Round 5 - Knockhill
We all knew that Knockhill would be a tough track for us but after the practice sessions Friday we knew we had our work cut out for us.
Round five of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship took place at Knockhill this weekend and the Oxford Racing Ducati team had a really strong weekend with a fifth and third place with Tommy. He is now lying in second place in the Championship standings just four points adrift of new leader Scott Redding.
The weather conditions were mixed this weekend with glorious sunshine on Friday for the first two practice sessions but conditions worsened on Saturday just in time for qualifying. This got delayed but the organisers did a great job to get everyone out for a 40-minute wet session. Tommy ended up qualifying for race one in 9th position.
Race One
The first race was always going to be tricky as there was only one dry racing line and it was quite important to stay on it whilst using the slick tyres that the majority of the grid opted for. Tommy got a good start and worked his way up through the field over the 30-lap race to finish in a solid fifth position.
Race Two
Tommy was placed on the row in front for race two in sixth and once again he was eager to get away with the front runners. He got another good start and was sixth after the opening lap and he was keen to push harder than race one. His lap times were strong and he was soon making passes and fighting for a podium position and more vital podium credits. The race was cut short on lap 24 due to an oil leak from another rider and Tommy and the team were delighted to collect another third place.
Tommy: “It was certainly a more challenging weekend for definite but the team has worked really hard to get me the results that I got today, I struggled to get comfortable on the bike and get my head round the circuit a little bit.
It’s a real credit to the Oxford Products Moto Rapido Ducati team; they worked endless hours to get me in a strong position to fight for the podium. To come away with a fifth and a third and more points on the board was always going to be the target. I’m really happy with the end result and I’m looking forward to Snetterton as I think we’ll be a lot stronger there and back fighting for the race wins.”