear track ahead for at least one lap - but I kept catching a couple of guys half way round each lap. The session came to an end fairly quickly and I was disappointed to see that I only managed to secure 22nd on the grid.
During the lunch interval, it started raining so we changed over to wets. The 600s were the 3rd race of the afternoon and it looked like it was going to dry up before we got out. But at the last minute, the heavens opened and the track was wet enough for full wets. Took my place on the grid and had my eyes on the lights. But I hadn't heard in the morning brief that the lights weren't working so lifting a flag would start races. Consequentially I didn't get away from the line too cleanly - but got around turn one without any moments; put the head down and started getting by a few guys in front of me. The race was only 6 laps but I caught and got by someone on every lap. By the final lap I was up into 10th place and managed to nick 9th before we got to the chequered flag!
Our second race of the weekend was on Sunday morning and instead of been given a couple of laps warm up practice, we decided it'd be better if we were given two warm up laps before the race, which would save time.
It had rained heavily, snowed and even hail fell through out the morning, but somehow the track managed to dry up a lot before our race. No one took the chance of using dry tyres and everyone took to the grid with their wets on.
Had another bad start with someone hitting my handlebars and I also got pushed wide going into turn one. Similar to my race on Saturday, once I got through turn two, I started clawing my way back up the field. Lap by lap I got my times lower and caught guys in front. By the time I reached the chequered flag, I had pulled myself up to 9th place again.
Even though I was disappointed with my qualifying session, I was very pleased to claw back and take two 9ths away this weekend. Because the teams main focus is the Triumph 675 Cup this year, the National SS600s is less important to me, but I still wanted to do well.
My 2007 675 is completely different to the Absol Racing 675. Not having a slipper clutch and quickshifter being the most noticeable differences. My bike handles very well with the WP shock now installed and I'm looking forward to my first championship race in Snetterton on April 14th and 15th.
Big thanks to Iain Duff (Absol Racing) for letting me share the gazebo with them, my dad for the support and pictures. And to everyone else that was over for a chat or supporting me!
Until Snetterton...