Silverstone National

After 6 rounds of racing its come down to the last round. First place in the championship is technically still achievable but it would require us to win and NR Racing to DNF. Anyhow, we enter the last round with hopes high aiming for the win.

Friday’s trackday ws held in good weather and there was oplenty of time to re-familiarise ourselves with the Northampton based circuit. While one section of the track is quite technical, the majority of it is very fast (a track definitely suited to the bigger bikes). The day went well with both riders setting personal best times and using the time to try out some new Michelin tyres for the following day’s racing.

Saturday morning came round and we were blessed with even better weather. Practice and qualifying were first of the day so the riders went out to put some quick laps in. PR39 set fastest times in class in both Practice and Qualifying with a 1:08:4 putting them on Pole Position (1/10th better than the previous day’s PB). With the mornings work done the team checked the bikes then relaxed watching the Masters and National race until mid afternoon when the Junior race was to start.

Race time!

Following the start procedure the bikes lined up on the grid with Andy to start. The riders lined up on the far side of the track and awaited the drop of the national flag. Flag dropped and they’re off. Andy got a great start and was immediately into a good position (1st in class & 2nd overall). PR39 held this position for a few laps until GT Racing made a mistake which let Andy past (now 1st overall). Andy managed yet another PB (1:08:3) before pitting for the first time. Colin went out and was straight on the pace matching his PB within 5 laps. PR39 held this position (1st overall) for the whole race even with the appearance of the safety car which diminished our 30 second lead. After the safety car the riders pushed hard again to re-establish their lead. It wasn’t long before PR39 has a lap’s advantage over championship rivals NR Racing. The Safety Car made a second appearance which with some clever pit work gave us an advantage and put us almost 2 laps ahead of NR and still 1st overall. With an hour still to go PR39 set their final PB (1:07:8) which was the best 600 class lap of the day and passed NR again giving a 2 lap advantage over the championship leaders. Colin completed the final stint and took the chequered flag for the last time on 2009 waved by his daughter Jennifer. Our best result of the season first overall by 45 seconds from the nearest 1000 and 2 laps from NR Racing on the next 600. 

That concludes a fantastic rookie season for Project 39. Second in the Junior 600 Endurance not forgetting Andys second in the Moto Grande 600. Roll on 2010 we will be back and going for the title!

Our greatful thanks go to our friends and family who have helped out throughout the year. Our sponsors for their support (every little helps). To all teams competing in the Junior TAG championship thanks for a great year’s racing. Last but not least our thanks to all the organisers and officials who made it all possible