Round 1 — Brands Hatch:
Back on the Grid

Round one started on the back foot. New engine, new pipes, new untested tyres and a different seat unit which I just can't get on with. But that's racing — you deal with what you've got and you get on with it.

Qualifying

Qualifying was really about running in the new engine and getting a feel for things. Wrong gearing choice to start with, and the seat unit needed adjusting. Spent the session working through the issues rather than chasing lap times. Sometimes qualifying is about gathering data, not grid position.

Race 1

Race 1 went the wrong way with the gearing choice. Went up a tooth on the front sprocket — fantastic on the straights, the bike was pulling like a train, but it was hard to get out of a corner. When you're losing drive at every exit, you're losing time everywhere. Lesson learned — sometimes what feels fast in a straight line costs you across the whole lap.

Race 2

Better weather for Race 2. Dropped 2 teeth on the rear sprocket which makes the bike 14mm longer — so a little harder to turn into corners but much easier to get drive out of them. The trade-off was worth it. Slightly better time and moved up a position. Progress.

Race 3

Sunday morning, good weather. This was the one where things started clicking. Was definitely more confident on the bike, went faster and again moved up the grid. The setup changes from Saturday were paying off. The bike felt better with every session — that's what you want from a race weekend.

Race 4

Race 4 started really well. Was feeling good, the bike was working, and I was pushing on. Then about 4 laps in, raindrops started appearing on my visor. Not knowing how far the new tyres can be pushed in the wet, I made the call to back off and finish the race rather than risk a possible ride in the van of shame. Discretion is the better part of valour — especially on new rubber.

Looking Ahead — Oulton Park

Looking forward to Oulton Park now. The bike is prepared, clean and ready to go with a different seat unit which instantly feels more comfortable. The gearing lessons from Brands are logged. The engine's run in. We know what the tyres can do in the dry.

So in the words of Angus Young (AC/DC) — are you ready for a good time!!