Round 4 of the Plews British Masters at the stunning Schoolhouse MX track turned into weekend for learning NORA CRS rider Rafe. Facing a brutal 700-mile round trip and just six weeks out from a broken collarbone, Rafe proved that grit and determination matter just as much as horsepower.
The High-Speed Shock
Stepping onto a brand-new track is always tough. When that track is Schoolhouse MX—a fast, flowing monster loaded with massive jumps and blinding straights overlooking the Derwent Reservoir—the stakes get even higher.
Rafe did his homework on the layout beforehand, but the sheer pace of the circuit caught him off guard in qualifying:
- The Result: 23rd fastest lap.
- The Problem: A faster pace was needed
- The Analysis: Massive speed on the straights and jumps, but hesitation in the corners was bleeding precious seconds.
Race 1: Lightning Speed
When the gate dropped for Moto 1, Rafe fired into a mid-pack start and immediately went to work. By lap two, he sliced his way up to a brilliant 9th place.
As the moto wore on, the lack of peak bike fitness took its toll. On lap five, Rafe slipped back as the chasing pack found another gear. He crossed the line in a rock-solid 13th place.
A major delay followed as the air ambulance was called for a medical emergency, cutting the first day short.
Race 2: The Comeback Charge
On day two, Rafe grabbed a much better start in Moto 2. Desperate to fix his corner speed, he pushed the front end too hard on lap one. The front wheel washed out, sending him straight into the dirt.
Rafe remounted instantly, finding himself down in 20th place by lap two. Refusing to quit, he put on a passing clinic:
- He engaged in fierce, bar-to-bar battles.
- By lap five, he dragged himself up to 18th.
- The vintage, aggressive Rafe was finally waking up.
Race 3: Leaving It All on the Track
The final moto of the weekend brought dry, dusty, and treacherous track conditions. Rafe launched off the line to hold 12th place by lap two.
History repeated itself when the slick dust caused another front-end washout. Down again, but definitely not out! Rafe scrambled up in 15th and put his head down. He put on a late-race charge to close the gap, crossing the finish line in a hard-earned 14th place.
The Verdict
What a weekend! To score finishes of 13th, 18th, and 14th, with 15th overall just six weeks after snapping a collarbone is a massive statement. Rafe has the aerial skills and raw speed to run right at the front. Once those corners are dialed in, the rest of the field better watch out!
