|
Ollie Racks Up The Points At Stormy Cadwell |
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, 29 August 2006 |
TOMMY 'S GAMBLE FAILS TO PAY OFF...
Wiltshire racing brothers Ollie and Tommy Bridewell, from Etchilhampton near Devizes, suffered mixed fortunes as the traditional British Bank Holiday weather wreaked havoc at round eleven of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, held at Cadwell Park in Lincolnshire this weekend.
With Sunday's sunshine giving way to scattered thunderstorms on Monday, the two Vivaldi riders were hoping for some good results at a track which saw them both on the podium in 2005 but in front of yet another sell-out BSB crowd, tyre choice was to prove critical in the unsettled conditions.
Having qualified in 18th place on his 1000cc Vivaldi Suzuki, 20 year old Ollie was impressive during the wet practice session prior to the opening 18 lap British Superbike Championship race and after a major tyre deliberation, Ollie's team decided to opt for full wets on what turned out to be a rapidly drying track. As a result, Ollie had no option but to retire early in the race
Race two proved more successful as once again a rain shower had dampened the 2.1 mile circuit but with dry tyres fitted, Ollie battled his way to 13th at the flag to add to five previous points scoring rides and to leave him in 21st place in the standings.
“I was fourth fastest in the wet practice so if only it had rained for
the duration of the race..." said Ollie. "It was pointless out there in
the first race so I pulled in but I got my head down and was pleased
with 13th place in race two which means we've salvaged something from
the weekend. I was really hoping for something better here at Cadwell
but we were unlucky with the weather and it becomes a lottery."
For 18 year old Tommy, he gambled on dry tyres on a decidedly wet track
for the British Supersport Championship race but from his fifth row
grid position, the 600cc Vivaldi Suzuki rider struggled in the early
stages as the track remained damp. Eventually, after being lapped, he
called it a day and although the track did dry marginally, it resulted
in only his third non-scoring ride of the season.
“We took a gamble and it didn't pay off as the track didn't dry as
quickly as it did for Ollie's superbike race. I'm bitterly diappointed
as we've had a number of problems this weekend and it seems that no
matter how hard I try, we still seem to be struggling. It's certainly
becoming a test of character and hopefully, we can make some good
progress in the final two races" said Tommy.
The next round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship takes place at Silverstone on September 16th and 17th
|
|
Last Updated ( Saturday, 06 January 2007 )
|
