BHR Mallory park 2012

BHR held their traditional opener at Mallory in sunny but cold conditions.  Andy's bike wasn't ready but Stu was optimistic after a good test session, apart from the crash, a month earlier. However, as is so often the case, a good test day didn't guarantee a good race day.

The first outing was 250 specials and it was immediately clear that the bike wasn't on song. After a poor start Stu was battling with Rod Grahams Ducati for third, close behind the leaders, Ade Armson (Cotton Telstar) and Ian Cramp (Greeves Special). Rod made a rather desperate lunge to pass Ian at Shaw's hairpin and T boned Ade. Stu emerged from the melee in the lead but the race was red flagged and the result taken from the previous lap and Stu was credited with third.

In the second race, Ducati and Bantams championships, the problem with the bike became apparent, the gearbox was jumping out of second gear. This is a real handicap at Mallory with three sections requiring a second gear exit. Despite this, a rather sparse Ducati grid meant that Stu took a comfortable win from Bob Millinship (250 Ducati) and Tim White (472 Ducati) but had a good battle with Ian Scutt's indecently quick water cooled Bantam. Stu took the outright win only on the last lap.

 

 

 

 

 

Stu and Ian Scutt

Due to the gearbox problem, that was the end of racing for the day for Stu.

Not the best start to a season but the gearbox has now been rebuilt with some new bits
(thanks to Rod Graham) and both Steelcraft 250s should be ready for the Ducati Club Races at Assen on the 12/13 May.

BHR Test day Mallory

The Steelcraft Ducatis didn't make an appearance at the test day, Stu had tested there two weeks earlier and all went well until some over enthusiastic braking after a hail shower led to a close up tarmac inspection at around 85 mph. Andy, meanwhile hasn't got the 250 ready as he is concentrating his efforts on a 750 Kerby Kawasaki that we hope to take to Spain for an 6 hour endurance in Late April.

We were, however pleased to see a number of Ducati singles that seemed new to the BHR paddock.

I don't know if Staccato are still in business but we have one of their cams kicking around the workshop

A red one

And another red one

A very shiny red one

                                                 

And a red one

Another

      Another new addition to BHR this year is the BEARS class which may bring in a new batch of Italian classics, like this Pantah

Ok not a single, but not to be sniffed at

Whereas this is a single but not a Ducati and still not to be sniffed at

         The warm weather made for a good days testing at Mallory.

         BHR will be back on the 15th April for their opening meeting where Stu will contest the 250 specials and Ducati classes.