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ALEX GAULT - MAG SPORT RACING 2007 - European STK600 Championship
7th August 2007
View a “Background” Report Here
ReportSixteen year old schoolboy Alex Gault had a very successful second appearance in the European STK600 Championship this weekend, when “The World Super Bike Championship” visited the Brands Hatch circuit in Kent, England in front of 126,000 spectators and under temperatures of 28 Degrees.
Free Practice - And Gault the youngest competitor this weekend had a few narrow escapes, one of which seen him miss his braking point at the famous “Druids” Hairpin and run off the track.
He managed to keep the bike upright as he ran through the gravel trap and rejoined to finish the session in a very credible 17th place.
First Qualifying - Saw the youngster improve, finishing the session in 14th place with his Suzuki GSXR 600 flying through the speed trap at 240.3 KPH just before hitting the brakes for Hawthorn Bend.
Second Qualifying - Suspension adjustments had gone the wrong way and Alex was the only rider not to improve on his first session times.
This was a disaster as it dropped him down from a provisional grid slot of 14th to 24th for the race.
At one point he had come off the circuit going down “Paddock hill” bend a very fast and difficult corner on the track, again he managed to save the bike from crashing by running through the gravel trap and rejoining the circuit, to rapturous applause for the grand stand opposite.
Race One - From a grid position of 24th we could not expect a good result however Alex had a stunning race, one which showed a very level head and maturity beyond his years.
Up to 19th by the first lap and steadily increased his position to 14th at the finishing flag, throughout the race Alex on his Suzuki led a pack, consisting of two CZE riders Jezek (Kawasaki) and Vostarek along with Italian Danni Rossi (Both on Hondas).
It was however Jezek who harried Alex throughout, a stunning race resulting in Alex’ scoring points in this European Championship.
Race Two - Suspension setting again played a part and again we had gone the wrong way. Adjustments had been made to the rear end of the bike and by all accounts; made the bike very dangerous to ride, not getting as good a start as in race one Alex came round to complete the first lap in 21st place.
However at one point he was back down to 24th as the bike tried to spit him off on the tighter corners as he accelerated out of them, it took 5 or 6 laps for him to become accustom to the unusual handling before he could start to push harder but he did and managed to make it up to 18th place before the end of the 11 lap race.
All in All - Considering the circumstances a good result. Not the one we were looking for, we had said top ten would have been acceptable but a good weekend and a decent result.
Now Alex’ concentration turns back to the Super Sport 600 Scottish Championship, which returns to the “East Fortune” circuit just outside Edinburgh on the 18th and 19th of this month.
Due to contractual agreements with the Mist Team; we were able to promote all Alex sponsors in the paddock area of the World Super Bike Championship and we did get the chance to take MAG Sport, Vemar, M-tech, Forma, WIZ, JMT, The Minimoto Shop, Maine Motorcycles, DP, R&G, Hel, Arrow, Lincoln Electric and Suzuki, on to track with him.
We would like to thank all of you for the support that made this possible, “Mist Suzuki” and also the “Cruciani Suzuki Italia” team.
In particular Ninetto, Alessandro and Danilo Surlano, Roberto Roncella for all the help they offered over the weekend it was most appreciated and not forgetting Barbara Surlano for translating.
Alex Gault Racing
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 "Picture by Kevin Barker")
