STACEY – STORMS TO FANTASTIC 4th AS NEAVE RETURNS TO ACTION for GR Motosport AT KNOCKHILL
GR Motosport returned to full strength at Knockhill as Tom Neave made his welcome comeback at the Scottish Circuit. We thank the services of both Eemeli Lahti and Luke Mossey who both did a great job for the team in Toms absence on board the STAUFF Fluid Power Kawasaki ZX10RR.
The Scottish weather played a major part in the BSB proceedings over the weekend putting a dampener on pretty much everything apart from the Storm Stacey’.
The Team arrived at Knockhill on the sunny Wednesday afternoon to start setting up for the event, the late Scottish light nights helped us get ahead of the game on the first night before the rain set in the following day.
Friday’s practice sessions did not go to plan for either rider with continued ignition problems making changing gears difficult. The issue continued into qualify leaving the guys 17th and 18th on the grid.
Race 1 – Tom was forced to miss the first race after a problem was spotted on the grid.
Storm made a good start for the 25 lap race and had a race long duel with Haslam and Buchan taking 12th and 4 points at the flag.
Race 2 – After missing the first race, Tom had to start from the back of the grid in 26th and a very confident Storm sat 9th and ready to go. Both riders made great starts from their respective grid positions and it was not long before Tom was chasing the points and Storm the Podium – The weather couldn’t dampen the Team atmosphere in the pits as we got nearer to our goals Storm taking 4th and Tom just missing out on points in 16th ..
Race 3 – Again everything was set for the weekends grand finale – Both riders struck trouble early Storm was pushed off track and dropped to last at Turn one to start the fight back and Tom was forced out of the race on lap 9 with an engine issue. Storm quickly settled into his rhythm setting top ten times as he fought through the traffic and into the points getting to 13th as the red flag ended the race early.
Storm Stacey commented “Boom and we are 4th – the best BSB result so far for me and the Team. It was good to see Tom back on the bike, we have come through a long weekend of little issues and the weather has affected everyone. Overall we are happy I got points in all 3 races and great fun with the Fans and our VIP’s. The next race is Snetterton in a couple of weeks which is not my favourite track but we are ready to race”
Tom Neave said “It felt really good to be back on the STAUFF Fluid Power Superbike something I had doubted possible because of the injury. Brent and the team never doubted it was possible – their support and encouragement are a big facture in me being here at Knockhill. Practice was good but difficult with the electrical issues and my races could have been a little better too, but to be further forward than I thought possible is mega and whilst is not where we want to be fighting for the points gives me confidence going to Snetterton in 3 weeks’ time. I have to thank the Team and all my sponsors for their supports its amazing-with a special thanks to Brent’s friend Dom who has helped work wonders on my Knee.”
Brent Gladwin – Team Owner “Knockhill is a coat of many colours but this last weekend it was all Grey. The miserable weather really made things tough but the team shone through for our best results so far.
Practice and qualifying didn’t really go to plan, but the races for Storm were a real tale of two half’s points in the first race, an incredible 4th in race 2 setting the scene for the finale only to be punted off track at turn one and into last place and the fight back to the points was epic.
It was great to have Tom back on the STAUFF Fluid Power Kawasaki and I have to thank the medical support from Dominic O’Dowd to have him back and competitive just missing out on his first points of the season.
The next race is Snetterton one of Toms favourites but not so much Storm’s but before that we will be at Hillhead near Buxton with STAUFF UK for the mining show – Pop along and say hello to Tom next Wednesday.
If you are interested in talking to me about partnering with the Team in Marketing and Corporate Hospitality please don’t hesitate to get in touch – sponsorship@grmotosport.co.uk