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Pembrey 22nd - 24th August 2008
 I did the Friday’s test day at Pembrey to give me a good idea of the circuit and warm up ready for my weekends racing.
Throughout the day I became more consistent and looked in a good position to challenge for a top ten place in the four races over the weekend.
23/08/08
It was the first day of racing in Wales and the weather was looking promising for a day of exciting, competitive racing. I had two qualifying sessions on Saturday morning.
In the first qualifying session I put in one of my best times finishing 7th quickest and the second qualifier put me 8th, so overall out of everyone’s times they formed a grid and I was 8th!
That was my best qualifying position so far and gave me huge confidence for my weekend of racing.
The Superteens were the second race of the day and I was buzzing with nerves.
I’ve come to a point now that every time I go out and race I know that I need to try hard and get as high as possible in the first lap to catch onto the quick lads.
I was running well in the first race but I got on my own and closed the gap between me and the group in front but not enough to catch them so overall I finished 9th.
The timing sheet after the race proved that I was quicker than all five riders in front, which made me more determined for race 2.
I made sure that the leading group didn’t get away from me in race 2 and with about 3 laps to go I caught up with a rider who was slowing me up so I took it upon myself to take over him on one of the country’s fastest left handers and it paid off for me as I dived underneath him, however, he wasn’t best pleased when he ended up on the grass, but hey that’s racing! I finished 7th which is my best result so far which once again gave me confidence going into Sunday’s two races.
24/08/08
I woke up to wind and a bit of rain Sunday and I didn’t really feel up for Sundays racing as me and the rain aren’t best friends when it comes to racing.
The first race was damp but a dry line was picking up throughout the circuit so I wasn’t too bothered by some dampness and the circuit is quite abrasive so the grip was always going to be there.
It was a hard race and I caught the group in front after pushing hard for quite a few laps I caught them with one lap to go but after nearly hitting one of the riders it messed my corner up and I had to settle for 8th.
When I came in it turned out that for the final few laps of the race I was the quickest lad on the circuit and the 3rd fastest overall in the race, and I finished 8th.
This was very pleasing and I was hoping for the circuit to dry up for my last race. Race 2 of Sunday was dry and I was looking forward to having a good battle with fellow opponents.
I got my best start and best first few laps of my season and after 6 laps was running 7th, but after a slip up on a corner I paid the price and dropped to 9th.
I was quicker than the 2 riders in front but I just had to find a right way past and so I decided to make a move I took one of them, then the red flag came out! This meant they took everyone’s position from their last completed lap. Which, unfortunately, put me 9th.
But on a good note I had finished all four races in the top ten.
It had been my best weekend so far in racing and every time I go out improvement is being made and I can’t ask any more from myself than that.
I would once again like to thank all my family for their continued support.
I would also like to thank my sponsors, Fletchers Solicitors for their continued help in providing excellent sponsorship throughout the season. I would like to take this opportunity in thanking Aspire Rail with their very generous sponsorship donation, which has provided me with a second Aprilia Race Bike to compete with.
Thanks Ben
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