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TT 2008 UPDATE 3
Photo by Baylon McCaughey
Hi to you all again, Where has the time gone? Not only have the NW200 behind us, now we can also add the TT to the list!
Wednesday was the Super Sport Race. We started on the grid at number 38. John Barton started ten seconds behind me. For those who remember John is the fella who helped me back to fitness at last years TT after I dislocated my shoulder.
Once into the race I prepared myself for John to catch up with me, so at the end of lap one he came past in to Quarter Bridge, I was pleased to hold him back for the first lap. John and I had a terrific race as we past each other at least four or five times per lap. I used John’s experience over the mountain to try and help me in future races. We both crossed the finish line together with John in 22nd position and myself in 24th.
Congratulations must go to Bruce Antsy on his win, after the disappointment from Monday’s race I’ m sure he was glad to get this one firmly under his belt.
What a great performance from Ryan, 3rd place in the 600 race. He sure didn’t let himself down at this years TT.
After the race our Crew all headed out to Gorse Lee to watch the sidecar race, unfortunately by the time we arrived there was only one lap left. It sure was an experience to see Molly and Crow go through with no less than a couple of feet separating them.
On Wednesday night we all headed to the Villa Marina to pick up my Replicas.
After that we made the usual trip to Colours Bar at the end of the prom. It was a driving night for me as I wanted to be fresh for Friday’s race day.
Later on that night as we were all tucked up in bed we were wakened with the truck swaying from side to side, it must have been the heavy winds coming off the mountain??!!……
Before we knew it Senior Race Day was upon us. Simon and I headed off early that morning in the Caddy Van with the Super Bike to allow me to run in the front tyre.
Before the race I must admit to being fairly nervous, I don’t normally be, but as soon as I headed off down Bray Hill that soon disappeared. The race was going pretty well until after the pit stop, after taking on a full tank of fuel the tank split and the fuel was coming out round my leg, there was nothing left to do but retire. Disappointed or what?! Another top twenty position was on the cards, never mind another rep and some decent price money!!
The last race of the week was the 250 at Castletown on Saturday. I decided to just concentrate on the 250 and give it my best possible shot for Stewart Smith, who had made his way over for the race. Unfortunately disappointment was looming. The bike suffered a misfire throughout practice and I only was able to qualify in 12th position, nevertheless we decided to go ahead with the race and surprisingly for me, I made my way up to 8th place. However, on the last lap the bike ran out of fuel at Cross Four Ways! To say I was gutted would be an understatement, but these things happen.
We’re all back home from the Island with another four reps and with no injuries, and everyone had a good time,which is a bonus.
Next on the race calendar is the Bush Road races, which take place next weekend. This track is on my doorstep so I’m looking forward to a good safe run there. Ryan will take some beating, he is riding really well at the moment, plus that old man Cranston will not be easy to shake of either, but I feel I’m up to the job to get a couple of decent results, fingers crossed.
Don’t forget, if you are in the paddock, call over to the race truck
JB#16
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