Virgin Media Yamaha's BJ Toal will take to the Brands Hatch GP circuit for the second time this season, for the re-scheduled opening round of the 2008 Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship (10th/11th May).
The 19-yr old is high on confidence after a mature and determined sixth place finish in difficult conditions at Oulton Park over the May Bank Holiday.
BJ will be the sole representative for the Virgin Media Yamaha Supersport team this coming weekend, as teammate Nick Medd is recovering from illness. The Biddulph based rider suffered the effects of a virus at Oulton and has since undergone a series of blood tests and examinations to determine the cause.
With grid positions already decided by qualifying on 5 April, BJ will line up in P14, at the head of the of the fourth row. The Omagh rider will look to make a blistering start in order to challenge for race honours at a circuit that he not finished off the podium in the past few seasons, recording a win and second position in the Virgin Media Cup races of 2007 and 2006 respectively.
The competition may have stepped up a few gears for BJ with the elevation into the British Supersport Championship but he has already shown that he has the pace to run at the sharp end and is not afraid of fighting for his points. Competition has been fierce, even at this early stage of the season. With only 20 riders scoring in the Supersport class after two races, BJ's 10 points for sixth has elevated him up to equal ninth with 2006 Virgin Media Cup champion, Tom Grant.
The shortened race weekend commences with two 25-minute Free Practice sessions on Saturday. During a packed race programme of British and MRO championship racing on Sunday, the lights are scheduled to go out on 18-laps of intense Supersport action at 15.30.
BJ Toal:"I was delighted with my performance at Oulton. Finally I got to repay the team for all of their hard work so far this season. I'm really looking forward to Brands. I wish that we could re-qualify as I will have my work cut out starting from the fourth row. However, the last race has proved to me that I have the bike and the capability to run with the front guys."
Nick Medd: "I am still struggling badly with the dizziness that I had at Oulton. I thought that I had trained it off but it hit me again last week. I have had some blood tests and will undergo a full medical next week to determine the problem. I'm so frustrated as I'm lacking time on the bike and missing meetings is not what I need right now. I'm hoping to have this all cleared up well in time for a return at Donington Park."
Rob McElnea, Team Principal:
"BJ Toal stepped up to the job last week, his battling ride to 6th showed us at last what we have to look forward to. BJ has been a little overwhelmed by his position in the team and the series and has been riding a little tense, at last we saw the true BJ and I am sure we are on our way to the podium with him now. Another gem from the Virgin Media Cup!
Nick Medd will miss Brands Hatch, after suffering at Oulton with a virus that affected his vision. He has had to undergo tests and examinations at his local hospital, hopefully the break will give him time to recover for Donington."
Combined Qualifying:
1. Kennaugh (Yamaha)
2. Richards (Triumph)
3. McGuinness (Honda)
4. Fitzpatrick (Yamaha)
5. Martin (Kawasaki)
6. Brogan (Honda)
7. Hobbs (Honda)
8. Lowry (Suzuki)
9. Hutchinson (Yamaha)
10. Young (Triumph)
14. BJ Toal (Virgin Media Yamaha)Live Eurosport 2 broadcast window, 15.15 - 17.15 (Sunday 11th May)
Virgin Media Channel 525
