This weekend we headed to Monster Mountain for a wildcard entry at the BSMA Nationals.
Having previously ridden at the track we were excited to return, this time on the small wheel 85.
Saturday – Rafe stuck to his routine of a run and a good breakfast and was feeling confident about qualifying. We were delighted he qualified 10th, there was some real talent booked in for the event, who had travelled from all over the UK. So we were pleased with the results.
Race 1 – Cracking start and he settled into 10th place for the majority of the race, however there was one corner Rafe just could not get on with, and took a tumble twice, his quick reactions meant he jumped straight back on the bike and managed to cross the line in 15th place.
Due to an injured rider needing the air ambulance, racing was stopped for the remainder of the day. We wish Jack Clark #844 a speedy recovery.
Sunday – With the promise of 3 races today, Rafe was up early, a run around the pits and back to the camper for breakfast, we were out on track not long after 9am. A quick sighting lap and back to the line for the second race. The track had been watered a lot and was tough going.
Race – 2 Rafe flew out of the start gates and into the first corner, settled into 10th place with his eyes firmly on 9th. Second lap around, when on the triple, due to wet conditions, the front end washed out. Rafe lost a few places and running 15th, he managed to pass 2 other more riders, finishing the race in 13th.
Back to the camper to wash the bike, de-mud and change boots, helmet and kit!
Race 3 – Track had dried nicely and was turning tacky. Another good start, elbows up! Lets go! A few tumbles meant Rafe was able to fight his way back to 14th.
Race 4 – A slight hesitation off the start line, meant Rafe had to fight through the pack and was sitting inside the top 15. He was making good progress in the race, when an inside corner caught him off guard, he dropped the bike. Took a few kicks to get going again, he made progress through the pack throughout the next few laps, and then on the last lap, a few corners before the finish flag, the bike stalled and Rafe could not get it going again. After several minutes and multiple kicks, the bike eventually fired back into life and he crossed the line 24th.
Going into the weekend Rafe wanted to be inside the top 15 and to qualify 10th gave him the confidence that he has the ability, speed and fitness to run with the UK’s top riders. Overall he secured 17th Place, which gives us something to work on and aim inside the top 10 next time.
