Damon Rees and Shane Richardson head to Bennetts British SBK Championship Round 5 at Donington Park this weekend, same venue as Opening Round first week of August with Final Round at Brands Hatch 2 weeks after.
With slightly cooler temperatures in the air, and hint of rain for the weekend, Damon sits slightly more comfortable in fact that he has raced the circuit previously, gaining his first ever podium of 3rd at BSB Round 1.
Damon: ‘I think I have the benefit of confidence as I went so well there at Round 1. That confidence should put me in good stead to improve a lot quicker in Free Practice’.
‘We are racing the GP circuit, which has a few more corners than the National Circuit that we raced on at Round 1, but I did a test-day on the GP Circuit right after lockdown eased’.
‘The temp here has dropped a bit, and the forecast is for rain – but I’ve been mentally preparing to race in the cold & wet as hey, its England… but we have been so lucky with the weather at the past 4 rounds, so I know I’m going to have to race in the wet eventually! The temperatures haven’t dropped enough to make a massive difference when it comes to racing, but the rain will be the element to look out for’.
Standing 6th Overall in the Championship Astro JJR Racing rider holds plenty of self-belief to make the final 2 rounds count having completed track session at Brands Hatch as well.
‘Finishing the season strong is really important. I’ve ridden at both Donington & Brands Hatch, so I have track knowledge of both of the circuits. The overall podium is still in reaching distance currently, and I will do my best to give it a good crack!’
Shane has plenty to look forward to having banked more race-time at Donington on board the Team’s BMW S1000rr. Adjustments to racing style, tweaks in bike set-up, plus change in family life have all been part of the learning curves that Shane, remarkably takes as par of the course.
Shane: ‘I definitely feel a lot better prepared for Donington at this end of the season. The obvious reasons being more time on the bike, better set up etc but also for the small things like having become familiar with turning up with a caravan on the Thursday and having that as a home for the weekend and things like that’.
‘All of which were completely new at the start of the season. I know at this end of the year it will definitely be cold and there is a higher chance of rain so it will be interesting to see what the weekend brings, but we are ready either way’.
With points on the Championship table, Practice sessions will be key to go into Qualifying on Saturday- a routine Shane has more than enough verve of character to meet head on.
‘To be honest, none of my years racing overseas have been what you might label ‘easy’ or ‘smooth’. Between USA and the the UK every year has had it trials and tribulations’.
‘From living on the road out of a pick up truck with Seth and Robbie in 2017, not being allowed back into the USA mid season in 2018 and away from the track struggles with work and finances last year, which had a knock on into this year, I guess full on is just the new normal’.
MXLink asked NZ’s motorcycle legend Graeme Crosby to comment on Damon’s and Shane’s opportunity racing BSB Supersport 1000. Crosby regarded as most versatile racer on both four-stroke Superbikes or two-stroke Grand Prix racers from the early 1980’s, holds the distinction of being the only person to have won Daytona 200, Imola 200, Suzuka 8 hours endurance race and Isle of Man TT.
Graeme Crosby: ‘Dare to be different- be a Kiwi with that can do attitude. There will always be those who are loud and noisy- avoid them as they are vexations to the racing spirit’.
‘Try not to close any doors on the way. Lot’s will be opening but to have a backstop is always an advantage. Be humble in victory and graceful in defeat’.
‘And a final comment- Gas it up! Hold it flat and never fear the spills- Go for it!’ Croz.
Bennetts British SBK Championship Round 5 Donington Park October 2-4th.
Words: Sharon Cox.
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