Oulton Park....Swimwear Optional!!

Well, unlike Alex, unfortunately I arrived, knowing I had problems to contend with.

Firstly, my broken thumb was still in plaster but only for a short while. Upon arriving at Oulton, some expertise with a stanley knife meant my hand was free but my thumb was not going to bend anytime soon. Break out the painkillers, worry about that later.

After Rob, my step dad, had spent a week rebuilding the engine, checking sensors and other components, the bike was still misfiring. No-one could fathom out the problem or where it lie, so after disconnecting one sensor we managed to get it running without a misfire, however we didn't know what effect this had on the performance until the first session where I managed 1 lap before pulling in!

After trying numerous suggestions, we still couldn't get it running properly but I had to learn the track so decided to ride it anyway. Dinner came and the lap top came out to try different power commander settings and maps. It was only guesswork but it made the bike run a little better and by the end of the practice day, I had just managed to reach Chris' ( my team mate ) lap times.

Race day came and so did the rain. I had my reservations but was quite happy with the rain, it meant everybody would be going slower. I managed to get 4th place in the first race, which I thought was a bloody miracle! My thumb was seriously hurting, I couldn't feel the rest of my fingers in cold wet gloves and I couldn't see where I was going because my helmet had fogged up! Needless to say, that race felt like an eternity. Chris, however, was a different story. Lucky barsteward managed 1st place and did it quite easily by all accounts. Not a bad homecoming present after fighting Yeti's in Alaska!! Well, I think that's where he's been, it never really got mentioned.

The second race was cut to 5 laps (thank God!) and I managed 5th place. Chris managed to get another win - bloody showing off now, Cookie! No, seriously; well done,bud. Ok, so I didn't get a podium this weekend but all things considering I think it went rather well and believe it or not I've extended my championship lead to 49 points.

Just got to sort out this mystery problem with the bike now. Hopefully I'll get it sorted before Snetterton and let Chris make do with 2nd place!

Big thanks to Rob for all your time and patience, it is much appreciated, ya little bald, fat f****r!