Cadwell Park which is one of my favorite tracks was really a test weekend for me and the new 600. Its a very physically demanding track and one that requires confidence and precise riding. I had set myself a goal of bettering the best time that I had done on my previous visit to the track last season aboard the SV700, which was a 1.40.03.

The weekend held only one drama and that was getting the lorry stuck in the mud when we arrived Thursday evening, which ended up with us having to be towed out by a tractor Friday morning.

Testing went well, uneventful really and my first guess with the gearing proved to be fairly close to what we required. During the weekend I gained in confidence with the bike barring having a few slides mainly bought about due to tiredness creeping in during the races. Fitness is key round here and its now something that I am working on. It will be interesting to see what difference it does make for when we come back to Cadwell at the end of June.

I met my goal during the weekend with a best of a 1.39.8. Ok not blisteringly quick compared to the regulars in the series, but not shabby in reality. A best finish in class of a 9th meant that the points kept on stacking up.

Steve wasnt riding at Cadwell. Peter Molloy was out in the BCL Minitwins and came home with a 3rd and three 2nd places. Good solid work by Peter.

Next round out was Brands GP. A meeting held in conjunction with the British Superbikes. There was initially a little concern about how we were to all fit into the paddock alongside the usual BSB support classes. But efficient parking up by the paddock marshalls ensured we all got the space required. The weekend though was proving to be a hot one with the temperature up in the high 20's and may have even nudged 30oc at one point. Well it certainly felt like it sat in the collecting area before the two races.

Qualifying didnt go so well for me as our session was red flagged after 4 laps to allow the medial helicopter to land so it could transport an injured rider to hospital (get well soon Dean!). We then we re-grouped but I got stuck at the back of the pack and no matter how much I backed off for a clear lap, none were forthcomming. The two races to be honest didnt go so well either. I was struggling with a major lack of feel from the circuit. No testing Friday meant I was a fair way behind others that had managed to test Thursday. A fair few riders from other British classes were complaining about the lack of grip also.

I managed to bring home a 19th and 17th from 37 starters after qualifying 25th. Not too bad really but alot worse than i had hoped for. A best time of a 1.39.060 was 2 seconds quicker than last time at the circuit on a Triumph 675 was there had been some improvement.

Steve was out on a Triumph 675 as a wildcard entry. Although he was pretty much straight into qualifying on a strange bike he enjoyed himself and came home with a 4th in class and 15th overall.

I knew after these two meetings that its now time that I start putting things together. Being used to finishing up in the top five from last season, comming lower down the order had to change. Confidence is the key!.