FP1:
Fridays opening session saw the much awaited change of fuel that had been the cause of so many engine failures in the 125cc paddock. Having spent some laps “running in” Ed settled in to establish some settings for the Norfolk circuit. Some adjustments to the rear suspension were made and an uneventful first session saw Ed in P17.
FP2:
Some additional changes from FP1 were now working well and Ed was climbing up the timing screens. On lap 6 Ed pitted to take stock and get some refreshment. All was well and he was now out to raise the bar. The Aztec machine exited pit lane and made its way through Riches and Sear onto the Revett straight. As Ed entered the Esses, the rear end snapped away and the resultant crash confined Edward to the medical centre once again. The team was now faced with a “long night” to get the bike ready for qualifying.
Q1:
After a great effort and a long night (morning 3.00am) by Bryan, Tom, Alan and Dave the bike was ready. A bruised but undaunted Edward made his way out onto cloudy but dry circuit. Some tentative laps, saw Ed make steady and assured progress. He was now becoming comfortable on the machine again after his tumble in practice. The session progressed well and Ed was once again “mixing it” in the right company. Q1 closed with the rebuilt rider and machine crossing the line in P14. A fantastic effort considering Friday’s trials and tribulations.
Q2:
Well the Norfolk weather showed its hand, with Q2 a comparative wash out. The only note was the finger wag from two friendly officers administered to some of the locals (see the gallery). P14 stood as our qualifying position and we all held out collective breath for better weather on race day.
Morning Warm up:
The weekend had presented some very changeable weather conditions, fortunately for the 10 minute warm up, the rain held off. A steady session saw Ed trying some different lines and he was looking impressive through Coram Curve. A small change to the carburettor and new tyres had us all set for the race which was due off at 2.00pm.
Race:
It was great to be back in the middle of the race program, our start had been delayed due to a red flag in race 1 of the “Superbikes”. A superb attendance by race fans greeted the team as Ed was sent out to take up his place on the grid. As he looked up the start straight Ed was picturing in his mind how to break through from the centre of the grid to get a run into turn one.
The lights changed and Ed held position, however into turn one he appeared to be baulked slightly and lost a few places. The lead group saw the usual suspects headed by the KRP machines but this time it was Hastings and Jordan making the running. The field was being stretched out now and by lap 3 Ed had been relegated to P18.
By the mid point of the race Ed had picked up the pace and was now climbing the leaderboard. He was enjoying a good battle with Catherine Green, Tom Weedon and Taylor McKenzie. Ed seemed to be lacking some top speed along the Revett Straight but was passing through the corners with some ease, especially at Coram.
With two laps to go Ed seemed to break away from Tom Weedon and was now in close pursuit of Taylor McKenzie. The two we battling well and were giving there all, with the Aztec machine getting the better of McKenzie. Into the last lap and the gloves were off, as the pair emerged around Coram, Taylor had retuned the favour passing Ed on the Revett Straight and pushing him back to P14 as they crossed the finish line.
“The bike was not as quick on the straight, I was getting great drive out, but something was not quite there” said Ed. Bryan added, “this is testament to the way Ed keeps bouncing back after the disappointment of Friday, again a fantastic effort bearing in mind he was pretty beaten up.”
A massive thanks to all our partners and sponsors for their continued support, without them life would be very difficult, you make it all worthwhile. This weekend saw the return of Jean after her visit to Wales. Normal service was resumed as we all tucked in to bacon rolls and fantastic evening meals again. We are planning to expand our hospitality offering and will keep everyone posted as it develops. Once again many thanks to you all.