 BSB Round 4 Oulton Park
Oulton Park brought further frustration for Steve who had problems with the JJL/UK Diggers Honda Fireblade and failed to complete either of his two fourth round races at the Cheshire track on Monday. But he clocked up a seventh place finish in the British Supersport event where he was riding as a substitute for Chris Burns who is still recovering from injury.
Free practise gave Steve some problems as the UK Diggers backed Fireblade picked up a pebble and holed the radiator in the second session. But the team worked well to get the radiator replaced and Steve completed the final period with no further problem.
But the gremlins struck again in the qualifying session and Steve returned to the pits with an overheating engine.
“The team works like demons to fit the radiator from the spare bike and I was able to get back out there for the final few minutes,” explained Steve. But there was not enough time to utilise the full set of qualifying tyres and I have to start my races from a sixth row grid position.”
Once the first race got underway Steve soon discovered the problem had returned and only completed three laps before returning to the pit garage. Despite further adjustments race two ended in similar fashion, this time Steve put in six laps before being forced to retire with the same problem.
“I am so disappointed,” said Steve. “The team have worked really hard to get me back out there each time but the gremlins returned. Obviously it is disappointing to have to pull in each time but I had no choice. We think it may be the head gasket so the bike will be stripped and completely checked this week before the test at Mallory on Friday.”
Things went much better for Steve in the British Supersport race where he qualified for a third row start in 12th position. He was riding the AIM R6 Yamaha for the second time as substitute for the injured Chris Burns and although he got away to a slow start Steve was quick to move from 14th place on the opening lap and pick of the opposition one by one on his way to the chequered flag. By the midway stage he was in ninth position and on lap 13 he forged further ahead powering past both Jamie Robinson and Paul Young.
With a clear track ahead of him Steve got his head down and pulled clear of the pursuing pack of riders. Robinson, who had found a second wind, pressured Steve in the closing stages but Plater held station and crossed the finish line for seventh place, the same result as in his first race on the bike at Thruxton two weeks earlier.
“I would think that will be my last outing for AIM,” said Steve. “Chris should be back for the next round at Mondello. I have enjoyed the experience of riding a Supersport bike again and quite happy with my results. After just two races from the four rounds already run I find myself in ninth place in the championship which is pleasing!”
From a Press Release by Helen Pask
|
