Motorcycling Fricker still second in his class despite mixed luck at Snetterton
DAMIAN Fricker and the Autotrilogy.com Racing Team had a weekend of highs and lows at round two of the No Limits Racing Championship. Having only raced at the Snetterton 300 circuit in the heart of Norfolk once before, he knew it was going to be a weekend of learning.
The test day the team tried just about everything and made some major changes to suit the style of the circuit, as it is well known as a track of two halves with some sharp right-angled corners followed by two of the longest straights in the world. Fricker had done all he could do but was still convinced that there was something missing with the set-up.
Qualifying on Saturday morning was strange as all riders were playing it safe and slightly timid when venturing out on the track, making it hard for Fricker to get an idea of pace. So he did what he does best and was renowned for last year and produced some good times himself just getting pipped in the last moments in class by Peter Baker.
In race one, Fricker got a poor start and dropped some positions but once he settled into a rhythm he managed to pull back some spots, taking the chequered flag ninth overall and P2 in class.
In race two, he had found his form again as he got a brilliant start off the line, making up some positions from 11th on the grid, but something still didn’t feel right on the bike. However, he still managed to get back up to second in class as he crossed the line.
As race three and the final Pirelli SuperSeries race of the weekend approached, the team had something to try with the set-up that they felt could have got Fricker into the top five. Unfortunately, it was not to be. As the team started the bike up, they noticed a big crack in the exhaust down pipe which had blown a hole in it, which was not repairable in the time before the next race, so he had no choice but to sit it out.
Fricker said: “Despite having some teething problems over the weekend and not being able to take part in the final race, I am really pleased to be inside the top 10 of the SuperSeries so early in the season. I’ve learned so much again about the amazing Aprilia bike, which I absolutely love. The next round is Donington Park in a few weeks, which I can’t wait for and we are sat second in the Premier Championship, eight points adrift.
“I would like to say a big thanks again to Maxton Suspension, IN Competition, Aprilia UK, Dave Jenkinson, Bikes World and all my family who continue to support me.”