Fighting Finale for Team Appleyard/Macadam

10-12 October 2008

Jordan Thompson and Deane Brown each put in fighting finishes for Team Appleyard/Macadam with two excellent rides in the Relentless British 125GP Championship race at the final round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch this weekend.

Jordan Thompson

Once again, practice and qualifying threw up the usual problems for the riders and the team which they dealt with efficiently as ever. With 'new' ignition and wiring loom, Deane had every right to expect no further repeat of the problems he suffered at the last round. However, cruel luck struck again forcing him to beg an inferior specification engine for qualifying and the race from sponsor "Tosh" of Polini Mini-moto fame. Even though way down on power, he managed to qualify in an amazing 11th place. Jordan meanwhile was also getting down to business with some equally determined riding eventually posting an extremely well deserved 7th position, just two thirds of a second off pole earning him a second row grid place.

Deane Brown

With teammate Ashley Beech still recovering from injuries and once more looking on from the sidelines, the race started in frantic style with Deane shooting forward from his third row grid position into third place. Jordan didn't get the start he needed though and was swallowed up by the pack. At the front it was all action but despite some spirited riding, Deane's engine just couldn't compete and he gradually slipped back. With only about 6 laps left, Deane was still holding on to 7th place but a collision when passing some backmarkers resulted in a broken clutch lever forcing him to retire. Witnessing the action just ahead of him, Jordan was riding as smoothly and quickly as ever and managed to bring the bike home in 10th place for another great finish.

After the race, Team Manager Robin Appleyard was beaming and said; "I have got nothing but praise for the two lads. They have both ridden magnificently all weekend. That's the fifth time Jordan has finished in the top ten this year and he has really come on strong. Deane's performance was also fantastic. To lap just 0.75 of a second off the fastest lap with the engine package he had was truly incredible. The whole team really pulled together this weekend especially the technicians who worked long into the night on Friday. And as always the team girls put on yet another great spread to make sure there were no rumbling stomachs! All round, we have had an eventful season and I would like to thank all our sponsors for their support. I hope they'll stay with us next year as we aim for even better results."

When quizzed about Team Appleyard/Macadam's plans for 2009, he commented; "The plan at the moment is for Ashley to consolidate his position in Supersport with his Yamaha R6. Jordan now is getting quite big for a 125 so he's going to move up to Junior Supersport and Deane will stay in GP125 and challenge for the British Championship there. Ash is getting fitter by the week and we hope he'll be recovered sufficiently to join the Team as we soon head to Spain for the last two Spanish Championship rounds at Valencia and Jerez. It should be a great way to round off the season and prepare for BSB 2009!"