Tunstall finishes season under the weather in Kent
THE concluding round of the 2019 British Superbike season was held at Brands Hatch, with Huddersfield rider Tom Tunstall ending his season with feelings as mixed as the weather.
Tunstall took 11th place last time the series visited the Kent circuit earlier this year.
The 2.43mile undulating and flowing track is a favourite among both riders and race fans.
Unsurprisingly, with a mid-October fixture, the autumnal British weather played it’s part in the weekends proceedings.
Once again in the hard-fought
Superstock 1000 class, the entry list was over-subscribed with riders competing for the 40 available grid slots.
Each of the free practice sessions were held on wet and drying track, a trend which continued into the single 25-minute qualifying session which Tunstall completed in a respectable 17th place.
A 10-minute free practice session was the only dry track time before the packed grid took its place on a dry but cold track early Sunday afternoon.
A good launch saw Tunstall make ground but a four-rider crash exiting turn three on the first lap required a race restart. A delay on the reformed grid meant the race was reduced from its original 14 laps to 11.
Another strong start saw Tunstall end the first lap in 15th, however, he struggled to keep pace and finished the race in 23rd place.
Tunstall explained: “I’m disappointed we weren’t able to make the most of the grid position and good start.
“I was ill over night and under the weather today so found the race very difficult physically, an area that is usually my strength.
“I did what I could but it wasn’t my day.
“There are plenty of positives in the weekend, both the bike and I have finished the season in one piece and the team have worked really well this weekend.
“I’ve finished the season with mixed emotions, it feels like we have unfinished business, which will fuel the fire for a much stronger season next year.
“I’m very grateful for all the efforts and support we receive in all areas and a special mention must go to Integro Insurance Group for their loyal and enthusiastic support of our team and the sport.
“Together as a team we’ll review and focus on how we can continue to improve and come back stronger with a clear vision for 2020.”