Seeing red!
Published: 10th April 2008
Author: Words by Stephen Sword Photo by JP O’Connell
With two British rounds down Swordy’s got the red series leader’s plate on his bike and he ain’t giving it up without a fight…
I can’t believe we’re now into April - this year seems to be flying by! Although we haven’t had a GP yet things on the domestic front are going well for me. Round one of the British champs was held at Donington Park - it was my first time there as I missed out on the GP last year.
The track was prepared very well and a lot of fun to ride. I ended up with two second place finishes which gave me second overall. Moto one I crashed while trying to pass Shaun Simpson and dropped back to sixth but rode strong to get back to second by the finish. Moto two I started first but after a few laps Tommy Searle came past me. I was feeling good behind him but made a few mistakes later in the race which cost me some time. Although first would have been better I was happy with the day’s result. It’s just a shame Tommy’s not doing all the rounds as I would enjoy racing with him.
We had a weekend off before round two so I trained and practised hard in the sand ready for Canada Heights but mainly working towards the first GP in Holland. I travelled to the Heights on the Sunday morning as it’s just an hour’s drive from my home. Weather conditions on the way were not good – sleet and snow plus it was very cold. It was snowing for most of practice but considering how much rain we had the week before the track was not so bad. A bit boggy and rutty but better than I thought it was going to be.
Moto one was pretty good - I would describe it as a steady second place, nothing to get excited about but good points - although I did have a moment early in the race when I smacked my head on a post as I was passing someone. I didn’t crash but smashed a hole in the helmet – I guess the helmet did its job well and my head was fine.
Shaun was riding well all day - I was looking for the win in moto two but that was going to be hard after I got tangled up in the first corner and set off at the back. I just put my head down and rode as hard as I could for the whole race. There were a couple of good passing places on the track that I had up my sleeve so I used these to my advantage. At the end of the race I got myself back to fourth - I was hoping for better but it was damage limitation for the championship. I was third overall on the day and took control of the red plate. Early days yet but it feels good to be back not only racing but back at the front.
Everything is progressing well ready for the first GP. We planned to test in Belgium one week but the weather was bad over there so the mechanics and Willy our suspension guy came over here. I found a good setting and was feeling comfortable with the bike. The past week I’ve been preparing with DT and working on things ready for the GP – it’s all going good and I’m looking forward to Valkenswaard.
I had a relaxing day of golf last week - I hadn’t played for over a month so I was expecting the worst but actually played good. I normally take a buggy as my ankle hurts the next day but they didn’t have one. Bummer! It wasn’t too bad in the end though.
Spring is here so it was time for me to get out in the garden and show it some love. I’ve already had Geoff Walker ripping into me about last month’s column - it’s a monthly thing with him. I just put some lawn feed down the other day - I treat my lawn as I treat Jodie. I love and care for it, I show it respect and no-one touches the lawn but me! Ha ha – is that enough ammo for you Godfrey?
My dad was down over the Easter weekend and the Monday after Canada Heights I did a bit of clay pigeon shooting with him. He shoots a fair bit and apparently one of the best shooting grounds in the country is right by my house so he says. It was still a bit cold but I had a pop and hit some clays. He was leaving to go back to Scotland from there but on the way in he picked up a puncture so we had to whip the spare on before he left. Then I went back home and tucked into a nice roast dinner that Jodie had ready (go on Wakker – do your worst)…
Well that wraps up another month - keep the cable tight and roll on the GPs. Braaaaap!