From hospital to BSB Thruxton

This happy chap's name is Josh Day and he has good reason to be smiling,he has just finished 6th in his first Metzeler National Superstock race at Thruxton BSB.His team Dayo Racing were kind enough to get us VIP passes for the day which we used to the full,driving were ever we wanted to go as I'm having a bit of trouble walking about.Good news on the injuries is that I can't drive for two weeks then should be able to go back to work on light duties.As for the bike,I've stripped it right down to see whats needed but I'm a bit concerned why the front wheel is pointing the wrong way!the fairing is trashed same for the clock and bracket.

Racing aint all about the glamour!!

This installment is written from the confines of a hospital bed in Dartford orthopedic ward but back to the start of the tale.
My Ohlins shock arrived at Bills so Dan and me trundled off and spent an enjoyable evening getting that fitted,does it look trick or what!
We arrived at Brands just as the boys were finishing the test day stated setting up the gararge next to the loudest Ducatis I,ve ever heard decent blokes tho.thanks to the Dayo mob we have full catering set up and everything is looking spot on for tomorrow.Thankfully its dry and after practice we have 20 minutes qualifying for the Open race which starts off great just getting into the groove and feeling how the new shock works then as just as I,m up to speed I see Dazza in the distance all reason vanishes as I have to get revenge for Pembrey.This is where inexperience costs dear as I try to get up the inside at Clearways the back came round at full throttle and shot me into the air,I landed back on the bike but looking backwards thinking shit this is gonna hurt! When I did stop all the wind was knocked out of me but the marshals and medics were right there and calmed me down.Its a shame those guys couldnt still be looking after me as these muppets in Dartford Hospital have so far managed to drop me,run my trolley into the wall and genrally not give a shit cos Im a biker and we deserve it after all!?!
The injury isnt to bad,stable fractures to T4 5and 6 but I have to wait until my brace arrives then I can get up and about and come home.Not a minute to soon I can tell you.
Big thanks to everyone who helped out and phoned,it warms the cockles of my heart.
Will take at least 2 months off racing maybe more but as this is the greatest sport on earth I'll be back!!

Pembrey Round 1

This took place in the worst conditions you could imagine with wheely bins full up with broken awnings and gazebos,my friend Mark Church even had a big dent put into his hire van by a fly away party tent.
Practice went well enough just a fogging up visor to worry about but got that sorted with a bit of Bob Heath spray and confidence was high for the qualifing race.Due to getting our entries in early Josh,Darren and myself were right at the front of the grid which made for a good photo but I'd never done a race start on the new bike,no worries though it goes off the line like a rocket,I even thought I'd got the holeshot but that yellow and blue flash that is Josh Day came flying past and away he went to eventually win the race.The results show that I finished 10th but this was due to the race being shortend to 5 laps after a restart but I knew that I was well off the pace with total lack of confidence in the handling of the bike.
It was still pissing down for the start of the A Final and after another good start from 18th on the grid things were looking up but as it went on I just seemed to go backwards and all over the track eventully finishing 19th really disappointed!!A bloody good night in the bar sorted that out and my grumps did'nt last long.
Round 2
Sunshine and blue skies for Sunday morning but the track was still soaked so left the wets on for practice and the qualifing race.This went the same as yesterday, great start then backwards all the way to finish 11th to give me 21st on the A Final grid.Dazza finished a couple of places back but was at least 1 second a lap quicker and riding confidently,Josh won the race and is just on another planet completeley.By just doing the 600 races it gives you time to relax and enjoy the day a bit more and soak up the great atmosphere at NG races so I don't think I'll bother entering the Open for the rest of the year.
The A Final was dry as a bone but even on new tyres the bike just does'nt handle well with it wallowing mid corner every time I tried to go faster it felt like it was going to spit me off.Dazza came past me and I tried everything to stay with him but just could'nt,I was soundly beaten.As we packed up the miserys came back with avengence,this sport is all about the highs and lows but jesus the lows are low!
Back to the good stuff though Ali Day had a fantastic result in the Newcomers,overtaking loads to finish 5th and Matt Curtis made the A Final on both days in his first race meeting.
When we got home we stopped for a quick pint and I was telling my Dad about my woes and he offered to help,so first thing next day I rang Bill at Whitecross and ordered a Ohlins shock which should be here by Brands Hatch.This bike is costing so much money I think I'll name it Heather Mills!!