This Sunday just gone Rafe headed to West Meon for Round 4 of the Hampshire Youth Club Championship. Having missed a round due to injury, it was important to secure some much needed championship points. The aim to finish on the podium and secure a few races wins where possible.
Last time at West Meon, Rafe was on his auto and was able to secure 3 race wins, would he be able to repeat this success.
The Small Wheels (SM) and Big Wheel (BW) class were combined, totallying 38 riders, so a nearly full gate. At West meon the start straight heads into a 180 degree left hand bend, so naturally the riders group together.
Having qualified 4th overall in the BW/SW, Rade had a good gate pick for each race.
Race 1 – Rafe choose the inside line, giving the shorter distance to the first turn. As the 5 second board turned, the riders dropped their heads to watch the gate. The gates dropped and Rafe shot down the start straight, Rafe was in the top 5 riders to round the first corner and began to battle with fellow BW riders. This held him up for a while, allowing the SW leader to gain an advantage. Rafe proceeded to battle hard but the slight hold up gave the first place rider an advantage. Rafe gave a good solid, consistant ride and crossed the line in second.
Race 2 – Confident on his line choice, Rafe choose the same gate, however, he was slightly boxed in going down the start straight, momentarily letting off the throttle, to avoid a collision. He rounded the first corner in second place, knowing not to let the first place rider out of his sight, by the mid-lap stage, Rafe saw an opportnity to take the outside line pushing past the SW race leader and leading the race. The track had been extensively watered, which caused Rafe to drop the bike. Up like a flash, he was going again, running in 10th. As the race progressed, Rafe shortened his lap times and proceeded through the pack, crossing the line in third place.
Race 3 – With the words of Coach Robb echoing in Rafe’s ears; “By doing the same thing, you get the same results”, Rafe choose a different gate. This was a wise move as Rafe quickly moved into first place in the SW. Not letting the pressure of leading a race get to him, he proceeded to eat up the laps in an consistance manner, making no silly mistakes and sensibly lapping the slower riders. Rafe crossed the line in first place, gaining a 13 second lead from second place.
All-in-all a great day, with some more work and extra bike time, Rafe could easily turn the overall second into an overall first.
