Middlemas Fights through Difficult Weekend

Sam Middlemas rode through a problematic day to finish in consistent top five positions at Mallory Park.

Race one began with a bad start as the Triumph 675 dropped back into neutral forcing Sam back into 10th position. The bike and rider duo wrestled their way through the competition up to fifth position at the flag. Sam commented, “I fought back but I was really frustrated at the bike as this is becoming a reoccurring problem which is dangerous not only to myself but also my competitors.”

The second race played an entirely different tune compared to the first with Sam getting off the line smoothly and running up to fourth position behind Michael Nibblett, Lee Statham and Michael Price. After a few laps Sam disappointingly dropped back from the leaders after being unable to match the 55 second lap times. Sam continued to battle against Lee Statham and Matthew Dakin with the three riders riding close 56 second lap times. Sam eventually crossed the finish line and ended his day with another five position.

Sam admitted, “I had recently had a fork rebuild as I was never entirely happy with the front end feel but this turned out to be a bit of a nightmare as I felt like I was losing the front all the time especially around Gerard’s and I was lapping slower than I have done previously even though I know I have improved the bike.”

“Overall not a great day as I ended up with two fifth places. I have decided to ride in the Alamo Mallory Trophy which is open to Superbikes and pretty much anything at the next EMRA meeting as I feel this should help get me into the 55’s and back into the top three. I also hope to of sorted my front end problems out by then.” added Sam.

By: Robin Goodwin