The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Kirton race ace Aaron Clarke enjoyed an encouraging weekend with draperRACING Yamaha at Brands Hatch.
He was competing in the Team Respro MRO 600 class races at the Kent circuit, as was team-mate Tommy Philp.
Clarke had to start the first race from the back of the grid on Saturday after missing the cut off point, but powered through the field to finish in tenth position.
He was having a few problems with the front end set up but he persevered and brought the bike home in tenth position once again.
The team worked on the bike making adjustments to the set up in readiness for race on Sunday which appeared to make the world of difference to Clarke’s performance as he was able to push through from a sixth row start to complete the 12 laps in fourth position – a vast improvement on Saturday’s results.
Philp qualified on pole for the first race on Saturday but was unfortunate to miss the cut off point for the grid and was forced to start the ten-lap affair from the back of the grid.
He eventually made his way up to third place, but was unable to get past the leading duo.
In the second race Philp led from lights to flag to take a solid win, recording the fastest lap of the race with a 49.192secs (88.4mph) effort which was under the club lap record.
The race on Sunday was a repeat performance as he once again took a lights to flag victory.
Clarke said: “I am pleased with my result. Once the set up had been adjusted it felt like a different bike.
“I am really comfortable on it now and can’t wait to get to Donington next week.”
The team will regroup at Donington Park on March 20 to take part in the official British Superbike test ahead of the first round of the British Supersport and Superstock 600 championships over the Easter weekend (March 31-April 2).
