Tom Neave ......................................
Here’s how his season’s been going…
The race season is properly up and running now and we are three meetings deep into the 11-round calendar. I’m pleased to say I’m over my covid shenanigans and I’m feeling much better. I can no longer say I’m getting tired in the races which is a good thing, but I’m running out of excuses…
I’ve been working hard to get my fitness back to where it was before I caught the dreaded virus; it’s unreal how quickly you can lose physical condition, and how much longer it takes to get back to where you were, but it’s safe to say I’m getting there now. I’ve been back in the gym, and more importantly out on my CRF450 motocross bike down at the Lucas Ranch, which has been the prefect way to build some bike fitness back while having a mega time. Ryo and Takumi have been down to have a play too, but I’m not sure what they reckon to getting lathered up in the ruts… they’ve not done much MX before.
I had two good races at Knockhill and again at Brands Hatch, and the pace has been hot. There is no two ways about it, the depth of the field in Superstock 1000 this year is like never before. I’m happy that I’m able to produce podium position lap times, but I’ve not been making the most of the opening laps in the races which is costing me in my finishing positions. It’s something I know I need to work on if I want to get my championship challenge back on track.
The Honda UK team have been brilliant in giving me what I need whilst also having the patience with me as I figure things out, but I’m confident we can get back to the winning form that we had last season, and we’ve got some of my favourite tracks coming up.
I owe a special thanks to Fred and Jez for stepping up as my mechanics (at such short notice) over the first four rounds following a little shake-up in my corner of the garage – they’ve really had my back and it’s worked so well!
In other news, harvest 2021 has finally started on the farm, so I’ve been trying my hardest to avoid getting roped into the long hours, but I have to say, I’m looking forward to getting on the combine again and seeing the hard work go from field and into the shed.
With me and Tim spending more time away with the racing, especially with these back-to-back race weekends, it’s really put the pressure on with the farming but dad, brother Ben and Darren have been on it.
Anyways, its back on track again this weekend at Thruxton, there’s sure to be some sideways action and it always produces awesome racing. We missed it last year so I’m buzzing to get back… we’ve got two races, so let’s see what happens!