Powered by RACE REPORT: RD1 DONINGTON GP 31-02 APRIL
DESCRIPTION Donington Park first opened its gates in 1931, initially for motorcycle racing and then two years later for car action. The circuit went on to stage Grand Prix for both motorcycles and cars in the pre-war era. Donington Park was subsequently re-built and reopened in 1977. Among other accolades, Donington Park staged the first ever round of the World Superbike Championship, as well as holding the F1 Grand Prix of Europe in 1993.
Rushby makes confident debut in BSB Superstock The conversations have taken place over and over these past few years. When do we make the step? Is this the right time? Should we take the 600 or go to a 1000? Each year Jordan continued on his path, taking his R6 to the absolute limit before testing a BMW S1000rr and falling in love. The jump onto the BMW made perfect sense and after the season opener in Thundersport something just clicked. Jordan felt the same connection to this bike as he had for so many years on his last one. The pace was good, no it was very good. This could be the time? Surely now we should do this right?? Qualifying An entry was put forward, we kept everyone guessing but Jordan and the team arrived at Donington on March 31 st 2018 to begin his new journey in BSB!! After requesting the Number 2 for Jordan s bike there was initial disappointment to find we could not have this number for the first round. That soon changed to intrigue as Jordan was handed down a number that had been redundant since it was graced by the one and only James Toseland, 52. A quick adjustment in fairings and livery set Jordan out to take part in FP1 & FP2 onboard his new bike in a completely new setting amongst some of the finest 1000cc riders in the country. Practice had its moments with the gremlins still causing issues with the Bike which set Jordan off on the back foot in Qualifying. A respectable P36 meant Jordan would make the grid however and be right amongst the pack from the off come race 1.
Race 1 Race 2 It was already apparent from the incredible surroundings of the Paddock that this was the height of British Motorsport. Jordan, however, sat on his bike on the Grid looking ahead to riders he grew up admiring and both excitement combined with an overwhelming feeling rushed though his senses. The warm up lap, Jordan had only one thought in his mind and that was to bring himself to the party. The lightening start we have become accustomed to was needed and a cool head in the mix at Redgate to maintain his balance into a battle around Dongintons GP circuit. Jordan showed his confidence and began making his way through the pack as the lights went out. Jordan made his presence felt and staked his claim amongst the Superstock Elite gaining a fantastic 9 places to come home P27 in his debut race. Confidence grew after the race after Jordan showed a best lap of 1:33.935 which consistently would have seen him challenging for points with a higher grid start! Sunday was a Superstock Double Header so a quick turnaround in the pits saw the riders return to the grid almost immediately for their second race of the day. There was no time to reflect on the times and performance of the first race, Jordan needed to regain focus and continue making progress through the pack as he had done only a few moments ago. Jordan did just that. Another great first lap saw Jordan progress through the field and continue his strong lap times amidst 1:33 which meant a finish position in the top twenty! P20 in fact which from an initial grid position of P36 was a fantastic debut to this new challenge in Jordans racing career. Tomorrow would bring another opportunity to progress forward as the first day came to an end with smiles all round in camp Rushby!
Race 3 As the sun sets the team head back north.. As quick as the snow had blighted the morning, the sunshine was now beaming down on Donington Park. The team packed away whilst the thunderous noise of the final BSB race set the base tone in the background. The mood was buoyant, but reflective of what might have been. The debut campaign was a success given the issues suffered with the bike early on. Jordan, however, showed a strength from within and carried a presence in this championship that left the team, and most of all his dad Nige, immensely proud. The positive outcome to the progress made is the quick turnaround to return for more. The Race Truck is currently on route to Brands Hatch for BSB Round 2 as this report goes live! We have our goals and so does Jordan, watch this space to find out what will happen next as Jordan returns to action! The team awoke on the Bank Holiday Monday wondering if they had stepped back to winter. Snow covered the race awnings and it was clear this day would be more of a challenge than progress. The race would be a wet race and Jordan would be running on new tyres he had not found a rhythm on yet. With the Warm Up being cancelled due to the weather, the race would be another unknown but Jordan would be determined to perform to the best of his abilities. A Strong start from P21 on the grid saw Jordan spend the first part of the race in a great battle amongst several other riders. With Jordan still trying to adapt to new tyres and finding the level of grip, his pace dropped as the race opened up. The focus, now, was to gain valuable experience and a clean sweep of race finishes in his debut campaign. P26 would be the end position and in these conditions we were extremely happy!!
Alongside our 2018 calender we have multiple options available to compete at some of the largest events across the globe. Below are just a few we will be working with our partners towards throughout the year.. 2018 CALENDAR ROUND 1 - DONINGTON PARK GP - 31-02 APRIL ROUND 2 - BRANDS HATCH INDY - 13-15 APRIL ROUND 3 - OULTON PARK - 05-07 MAY ROUND 4 - SNETTERTON 300-15 - 17 JUNE ROUND 5 - KNOCKHILL - 06-08 JULY ROUND 6 - BRANDS HATCH GP - 20-22 JULY ROUND 7 - THRUXTON - 03-05 AUGUST ROUND 8 - CADWELL PARK - 17-19 AUGUST ROUND 9 - SILVERSTONE GP - 07-09 SEPTEMBER [TRIPLE HEADER] Goodwood Festival of Speed July 12 th -15th ROUND 10 - OULTON PARK - 14-16 SEPTEMBER ROUND 12 - BRANDS HATCH GP - 12-14 OCTOBER [TRIPLE HEADER]
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2018 RACE REPORT Donington Park GP March 31 st April 2 nd Powered by