Full report attached.
photo credit Gary Howlett
TT 2018 Race Review
Results
Superbike Race 1 - DNF Lap 4 due to mechanical issue
Supersport Race 1 - finish 23rd (included 30 second pit-lane penalty)
Superstock Race 1 - finished 11th (personal best finish and time)
Supersport Race 2 - DNF first lap due to mechanical issue
TT Zero Race 1 - finished 2nd (personal best finish and time)
Senior Race 1 - finished 13th
Overview
Taking into considering the team issues experienced recently and the limited time to create a brand new team and budget, the team are over the moon with the results from this year’s TT - which includes personal best finishes and times.
The team set sail to the Isle of Man from Heysham, at 2.15am on Friday morning. Optimistic and excited to land on the island, and get practice underway. After setting up Friday, Daley and the bikes were ready for first practise on Saturday evening which would be all newcomers, followed by supersport. It was finally time to click the visor down, and head down Bray Hill for the very first time. Daley instantly felt at home on the Halsall Racing Yamaha R6 and on the first night, lapping over 120mph mark which was a fantastic start for the team. Sunday was a day of rest, as the rest of the team started to arrive and bond. As Monday loomed, the task of riding the big Eddie Stobart superbike was ahead of them. And after missing the NW200, Daley was apprehensive about this. However, after lap 1, Daley was straight back to previous form with minor handling issues. The conditions were perfect on the Isle of Man, with temperatures into the mid 20s every day. And the lap times were proving as hot as the temperatures.
As practice week progressed, the team had to endure moving due to issues with the paddock fire caused by the Bath University’s machinery, damaging the team’s awning. Wednesday’s race incident affected the whole paddock and was witnessed first hand by Daley. It’s times like this that riders certainly question their choice to race. With his team’s support, Daley continued through practice week, his times increasing, as the laps progressed.
Superbike Race 1 - DNF Lap 4 due to mechanical issue
As Saturday arrived, the team were ready and excited for Superbike Race 1 on the Eddie Stobart machine. The race started off great, Daley was making good progress and improving on his qualifying position. At the end of lap 2, Daley had moved up into a top 10 position. And with a slick pit stop, he continued to settle into a rythme. Daley was maintaining a good position throughout the race but unfortunately, on the start of lap 4, Daley noticed the exhaust blowing heavily. Later found to be a hole in the exhaust manifold. Presuming this would cause no damage to the engine, Daley continued to ride, excited to finish the race. Daley approached the end of lap 4, ahead of his pitstop but unfortunately, the blowing of the exhaust was causing the bike to overfuel, resulting in the bike to run out of fuel - less than a mile before the pitstop. Resulting in the team forfeiting the race.
Daley was disappointed but due to the nature of the course, the bikes go through extreme stress and pressure, therefore finding any weak links in the chain.
Sunday saw “Mad Sunday” arrive and a day off for the team with the rest of the team arriving (the girls).
Supersport Race 1 - finish 23rd (included 30 second pit-lane penalty)
Determined to make amends for not finishing the Superbike race, Daley made a blistering start in the race, running in the top 15. On lap 2, Daley made a small mistake, causing him to run up a slip road at Ballacryne. Not losing too much time, Daley spun round and continue his pace. The pit crew worked well in the pitstop and Daley was eager to get back on track, to make up for lost time. Unfortunately, maybe a little too eager - exceeding the pit limit in pitlane, therefor getting a 30 second penalty. Unknowingly, demoting him down the field. Daley battled through the final 2 laps, to push his way back up the grid to finish in 23rd place on the Movuno Halsall Racing. Without time lost and the penalty, Daley was running in the top 10.
Superstock Race 1 - finished 11th (personal best finish and time)
Daley was unsure of how the superstock race was to pan out, after only completing the compulsory 3 laps of qualifying on this bike. However, he was happy with the setup on the last lap. After riding this bike in British Superstock, Daley was confident that he would be able to push hard, come the race. Another good start saw Daley promoted up the field and catching riders on the road. A quick pit stop also pushed Daley up the field, and an outright personal best lap time on lap 4, gave Daley his best result yet, with a fantastic 11th place finish on the Eddie Stobart machinery.
Supersport Race 2 - DNF first lap due to mechanical issue
Daley was excited regarding the 2nd race on the Movuno Halsall Racing 600 and was ready to make amends for race 1. Unfortunately, this wasn’t meant to be as the bike encountered an electrical issue, shortly after setting off, on lap 1.
TT Zero Race 1 - finished 2nd (personal best finish and time)
The TT zero is clearly a personal favourite for Daley and after early testing, he was confident that the bike had the potential to give Mugen (Honda) a run for their money. Practice hadn’t all gone to plan however, the guys had worked relentlessly to make a good package, come race day. With the TT zero being one lap, there is only one opportunity to make it count and Daley chased after the Mugens like a scalded cat, with only one option in mind. After a fantastic lap, putting on a show for the crowd, the UoN machine did us proud and Daley managed to secure 2nd place, splitting the Mugen’s on the podium. A fantastic experience for Daley and the team, providing maximum exposure. As well as meeting the Duke of Cambridge.
Senior Race 1 - finished 13th
After nearly 3 weeks in the Isle of Man, it was time for the main event. 6 laps of the world’s hardest course lay ahead and the world was watching. The visor went down and the flag dropped. And Daley set off at a blistering pace, setting a great time on lap 1. Fighting with the suspension, Daley was fatigued on lap 2 however, suspension changes made during the pitstop, made the bike easier to ride on lap 3 and lap 4. Daley started to settle in, on lap 4 and after a short break during the pitstop, he was raring to go and set his fastest lap of the race, on lap 5. Moving into the top 10. The final lap is usually Daley’s best lap but unfortunately, an issue with the clutch meant he had to nurture the bike home, and finally in 13th place on the Eddie Stobart superbike.
Conclusion
TT 2018 was a success for the team and Daley is certainly looking forward to obtaining top 10 finishes in every class, in TT 2019! He’s already counting down the days...
Thank you once again to all of the sponsors and supporters for their continued support and belief. This wouldn’t be possible without you all.
Kind Regards
Daley Mathison
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