Assen 2012

                                         
This was Steelcraft's 4th visit to the famous Dutch circuit and this time we were joined by BHR regular Rod Graham who was making his first appearance.

Rod making final preparations

First qualifying was a little damp, and as usual the Eurosingles were mixed with the Euroclassics which makes for good fun battling with 900 Ducatis, Rocket threes, Bimotas and so on but it can be difficult to get a clear lap. Despite this our times were not too shabby especially as Andy was running in a new big end.

Second qualifying was dry and, like last year, both Steelcraft bikes were on the front row, Stu third and Andy fourth. Unfortunately, Stu had done a little too much sliding in qualifying and found that his rear tyre was badly worn. The budget didn't run to a replacement so it would have to do for the race.

As usual there were  plenty of Ducati and other italian singles around the paddock.

Even the odd road bike

  


On race day we had a long wait until our 4.30pm scheduled start, but eventually we made our way to the grid. Both riders made a good start with Stu running second and Andy fourth early in the lap. Stu found that his decision not to raise his gearing was a serious mistake. Half way along the back straight he went for another gear, by the time he realised he was already in top, Jeroen Jager, Roel Weijers (both 350 Ducati) and Andy had all gone past in persuit of leader Peter Van Giersbergen (450 Ducati). Peter led from start to finish with Andy and Jeroen having a great battle for second, the place eventually going to Jeroen. Stu later re-passed Roel to come home fourth. So Andy again made the podium and the Steelcraft bikes were far ahead of the other 250s ( the next one home was the "Finch Morini" in tenth).  Sadly Rod suffered from a misfire due to a fouled plug and  retired on lap five.

                                             Here are some video clips from the race


After this Andy was due out almost immediately in the NK classics race. There was a bit of a panic when we found his gear lever was broken. We quickly removed the lever from Stu's bike and fortunately it was a good fit on Andy's bike.

Andy again ran an excellent race and won the 350 class, not bad on a 250.

Our thanks as ever to the Ducati Club Netherlands for such an enjoyable and well run meeting