Wow, I had a great time at Brands. I'm glad I've finally managed to get my first race completed, since the last attempt in 2004 ended in 'ground-sky-ground-sky' and a catalogue of injuries. Big thanks to NSRwanye for helping out all weekend. I was so glad someone was there to assist in the mad rush to get ready for each race and help with paddock stands and the like once we pitted again.

The bike ran well, if a little rich, but I was happy to sacrifice power for the comfort of knowing that it wouldn't nip up whilst cranked over on the power. Besides the James Bond oil spray ejected from my pipes only served to cover any pursing riders visors in two-stroke!

Both Leigh and Fontyy failed to mention that the 'wet' race was actually conducted under winter conditions. Hail, snow and ice winds all helped to make my first ever race quite interesting. Not having wet tires also didn't help with the overall experience. They'd slide on the way in to a turn and slip on the way out.....nice! I found I could almost ride around the outside of people in certain places but every time I touched the throttle it wouldn't grip and they'd get better drive out. As Dave Egley said.....why would you want to race in winter and I'm inclined to agree!

The biggest problem I had with the racing was a serious lack of fitness. The 12/15 laps races just killed me and I found that despite making my way through the field in the early laps as I became tied I started to make mistakes and slipped back. The most severe was when Dan Williams came under me at Surtees (giving me plenty of room) but a momentary lapse in concentration just at the wrong point saw me take to the grass. I managed to stay up right, but that let Fontyy and Leigh through plus a few others and with only 1.5 laps to go I just could catch em.

The last race was probably the best as Leigh, Fontyy and myself were quite close all the way round. We all changed positions several times and had a great dice. By far the best race for me.

Anyway enough drivel.......the Forum Racer's first outting went well, normal service will be resuming soon with the Stig taking his rightfull place on the grid.