The Virgin Media Yamaha Supersport pairing of BJ Toal and Nick Medd struggled to get to grips with the notoriously fast Thruxton Circuit as the 2008 season finally got underway today (20th April).
The reigning Virgin Media Yamaha R6 Cup Champion, BJ Toal showed early promise in the wet free practice sessions. The19-year old from Omagh qualified in 10th position in the first of the two sessions. However, the second session produced four separate red flag incidents and BJ struggled to get any clear track time relegating his overall qualifying position to 25th.
Both riders had an uphill struggle to improve on their starting positions but BJ battled through the field up to 20th position before the safety car was deployed after a two bike crash involving Dennis Hobbs and ex-Virgin Media R6 Cup competitor James Webb.
BJ struggled to impact much more on the field ahead of him after the race resumed to normal pace, eventually crossing the finish line in 19th. Nick Medd, still regaining his confidence after a year out, ended the race in 34th.
Virgin Media Yamaha will head to the picturesque Oulton Park circuit in Cheshire for Round 3 of the Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship over the first May Bank Holiday.
Rob McElnea: "To be honest the results that we have seen this weekend from our Supersport riders are not the results we expect to see. With one thing and another it hasn't happened for us this weekend. Its disappointing but we will move on to the next round to turn it around and start putting in the qualifying and race results that we want to achieve."
BJ Toal: "I'm disappointed that it all went wrong in qualifying, I did manage to make a bit of time back up but after the safety car came in I managed to stay with the pack but not make up anymore time. I'll put this one behind me and concentrate on making progress at Oulton Park."
Race Result:1) Brogan
2) Richards
3) Martin
4) Kennaugh
5) Lowry
6) Grant
7) Nutt
8) Hutchinson
9) Young
10) Neate
19) BJ Toal Virgin Media Yamaha
34) Nick Medd (Virgin Media Yamaha)
Championship Standings:1) Brogan - 25
2) Richards - 20
3) Martin - 16
4) Kennaugh - 13
5) Lowry - 11
