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Oulton Park - Season Finale!................................ ............Back To Reports and News
12th October 2009
The British Super Bike Championship played out its final round at Cheshire’s Oulton Park Circuit at the weekend including the final round of the British National Super Stock 1000 Championship and It went out in fashion!
The biggest entry this year seen 49 riders vying for the 40 slots on the grid for the final race of the year.
Alex was given a release from his contract by Stuart Tromans team owner of ASTRO Kawasaki Racing to give the youngster the chance to race a Honda Fireblade at this meeting for another team, as ASTRO may consider running a Honda in 2010 with the teenager aboard.
Things were not as good as they could have been as problems with the Honda reared their head as soon as Free Practice, when Alex crashed out after only 2 laps.
It transpired the gearbox had hit a false neutral on the entry onto a corner, forcing Alex to run wide onto the wet grass where he lost control of the bike!
Luckily there was not much damage and after a quick repair was able to get 4 more laps in before the end of the session although posting a lowly 43rd fastest time.
In Q1 again bad luck followed the team, after only 4 laps Alex returned to the pits with handling problems and a Soft brake lever, as one mechanic worked on the suspension, one bled the Brakes and hurriedly sent him out again to get as much track time as possible on the new bike.
As Gault left pit lane, everyone returned to the pits, It transpired that it was raining out at the back of the circuit as the riders returned for wet tyres Alex knew nothing of the treacherous conditions until he cam upon them at full speed, resulting in a very damaged motorbike!
Our mechanics worked to repair the damage most of the night and the next morning as some parts could only be sourced on Saturday and Alex made it out for Q2, he managed to get the full session but did have to return to pit lane a few times for adjustments on top of the clutch had began to slip, it must be said not going that much better, eventually qualifying 29th for the race.
Alex’ luck or lack off it continued in the race!
After lining up on the grid his engine would not restart!
Having to be assisted by the marshals Alex was made to start the race from pit lane, after everyone else had left the grid. He entered the first corner about 30 yards behind the last man. Alex managed to catch up and make it into 27th place before being forced to retire as the bike developed a problem. So not a good one by any count.
Alex commented “ I’m very frustrated, I know I could have gone much better on the Honda, a lot of the problems we encountered could have been fixed before we even went to the circuit. Although it was not a good experience it has gave me an insight to the differences between the two makes of bike and am now looking forward to 2010. I would like to thank all my fans, Supporters and commercial partners for the help and support this year, it has been much appreciated”.
Below are the top 20 final standings from the 41 riders who scored points in the championship; Alex ended up 14th overall; the only other debutants in the class this year to score points were Steven Neate in 26th place. Billy Mellor in 37th and Joe Burns in 38th.
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Rider
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Points
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Alastair SEELEY
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241
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Steve BROGAN
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173
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John McGuiness
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154
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Adam JENKINSON
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139
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Richard COOPER
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136
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Luke QUIGLEY
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109
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Scott SMART
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92
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Marshall NEILL
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83
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James HILLIER
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71
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Connor CUMMINS
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68
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Sam WARREN
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49
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Howie MAINWARING
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44
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Daniel HEGARTY
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34
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ALEX GAULT
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30
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Jimmy STORRAR
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29
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Victor COX
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25
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Gavin HUNT
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25
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Ian HUTCHINSON
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25
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Gary JOHNSON
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24
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BJ TOAL
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18
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View Pictures from Oulton Park Here
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