RACE REPORT:
RD1 – DONINGTON GP
31-02 APRIL
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Donington Park first opened its gates in 1931, initially
for motorcycle racing and then two years later for
car action. The circuit went on to stage Grand Prix for
both motorcycles and cars in the pre-war era.
Donington Park was subsequently re-built and re-
opened in 1977. Among other accolades, Donington
Park staged the first ever round of the World
Superbike Championship, as well as holding the F1
Grand Prix of Europe in 1993.
Rushby makes confident debut in BSB Superstock
The conversations have taken place over and over these past few years. When
do we make the step? Is this the right time? Should we take the 600 or go to a
1000? Each year Jordan continued on his path, taking his R6 to the absolute
limit before testing a BMW S1000rr and falling in love. The jump onto the BMW
made perfect sense and after the season opener in Thundersport something just
clicked. Jordan felt the same connection to this bike as he had for so many
years on his last one. The pace was good, no it was very good. This could be
the time? Surely now we should do this right??
An entry was put forward, we kept everyone guessing but Jordan and the team
arrived at Donington on March 31st 2018 to begin his new journey in BSB !!Qualifying
After requesting the Number 2 for Jordan’s bike there was initial
disappointment to find we could not have this number for the
first round. That soon changed to intrigue as Jordan was
handed down a number that had been redundant since it was
graced by the one and only James Toseland, 52.
A quick adjustment in fairings and livery set Jordan out to take
part in FP1 & FP2 onboard his new bike in a completely new
setting amongst some of the finest 1000cc riders in the country.
Practice had its moments with the gremlins still causing issues
with the Bike which set Jordan off on the back foot in
Qualifying.
A respectable P36 meant Jordan would make the grid
however and be right amongst the pack from the off come
race 1.
Race 1
It was already apparent from the incredible surroundings of the
Paddock that this was the height of British Motorsport. Jordan, however,
sat on his bike on the Grid looking ahead to riders he grew up admiring
and both excitement combined with an overwhelming feeling rushed
though his senses.
The warm up lap, Jordan had only one thought in his mind and that
was to bring himself to the party. The lightening start we have become
accustomed to was needed and a cool head in the mix at Redgate to
maintain his balance into a battle around Dongintons GP circuit.
Jordan showed his confidence and began making his way through the
pack as the lights went out. Jordan made his presence felt and staked
his claim amongst the Superstock Elite gaining a fantastic 9 places to
come home P27 in his debut race. Confidence grew after the race
after Jordan showed a best lap of 1:33.935 which consistently would
have seen him challenging for points with a higher grid start!
Race 2
Sunday was a Superstock Double Header so a quick turnaround in
the pits saw the riders return to the grid almost immediately for
their second race of the day. There was no time to reflect on the
times and performance of the first race, Jordan needed to regain
focus and continue making progress through the pack as he had
done only a few moments ago.
Jordan did just that. Another great first lap saw Jordan progress
through the field and continue his strong lap times amidst 1:33
which meant a finish position in the top twenty! P20 in fact which
from an initial grid position of P36 was a fantastic debut to this
new challenge in Jordans racing career.
Tomorrow would bring another opportunity to progress forward as
the first day came to an end with smiles all round in camp Rushby!
Race 3
The team awoke on the Bank Holiday Monday wondering if they had
stepped back to winter. Snow covered the race awnings and it was clear
this day would be more of a challenge than progress. The race would be
a wet race and Jordan would be running on new tyres he had not found
a rhythm on yet. With the Warm Up being cancelled due to the weather,
the race would be another unknown but Jordan would be determined to
perform to the best of his abilities.
A Strong start from P21 on the grid saw Jordan spend the first part of the
race in a great battle amongst several other riders. With Jordan still trying
to adapt to new tyres and finding the level of grip, his pace dropped as
the race opened up. The focus, now, was to gain valuable experience
and a clean sweep of race finishes in his debut campaign. P26 would be
the end position and in these conditions we were extremely happy !!
As the sun sets the team head back north..
As quick as the snow had blighted the morning, the sunshine was
now beaming down on Donington Park. The team packed away
whilst the thunderous noise of the final BSB race set the base tone
in the background. The mood was buoyant, but reflective of
what might have been. The debut campaign was a success
given the issues suffered with the bike early on.
Jordan, however, showed a strength from within and carried a
presence in this championship that left the team, and most of all
his dad Nige, immensely proud.
The positive outcome to the progress made is the quick
turnaround to return for more. The Race Truck is currently on route
to Brands Hatch for BSB Round 2 as this report goes live!
We have our goals and so does Jordan, watch this space to find
out what will happen next as Jordan returns to action !
2018 CALENDAR
ROUND 1 - DONINGTON PARK GP - 31 - 02 APRIL
ROUND 2 - BRANDS HATCH INDY - 13 - 15 APRIL
ROUND 3 - OULTON PARK - 05 - 07 MAY
ROUND 4 - SNETTERTON 300 - 15 - 17 JUNE
ROUND 5 - KNOCKHILL - 06 - 08 JULY
ROUND 6 - BRANDS HATCH GP - 20 - 22 JULY
ROUND 7 - THRUXTON - 03 - 05 AUGUST
ROUND 8 - CADWELL PARK - 17 - 19 AUGUST
ROUND 9 - SILVERSTONE GP - 07 - 09 SEPTEMBER
[TRIPLE HEADER]
ROUND 10 - OULTON PARK - 14 - 16 SEPTEMBER
ROUND 12 - BRANDS HATCH GP - 12 - 14 OCTOBER
[TRIPLE HEADER]
Alongside our 2018 calender we have multiple
options available to compete at some of the largest
events across the globe. Below are just a few we will
be working with our partners towards throughout the
year..
Goodwood Festival of Speed
July 12th-15th
OUR PARTNERS
2018 RACE REPORT Donington Park GP
March 31st – April 2nd
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