By • Reflecting on last night’s races, opening Superbike and Superstock race runner-up, Dean Harrison stated in pragmatic terms:
“Supersport didn’t really go to plan, I just couldn’t get in the slipstream. In Superstock and Superbike I just chipped my way through.
It’s just so tight out there that it’s only a couple of little things that could make a big difference. Everybody’s on it, totally committed, but we’re in a good place.
I’ve certainly had many worse Thursdays than this – we’ve had lots of sunshine and a couple of podiums, the team’s happy, so we’re in a good place.
There’s more to come from me and the bikes, I know it’s there. The crowd is unreal around this track, they’re absolutely-everywhere and it’s a pleasure to be here. It’s unlike anything else.”
• Honda Racing UK team-mate John McGuinness echoed similar vibes.
“To be fair it’s just competitive – super, super hard. There was a gap for me at the start of the Superstock race and I thought ‘you-beauty!’ but overall, I just don’t want to let anyone down.
It was nice to run close to Dean at the start of the Superstock race; he’s riding exceptionally well, he’s riding so hard, and while I feel bike-fit there’s still a little bit more to come.
We can sleep on it tonight and come up with a plan tomorrow. I think that we can close the gap a bit. It’s a hard track, this, and I’m not at my best yet but I’m chipping away and enjoying the riding.
The bikes have been good in every session and never missed a beat, I’m so lucky to be here, doing this, that I just want to do my best.”
• Jamie Coward stated this morning, that he had misfire, throttles issues in Super Twins qualifying. The Hebden Bridge racer finished the sole Super Twins qualifying session, seventh quickest.
• Nine riders exceeded 180 mph, through the speed-trap on the run down to University Corner in the Fraser Homes Supersport race.
• Fastest overall was Performance Racing Achterhoek’s Adam McLean (184.5 mph).
• Notable bike racing personalities/riders attending yesterday included Storm Stacey, Kyle Ryde, Conrad Harrison and Loris Britton.
• The ‘Magic’ Roundabout is title sponsored by CP Hire.
• There were eight non finishers from the Milwaukee Superbike race.
Quotes courtesy of Honda Racing UK press team.
Photo credit: Derek Wilson
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
