Video blog: Adam Child in the KTM 990 Super Duke Battle at Cadwell Park

KTM 990 Super Duke Battle Round 5 and 6 Cadwell Park, August 25 and 26, 2007

Sunday
Qualifying position 14th
Race Result  14th

Monday
Race Result 15th

After the disappointment of the support race at the British GP, KTM were keen to give me another opportunity to ride in the Super Duke Battle series. I didn’t need to be asked twice, especially as I’d be racing in front of a record crowd at Cadwell Park, alongside the British Superbike boys. I missed Saturday’s practice due to other commitments so I was on the back foot from the start. But I didn’t need to worry, the bike was near perfect, all I had to do was get back into the grove of my local track. Within three laps of qualifying I was up to speed, enough to see me heading towards the top 10 on the time sheets, but on the fourth lap I had really bad muscle pump and my shoulders were killing me. End result?

 

 

A bit of grass tracking and 14th on the grid. Still, it was far better than Donington and the bike was spot on.

Sunday’s race was fairly relaxed; I got in the grove and was sitting comfortably holding my position.  

I didn’t want to push due to the injury, but I couldn’t resist, made a pass or two but ended on the grass at Park and lost a few positions. Still 14th wasn’t bad and I was more than happy so headed to the bar to watch the charity bike race.

Come Monday my left shoulder was killing me as I woke in my friend’s van. Cadwell looked amazing, I’ve never seen it so busy.

 

I lined up with the British Superbike boys for painkillers; they gave me enough to send a small pony to sleep. But by the third lap I was in agony again.

 

My laps times were poor, to be honest. There was nothing wrong with the bike, it was all down to me, but I’d have ridden around all day in front of that crowd the feeling was that great.

 

Looking back, the bike was perfect. OK, the tyres slid around, but they do for everyone. It was a great weekend, I’m just disappointed with the end result.

Maybe next time, then, if I can convince KTM into letting me have another go…

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to
MCN
Bracken KTM www.brackenracing.com
Dec Crutchlow
Iain Hutton
John
Amanda Spencer
Lee, Gareth, Penny, Clair.
And the rest of the paddock who offered advice and help.