Injured Thomas 'pressed' into action.
With only four days since the last meeting at Cadwell Park which saw Ducati rider Dean Thomas take a nasty tumble and dislocating his shoulder, the Phones 4 u team were naturally worried that Thomas would be unfit to ride.
Thomas needed to perform five press ups before the medical team would allow him to race at Oulton Park... but by mid week he could only do two and due to his swollen shoulder and knee he couldn't even get his leathers on.
With only four days since the last meeting at Cadwell Park which saw Ducati rider Dean Thomas take a nasty tumble and dislocating his shoulder, the Phones 4 u team were naturally worried that Thomas would be unfit to ride.
Thomas needed to perform five press ups before the medical team would allow him to race at Oulton Park... but by mid week he could only do two and due to his swollen shoulder and knee he couldn't even get his leathers on.
Team manager Enzo DiClemente was concerned that he would have to find a replacement rider, but a determined Dean managed to do the specified number of press ups on Friday and despite still feeling very bruised decided he would race.
In qualifying on Saturday morning Dean managed an unbelievable 5th position but a near high side in Superpole saw the Phones 4 u Ducati rider slip into 11th, a position that still inspired optimism for race day.
Race 1 commenced with Thomas managing a reasonable start, holding 13th around the first corner, and eventually finishing tenth after battling with Paul Young.
Following the race Thomas was exhausted and extremely sore from the effort of riding and before the start of the second race he attended the medical centre for pain relief. Race two would nevertheless see Thomas make further progress, this time battling with another injured rider, Sean Emmett, before finishing eighth.
"I am extremely pleased with the results this weekend. Dean has been brilliant, despite the amount of pain he has been in all weekend he has completed two full races, which obviously has played havoc with his injuries," enthused Team Manager Enzo DiClemente. "Dean has shown true grit this weekend by riding and staying out there promoting the team and it's sponsors, he could have quite easily gone out and done a few laps and retired but he showed his dedication to the team and sponsors and gave it his all.
"We now have a weekend off before the next race at Mallory Park so Dean will have time now to recover. Many thanks to all the people who contacted us to send their best wishes to Dean following his accident last week it was much appreciated," added DiClemente.
