Rafe was super stoked to again represent Cotswold at the prestigious NORA Motorsport Team Event, where top riders from all the clubs come together to represent their club and battle it out. Rafe had his sights set on the top 10 and was excited to get racing.
We arrived on Friday to glorious sunshine and a packed paddock, which was well laid out. Saturday soon arrived and Rafe was excited to get going.
Qualifying – with a packed gate of 40 riders, this meant there was a lot of traffic on the track, which took a while for Rafe to stretch his legs and we were pleased he qualify in 10th. With a good start and a consistent ride this result could be bettered in the forthcoming races.
Race 1 – 40 riders thundered up the start straight and around the first corner, Rafe was at the front of the pack and quickly settled into 4th position. As the riders headed towards the whoops section, Rafe crashed in the slick conditions. By the time he was able to pick the bike up and get going he was dead last. Rafe spent the race working from 40th to finish 19th passing 21 riders throughout the race.
Race 2 – Anxious not to have a repeat of race 1, Rafe did not have the best of starts and was towards the back of the pack, but quickly made his way inside the top 10. Rafe was progressing well and in 8th position, pushing to battle with riders in position 5/6/7 when the front wheel washed out in a tight corner and the bike hit the deck. Rafe was up quick as a flash, only losing one place, crossing the line in 9th.
Saturday evening was spent chilling with friends and an early night ready for Sunday.
Race 3 – Rafe got a good start and settled into the race well in 9th position, super quick laps times mirrored riders in 5th position, so something to aim for. Rafe romped home in 9th giving a good and smooth ride.
Race 4 – Pumped with a good first race and knowing that he had similar lap times to the top 5, Rafe went into the race excited with the potential. However, Rafe proceeded to fall off 3 times in the Race, which suggested he was trying to be a little too quick.
In conclusion, the pace, fitness and skill are there, but luck just was not on Rafe’s side this weekend. Being on the NORA Team has helped Rafe out massively with his understanding of what it takes to be a top rider, through fitness, nutrition and hydration. Also how to deal with the defeats of a weekend that does not always go to plan.
Thank you to Cotswold for their amazing hospitality, NORA for organising another top event and all our sponsors that help us reach our goals.
