Daniel Brooks Racing returned to action last weekend at the Silverstone international circuit for round 9 of the British superbike series. The team was at the event to race in the 6th round of the Santander KTM rc cup.
After a 3 week break, the team went to Silverstone on the back of Daniel’s previous best results at a sunny Cadwell park. The weather unfortunately was going to be the same and in true British style there was a full thunder and lightning show on the Friday afternoon. The ktm cup lads started free practice at 17:40 Friday afternoon on a wet Silverstone track. With conditions being tricky the team sent Daniel out to just learn the track and gauge grip levels with him ending up 16th fastest for the day.
Saturday morning came and once again the team were treated to some more typical British weather with conditions changing from rain to sunshine constantly throughout the day. Qualifying took place early morning on a damp but drying track. Daniel felt confident going into this session and that showed in the final moments as he posted the 11th fastest time with a 2:50.423 giving the young lad from Strood his best qualifying this season.
The first race then took place just before 3pm and just in time for the rain to fall. The team, Matt Brooks, Luke Brooks and Charlie Monk set about making the changes to the bike whilst Daniel prepared himself with personal trainer. Mab-Fit owner, Ben Clark. The race got underway and Daniel got a cracking start, heading into turn 1 around 7th position. As the race went on, the track started to dry. A few riders failed to find the limits in the wet conditions early on but young Daniel used his head and motocross experience to stay on board. When the track started to dry Daniel didn’t hold off, he finished the race in 8th place achieving his best race finish but also set the 6th fastest time meaning he would start race two from the second row. Quite an achievement for someone in their first season of tarmac racing.
Unfortunately the Sunday didn’t see conditions improve and with only 7 finishers in the bsb race before the ktm lads were due to go out meant the race was cancelled. This was a shame for Daniel as himself and the team felt he could go with the front guys in the wet conditions.
Team manager and dad, Matt Brooks said, “I’m proud of Dan and his results this weekend, he’s worked hard all year and it’s finally starting to pay off. It’s a shame we didn’t get race 2 but we will go to oulton park this weekend and try again.”
Daniel and the team would like to thank all of the sponsors who make the dream happen. Bell powersports uk, Daniels racing services, Bodyworx, RFX, Oakley Covent Garden, Mab-fit, Chris at Kent sports news and of course, mum and dad!
Photo credits to hairy beast pix and Michelle Bushnell