Tommy Hatton
Sunday 10th August - Round 4 Rilusi 2008 State Road Racing Championships
Sunday was a really windy day and the track was cold. It was hard getting grip exiting most corners.
Even with the weather it appeared to be a great turn out of spectators that’s always good to see.
RACE 1
Starting out I was 15th place on the grid after having a DNF in Rd 3 so starting from the back meant some work. The lights go out and I had a great start making my way up to 5th place within one lap, it was hard work to get to the front with Adam and Josh on the pace from the start of the race.
By lap 2 I was in a steady 3rd place with about a 4 sec gap from the front and by lap 3 I was up to 2nd place with Josh losing the front into turn one, however I couldn’t catch Adam who was in front but ended up 2nd. I was very happy with this considering my grid position was 15th.
RACE 2
I started of 2nd on the grid. I had a great start 2nd into turn one with Keever’s who was leading the pack. I knew Adam was not far behind and he went up the inside of me going through skyline. I managed to keep a steady 3rd not far from Adam and Cameron but it was hard to keep the pace with the track being cold and windy and tyres just could not get grip.
I was riding Pirelli tyres and the other guys in front on Dunlop’s but this didn’t stop me pushing to try and race with them both, however had to settle for a 3rd. Considering the conditions I was happy to collect some decent points in the championship.
RACE 3
Starting from 3rd on the grid I was ready and fired up to race but I had a bad start ended up about 6th into turn one. By that time Senior and Keevers were long gone. Not one to give up I battled through getting up I to 3rd position by lap 3 and knowing I couldn’t get to the front I thought of the much needed points and 3rd was the best I was going to get on the day.
Points were everything and overall 3rd was good.
I would like to thank BHS Engineering Barry and Myra Black for the great support. Technicians Dad and Pete for all the hard work keeping the bikes running great.
I also send all my best wishes to Matt and his family, thinking of you always.
Regards
Tom Hatton #76
Sunday 29 June - Round 3 WA Superbike Championships - Barbagallo Raceway
Glad to be back out on the track after a crash going into the basin when my handle bar snapped. With 6 weeks of recovery I felt good going into this round. I was a bit nervous of how I would perform, but all was well and surprised had no pain with my shoulder.
Race 1
With not finishing round two I was placed 14th on the grid. This was not my favourite place to be, being so far back it was a struggle trying to get up the front. Every lap I completed I made progress and worked my way into fourth position by the end of the race. This was a great achievement for me, however at the end of the race I started to tire as I had six weeks of no fitness, but I never gave in. I was happy with my performance as i had the fastest lap of the race doing a 59.6.
Race 2
With ten minutes to go before race two it started to rain, indecisive of which bike to take out in the end we decided to take the wet bike out as it wasn’t drying out. I’m starting fourth on the grid an in the front row. the red lights go out, i have a great start an end up first into the the first corner. for about five laps i kept a steady pace an remained in the lead. in lap six i was caught by Adam and Josh an that put me into third position. trying to over take lapped riders was difficult as they got in the way an slowed me down. i finished third on the line but ended up fourth as i received a 15 sec penalty for jump starting even though i didn’t.
Race 3
With the track almost dry I started of fourth on the grid. not a bad start I was third into the first corner. I managed to stay up the front with Adam and Josh. On the second lap going through Skyline my bike slowed down as the front sprocket came loss. This caused the bike to come to a stop, due to this I had to pull to the side of the track. I then sat and watched the race from the infield of the track unfortunately these things happen.
I was happy with my results for the weekend considering I had just recovered from having a broken collar bone.
I would like to thank BHS Engineering for all there support, I would also like to thank dad and Pete for all there hard work putting the bike back together and cant forget my girlfriend Leah for her support an cleaning of my bikes lol.
Writing this report is difficult as my team mate Matt Battista is in Hospital with severe injuries from a crash in the basin at the same event. We send Matt and family all our love and support.
Regards
Tommy Hatton #76