Sunday saw Rafe return to Swanmore for Round 7 of their Club Championship, it was great being back with the club following their second place win at the team event.
A last minute discussion to switch the track from Tincelton to Swanmore was a wise move, the changes to the layout were put to the test and were a great success and the track was in prime condition.
Both the SW and BW were combined making a packed gate of 38 riders.
Having had a couple of weeks off the bike Rafe was excited to get some bike time in before the last few races of the season.
Practice/Qualifying – Going out mid-pack meant there was a lot of traffic to navigate, but Rafe was able to get in a fast lap. Which placed him 3rd, which was slightly disappointing, but as anyone knows, Rafe can set a better lap time under race conditions.
Race 1 – Rafe lined up on the start, visualizing a holeshot and taking the lead. With a lightning reaction to the gate dropping Rafe thundered along the start straight and up the hill as this rounded to the left slightly, he bagged the holeshot! Go on Rafe!! He settled comfortably at the front of the race leading the SW, he cruised around the track, smooth, controlled and consistent. Can he cross the line in the lead, will he drop the bike? Back markers were quickly added to the mix, Rafe squeezed through any little gaps he could find, changing lines in the hope not to slow his pace or get involved in a crash. A text book race and he crossed the line in P1.
Race 2 – Ok Rafe, same again please! He choose the same gate and went through his start line preparations. The gate dropped and with a super fast reaction, Rafe bagged another holeshot. Catapulting him into the lead, where he settled for the remainder of the race. Back Markers were soon thrown into the mix again and trying to maintain pace and get through were possible was a tricky task. Some of the riders were lapped twice and when the last lap flag was raised, Rafe just had one lap to complete to take the race win. Unfortunately, part was through the last lap, Rafe got stuck behind a back marker, second place was able to bridge the gap and take the race win.
Race 3 – If you win this race you take the overall win – Rafe knew what he had to do. He was not fazed or nervous with the challenge ahead. He had worked hard all year to achieve the results from the last 2 races. Another holeshot! Rafe took the lead and pulled a good gap between second, he settled into the race with ease. Ticking off the laps with a consistent ride, no mistakes, no crashes, a text book ride. He cross the line in P1 and winning the overall.
A top effort by Rafe, the results were not down to luck, the results were earned. Thank you to Coach Robb for giving Rafe the tools to achieve this win and NORA CRS for their continued support.
