I was NOT looking forward to my first wet meeting, I hate riding in the wet (even though I live in Wellington ). I arrived at Friday practise in the drizzle, parked in the stall next to Clivoris and started getting the hornet ready to race. The first session was quite wet and I trickled around the track (while water trickled down my neck) gradually increasing the speed. I followed Clivoris around for one session and couldn't keep up !!! I was quite surprised at how much grip the street tyres I use (Conti sport attack) had. That track dried out considerably for the following sessions and only started to get wet again near the end of the day. I did venture out in one of the wetter sessions just for the practise and was amazed at the speed some of the big boys, nothing quite like a mixed practise session to remind one of the speed differential between clubmans and super-bike.
Race day:
With the help of Katie (my pit crew, chief supporter and masseuse) I attacked the Hornet with screwdriver, socket and electrical tape to once again transform it from commuter to race bike in a few minutes (well 20 minutes maybe
Qualifying:
Even though race day was wetter than practise it didn't seem quite so bad once qualifying was under way and I managed to get my best grid place ever (10 from 28) and I discovered that I was getting a bit of warning when the tyres were nearing the limit.
Race 1:
I got a pretty good start ( traffic light drags have some positive spin off ) and was about 4th or 5th going into turn one, sadly I was about 8th or 9th coming out !!! I was surprised when Johan passed me on the back straight as in every other race I had not seen him at all as he was always so far ahead, (that Ducati does sound sweet) and I seemed to be on my own as the leading group pulled away as they usually do. Coming into Dunlop about the 4th or 5th time a bright green (as they often are) Kawasaki swished by and I gave chase I managed to catch him and get past coming out of turn 5, he got me again a lap latter and we swapped places several times. The Kawasaki was leading coming out of Dunlop on the last lap but I managed to get ahead and by the time we got to Toyota we were amongst the back of the field again. I managed to get inside a VMAX and gained enough of a gap to hold on for the chequered flag and claim 5th place in Clubman's B.
It was the most exciting race I have had yet, I worked up a sweat and had a very satisfying adrenaline tremor in my hands as I took of my gloves and helmet.
Of course I immediately got a program to find out who was on #422 - Great race Lee Bradford !!!
Race 2:
Pretty much the same scenario, good start crap turn one and once again I seem to be in my own little space. Again Lee Bradfords Kawasaki passed me and again I gave chase, this time however I could make no impression on him at all and he eventually took 5th place in Clubmans B about 6 seconds ahead of me - Well done Lee, I hope I can get close enough to dice with you again next round.
The ride back to Wellywood was uneventful and gave me plenty of time to reflect on a great weekend with some great people. I am sure there must be some pricks involved in motorcycle racing, but I haven't met any yet :-)
Thanks to all the volunteers that make these things happen - and on a crappy day like Saturday the flag marshal's need a special mention
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. Not only do you ride your bike to the track but racing on road types in all that water 
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you will love wets then 
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