PICTURE OF THE MONTH
WELCOME
Season Finale at Rockingham For SMO Racing.
The weekend of the 16th-18th October saw the Thundersport season finale staged at the Corby circuit of Rockingham, and Friday’s successful practice day gave the SMO Racing team confidence that the year would end on a positive note.
Saturday continued in good weather, and Gavin decided to use different fairings that were smaller than the usual ones. Clearly happy with them he set the 11th fastest time in qualifying.
Several BSB 125 championship riders were also taking part in the GP3 championship this weekend as well, and he later enjoyed dicing with some of them in the Superpole race, finishing in 9th position.
Sunday dawned in sunny but chilly October conditions. Following an incident-free warm-up session, Gavin lined up for the first race of the day in a buoyant mood. However, a mistake in the first corner meant he dropped places on the opening lap, but a battling ride saw him finish in 13th
place.
Fired up for race two Gavin made a strong start and gained places. He was in 9th and catching the group in front when his chain broke, leaving everyone a little upset that the team’s only mechanical failure occurred in the final race of the season.
After the team had time to reflect on the disappointing end to the season, Gavin said; As you can see in the picture I'm using a different fairing, which is smaller than the one we have been using so far. This was an idea I had only a week before the race and I can tell you it made a big improvement to my riding style. If only I had this idea back in March, then things might have been different. Though there was no podium finish and it was a bit ironic that we had our first ever mechanical failure in the last race of the season, I was still very happy to be riding at my best on a bike I enjoyed competing on, plus it was good to be beating some British championship riders in the process. Now the season is over I would like to thank my personal sponsors...
Mike Silcock and Bill Leedham (Silcock Leedham) – Ed Hayes (Sentinel) - Norman Bradley (J Bradley & son)
- Steve Dobson (D-PIX.co.uk) – Jody Lovatt (Direct Aerials). Finally I would like to give a huge thanks to Jason Dobson for putting together a fantastic motorcycle racing team for 2009.... 2010?”
SMO Racing finished in 16th position in the GP3 championship standings and Team Manager Jason Dobson is now considering his options for 2010; “I have had an exciting first year running my new team. The commitment Gavin gave me has been second to none, I take my hat off to him for that, and all the effort he has put in. He has been a delight to have on my bike for this, my first season. We had ups and downs, but without the downs, the ups are nowhere near as high like at snetterton! We have also competed at British Cchampionship level & impressed other larger teams with our setup. My team has expanded and improved this year too, with great help coming from Derek Quinn and Mark Wareing. Also we have improved the look throughout the year with a good selection of team clothing! I would like to thank everyone who has helped Gavin in any way, and also our sponsors… North Yorkshire Road Racing Supporters Club, Anabolic Budgie Website Design, Dragon Embroidery, Vimar Composites, North Riding Automotive 4X4 Spares and Mike at Avondale Welding, I would love to have them behind us again for our 2010 campain! I will make an announcement as to the direction the team are going from here over the coming weeks, so keep an eye on the website for further exciting developments.”
Gavin would like to continue competing next season, but in order to do so he will need a main sponsor to help cover the ever-increasing costs in the sport. If anyone is interested in sponsoring him please contact him directly using his number or e-mail address on the contact page.