13-15 May 2011

Croft - a new track for Piers to learn - but would the weather forecast of thunderstorms and heavy rain showers come true... and yes it did on Friday. Friday morning was pouring with rain and very windy so once again it limited both track time and set-up. The first session was a very gentle "feel your way around in the wet" and learning where the track went, so Piers learnt nothing about set up. But, come the afternoon the sun had come out and Piers was ready to try out his little knowledge of the circuit and set up by going straight out into the Superstock qualifying. However once again disaster struck and he was sent flying by another rider onto the wet grass in the complex on the very first lap. As he stood fuming across the other side of the track we were trying desparately to find out how he was - as he was due go out straight after this session on the T3R bike.

So suddenly once again the team had their hands full... to collect the crashed bike and - if possible - to get Piers straight out in the T3R session. Piers was okay with a strained shoulder and a bash on the head (don't tell BSB), but furious enough, with the adrenalin from his crash still pumping, to give the TTC session his whole attention. He ended the session still disappointed in 15th but with the bike gearing and set-up still way off the others who knew Croft well - with all its odd double apexes, many bumps and quirks.

So on a very blustery but fine Saturday morning, he tried again and qualified a very close 11th but still with set-up to improvements to make. Come the first race late Saturday morning the fine weather was still just about holding, but the wind was viscous. Piers fluffed the start and dropped back 5 places, but gradually worked his way back up to finish 11th by dropping his lap times into the low 29s. We had gambled using the second of the allocated new rear tyres because the weather had started to change and wet tyres looked the order of the day. But after a heavy shower, with a fast drying track, come the second race it was always going to hard with a used tyre. With a bit of adjustment on the clutch lever, Piers managed a much better start and was holding station in 9th for sometime before the rear tyre started to really show its age. He then held 10th for 7 laps but then a case of a "wayward squirrel" came in to play a part! Just as Piers was about to tip into one of the very fast corners the squirrel ran across into his line. We still don't know whether it was to save the bike, the squirrel or both, but Piers stood the bike up and went wide ending up in 12th. A tall rider story we thought - until his fellow riders came in to congratulate him on missing it!!

All in all - rather like the weather an unpredictable weekend as other BSB series showed, but after which Piers was pleased to have learnt a new circuit - and knowing that he can now look forward to going back there in future...

And what's more in a few weeks, Silverstone GP is the next treat in store (10 June)

If you like Triumphs and want to "Back Britain" then this series is a real must to watch - come and see us at the circuits around the UK or watch us on TV when the races are televised alongside the other BSB races. If you come to the BSB rounds look for the big blue tents where all the T3R race teams are housed and come and say hello. Tony Scott the organiser of the Triple Triple Challenge series and his team have down a really brilliant job to bring you this competitive series - so come and be impressed!

And if you want to know more about these really fabulous Triumph 675s then call Robert Rosner on 0208 657 0121 or visit their website www.carlrosner.co.uk.

Try one - they are really gutsy road bikes with a unique combination of a slim profile, three cylinders, great bhp and and torque that gives them such user friendly riding experience - and I can guarantee you'll really want to also "Buy British" again!!