FP1:
Fridays opening session saw an engine change from Donington Park along with a new tyre choice, Ed electing to run with the ever improving “B” compound tyres. Having spent some laps “running in” Ed settled in to an early rhythm. With the motor running at higher temperatures due to the fantastic weather, the Aztec machine finished the session in P20.
FP2:
A gearing revision and the fitting of a larger radiator was the outcome of the de-brief from FP1. The hot weather continued and the pace picked up. A change of wind direction caught the team out with regard to the gearing, which saw Ed finish in P23 on the high speed abrasive Wiltshire circuit.
Q1:
Expectations were high as the boys set off for the first qualifier. The revisions to the bike had worked well, with Ed now lapping approximately 2 seconds a lap quicker. A flying lap behind Rob Guiver was working well with Ed getting a much needed tow. Sadly, the the Aztec machine was now caught behind a now slowing Guiver and the lap was gone. P20 was the final outcome, with a buoyant Rendell looking forward to the next session.
Q2:
Edward was certainly confident and his ability to string together that elusive lap was never in doubt. The pit board ticked off the laps with the Aztec machine still hovering around mid pack. With 7 minutes to go the Aztec machine dropped into a small pack of riders who were all fighting for position’s 11 to 17. As Ed crossed the line for what was his penultimate lap, the timing screens showed P15. Into the last lap and the jostle for position intensified and the chequered flag dropped to show Ed in P19. “I am slightly disappointed with my final position” said Ed. “I have not been here before and I feel I can sharpen up in a few areas. This track is real quick and I know we have the pace, I am sure the race will reflect this”
Morning Warm up:
A weekend of great weather continued for the 10 minute warm up. A steady session saw Ed “Running In” a new piston ready for the race. All was well and the team carried out its usual checks in preparation for the main event.
Race:
As with the previous meeting, our race was the last of the day. The long gap between warm up and race gave an opportunity to catch up with visitors and indulge in Dave’s bacon baps, (come back Jean, all is forgiven). The sound of the Superbikes fading into the distance, along with some of the crowd, a confident Rendell pushed off on the formation lap and subsequently took up his place on the grid.
As the lights changed Ed made a great start and passed 3 riders into the first right hander. The lead group saw the usual suspects headed by the KRP machine of Glossop. The second group which included the Aztec machine were all jockeying for positions 12 to 17 with, on lap 4, Ed flying in P12.
By the mid point of the race Ed had swapped places with several riders including Catherine Green and Mike Hill. As Edward powered out of the chicane before the “start finish” the battle with Michael Hill was intensifying and they were joined by a hard charging Deane Brown. As the trio took the last lap flag they were now swapping paint as well as places. This continues out onto the farthest part of the track with Ed pulling away slightly.
As the leading pack entered the final turn, the lead machine seemed to clip the kerb and Martin Glossop’s race was over. As the second group approached the same corner the Hill, Brown and Ed was fighting hard. The three came out almost side by side with Brown running wide onto the grass, as the flag dropped Ed was relegated to P13, so close to a top 10.
“The bike was spot on again” said Ed, “I was very comfortable running with the front runners.” Bryan added, “This was another strong showing by both Edward and the bike. There are a couple of weeks until Snetterton for round Five, hopefully we can continue to improve as we have here. Once again many thanks to everyone for your continued support, we hope to see you there.”