MIXED FORTUNES FOR TEAM COLIN APPLEYARD RIDERS

20/7/2010

After the washout at Knockhill two weeks ago Team Colin Appleyard/Macadam Racing headed east to Snetterton in Norfolk for the seventh round of this year's British Motorcycle Championship. Whilst there were a few light showers during Saturday's practice, race day itself enjoyed a return to warm sunny weather. On the track it was a mixed bag for the team’s three riders.

In the Supersport 600 Jack Kennedy rode poorly during practice to qualify back in 20th on the grid. He was clearly disappointed with that performance for he got off to a cracking start in Sunday's race and rode really well throughout, working his way through the field to eventually cross the line in 9th place.

Meanwhile his team mate Ashley Beech was unlucky to fall off during practice leaving him in a starting position of 23rd on the grid. In the race itself he was starting to make progress when he pulled in at the half distance complaining of handling problems.

Commenting on Jack Kennedy’s performance team manager Robin Appleyard said “Given his age and maturity Jack should be starting every race on the first two rows. Clearly his poor performance in qualifying was a wake up call for he rode as well as I’ve seen him on Sunday, clocking up some really impressive lap times and was up battling for sixth place towards the end”.

In the 125cc Championship problems with the track reduced qualifying to just one session but, as usual, young Deane Brown was on the pace and grabbed fifth place on the grid. Unfortunately in the race itself he lost his front end on a bump on lap two and crashed out.

His frustrated manager said “The bike was right and he was looking strong all weekend so this was a huge disappointment. He also missed a golden opportunity to make up ground on the Championship leader as he too failed to register any points”.

The team now has a three-week break before returning to Brands Hatch on the weekend of 7th – 8th August