MG6 GT and Spin Racing Report
Perkins have given Spin Racing a New MG 6GT SE for the new Senior Road Race Team 2012 season and we will be updating our website after every race weekend to keep you informed.
RACE REPORT 1 - March Hare -Redbridge Cyle Centre March 10th 2012
I think it's fair to say , "nerves" were running high on Saturday lunchtime when we jumped into the car for our first race of the 2012 season. Typically your first race is always a nervous affair. Have all those cold winter miles been enough to get you off to a successful start ? Well, we could not have been blessed with better weather for the first race of the year, the sun was out, light breeze (which actually picked up significantly)shorts and short sleeves were the attire.
As we rolled up to the race HQ, we had many admirers of the new MG6 GT Team Car - very visible as to who's just pulled up at the race, with a striking looking car, striking graphics and bikes to match.
The race began at 3.15pm, a late start in what was a full day of racing at Redbridge Cycle Centre - around 65 riders lined up for this short but fast event. The circuit at Redbridge is small covering just 3kms per lap and with it's fast twists and turns, conering skills are essential. The main feature of the circuitis the short,sharp climb that gets you to the finish line is 300m in length but at 18% gradient at it's steepest, it's a tough challenge after 25 ascents.
With some strong full time riders taking the start line the quality of the field was stronger than expected. The start was fast from the off, everyone keen to remain near the front group. The race was 1 Hour plus 5 laps and that's all about speed. There were a number of early attacks, I made a couple of small splits but no group mananged to forge a gap. At @ 15 mins into the race a small group of 6 riders managed to unhimge themselves from main group and working together gained an advantage of 16 seconds, always in sight, yet a bit too elusive.The gap did close right down to 8 seconds at just past an hours racing however, their advantage opened once again with no one rider strong enough to bridge the gap alone. The main field had slimmed down considerably at this point and despite myself, Paul Londors and Dave Palmer all looking for the right move, the finish was to be contested by the breakaway group. The last 2 laps proved exceptionally fast as riders jostled for position in order to sprint for the 7th placing now on offer. Dave had a dig at the foot of the final climb and sprinted to a worthy 14th positionand after a hard fought hour and fifteen minutes racing, myself and Paul rolled in at the back of what remained of the main bunch.
S0....first Team outing, first competitive race of 2012 proving to be a great success. We all used new equipment which performed well while we rode strongly. Obviously disappointed that we did not make the winning move, however out time will come.
Next weekend, we'll look to progress further as we compete in Milton Keynes on Saturday, then head to Surrey on Sunday for the Peter Young Memorial Road Race a 90 mile event with a very strong field. Needless to say,we'll have the Perkins Garages MG6 Team car in the feed zone looking good and feeding us riders drinks bottles......got a feeling we are going to need them !
Jamie Scott - Spin Racing