After the race I tried to explain the feeling to the team and the only way I can describe it is like when you’re in the gym, pushing a weight or even doing press-ups etc. The first few times it’s OK and then it starts to get harder and harder, push by push. It’s the same for me but lap by lap it gets more and more painful and I know it’s not from being a pussy! It’s from trying to squeeze a lanky, 6ft frame into a bike built around riders such as Pedrosa and Daijiro Kato. I don’t like to moan but this is the reality of it. In my mind I am no longer the right build for a 250cc, I soon figured that out on my weekend of riding bigger bikes in America. The team were happy which was the main thing as we had raced with a kitted Honda.
The best thing about my weekend was watching the
MotoGP race. How awesome was that!? Unless you’re a big Rossi fan. I am, of course, a Rossi fan but was also very pleased to see Nicky get it. Hopefully next year's MotoGP will be just as good as this year.
After the Valencian GP I returned back to the shires in Wales and did the usual stuff. Riding minibikes mainly, our track is now looking pretty cool. I spoke to Ilmor over the Valencia weekend but it seemed clear that they already had their mind set on which riders they wanted for next year. As of yet there are no confirmed signings for them and they are the last slot to be filled for next year's grid. I could have done another year in 250cc and Ilmor would have been a good opportunity to get the footings into MotoGP but obviously the decision is entirely up to them. We also contacted a couple of BSB and BSS teams but there were very few doors open there.
I am sure most of you will have already read that next season I will be going stateside and doing the AMA Supersport and Formula Xtreme Championship. This was one of a few opportunities that I had for next season and I am definitely excited about it. The taster I had in Mid-Ohio was very good and now I’m looking for more of the same and better for next year.
