Cartagena Test 2009
February for 5 days in the sun to get to know the Honda RS125 that I'll be racing in the Relentless GP125 British Championship.
Honda RS125
is being provided by Kinpac Racing.
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Niall's Blog
BSB, Brands Hatch, 7/8/9 Aug 2009
It was another long trek from Glasgow to Brands Hatch for Round 8 of the Relentless British 125GP championship. Dad took a half day off work so that we could get there in good time before the gates were closed for transport movements at 8pm. The weather forecast was scorchio for the weekend so I was looking forward to some good racing.
In addition to the usual championship races, MSV had also organised the International Classic Grand Prix UEM cup with riders from France, Germany, Brazil and the UK competing on Yamaha TZ350s, TZ250s and Armstrongs. Dad and George took a real interest in these machines from the 80’s and I must admit they did bring an alternative spectacle to the paddock. We were also treated to track sessions by some of motorcycle racing’s sporting legends such as Giacomo Agostini, Mick Grant, Phil Read and Paul Smart on machinery like the MV Augusta, Seeley 500 and an ex Barry Sheene Yamaha 500.
The first free practice session went ok but the Honda stopped after only 2 laps with an overheating problem in the second session. It turned out that the water pump shaft had sheared which is the same problem that we suffered at Donington. Apparently this is quite a common fault. With the problem rectified, qualifying was much better and I managed to stay out on track for two full sessions and ended up 32nd on the grid. We tried different carburettor settings to try and get more speed out of the little Honda as I’m always in the bottom half dozen through the speed traps. Changes were made to both power and needle jets but I didn’t really notice much difference and there was no improvement through the traps so we are still searching for the magic setting for this bike.
I made a half decent start and was running just ahead of Kasey Wyatt for most of the race. However Kasey got past me on lap 9 and we spent the next 5 laps swapping positions. Kasey made his final move on the approach to Hawthorn Bend on the final lap and I couldn’t find a way back before the chequered flag and I crossed the line in 26th place. It wasn’t a bad weekend for us but we need to get the Honda working a little better so that I’m not swamped on the straights. Next round is at Cadwell Park in 3 week’s time.
See ya.
Niall
