A Masters Disaster

This weekend saw the next three rounds of the Dunlop Superbike Masters held in Mondello Park. I left early Friday morning to get in a full days practice as I usually would but I was particularly excited for this weekends racing as it was the first time I would be using an Ohlins suspension so I was extra eager to get out there! The weather was smashing and the practice went excellent. The suspension issues I had been having all season had practically vanished with a special thanks to my new sponsor Philip Case for giving me the excellent opportunity to race Ohlins.

Saturday morning I prepped the bike with my team and headed out for the qualifying. I came in P4 for Race one which I was delighted with as I was finally starting to get closer to the front and felt the battle for top three places was finally within my reach.

Race one saw me finish in fourth place which I was pleased with but as I changed the gearing and went the wrong way so I was also a little disappointed because I felt I should have been closer to the front. Despite this mistake, I still completed the race with a personal achievement as I did my quickest lap around the international track so things were starting to look up.

Sunday then held the final two races of the month. Again, the weather was brilliant and I was keen to get out there for practice that morning. All went well and we got the bike prepped for the first race of the day.

I was thrilled with the improvement the new suspension had made and after a tough battle I secured my first podium of the season that saw me come in third place.

Things were really starting to take a change for the better and I couldn't wait to get out for the final race of the day for what I had hoped would be another intense battle for a top three position. Unfortunately, disaster struck when I was just finishing the second lap and lost the front end of the bike at roughly 140mph. Thankfully, I walked away from the accident but sadly my bike suffered severe consequences which resulted in the frame being split in two, radiator damage, fairings destroyed and much more.

I am gutted to say the least as I had just resolved the suspension issues I had been struggling with all year and had started battling for front positions and felt things were finally starting to go my way. 

I know it is a long shot but I am hoping to have the bike repaired and ready for the next three rounds in June but with the ample expense involved I wont be able to do it alone. I would sincerely appreciate any help that anyone could give me to try and achieve this task. Every little bit of support will be met with a huge appreciation.

I would like to dedicate this post to the incredible racing community. I am overwhelmed with the amazing support I've been receiving from other racers, fans, friends and family. I couldn't be more grateful. A big shout out to my sponsors in no particuloar order; PCRS Bikesport, Visual Impact Graphix, Feale Oil, O Connor Civil Engineering, The Star & Garter Bar and Beechgrove Landscapes.

To the medics, marshalls, racers and their families who helped me out, to my team both at the track and those who couldn't make it, and, to my supporters for following my posts and wishing me luck, I want to say a massive thank you for all your hard work and dedication.

Fingers crossed I can get the funds raised so I can get back racing again next month and move closer to the front of the leader boards. If you are interested in helping out I have set up a go fund me page and the link can be found below. Thank you for your generosity it is sincerely appreciate!

https://www.gofundme.com/motorbike-racing-repair

I will keep you all updated on the progress!

Andy