Tom Ward took a fourth place finish in the latest round of the Pirelli National Superstock Championship at Donington Park last weekend.
In what was his last weekend on board the Armada Marine Cables Racing Honda, Ward was in his element and showed how competitive he can be and he admitted it was an excellent weekend.
He said: “Another fun weekend racing at Donington Park! We were competitive from the start, top three in both free practices after not taking part in the two day official pre test.
“I qualified fourth matching the lap record 1.29.5, we made a big step with the setting of the bike from Oulton to Donington and I knew I was able to stay consistent when the tyre was worn out, so I was feeling good for the race!
“I got away in fourth and made a pass for third to try and stay with the leaders but got passed straight back which made a bit of a gap to the front two, I rode like a bit of an idiot in the middle part of the race missing apex’s etc but once I got back into a rhythm with five laps to go I started to close the gap to third.
With one lap to go I got the gap down to 0.5 which at that point I knew it was possible to fight for the podium, strangely Scott sat up into T1 and fist pumped the air and I realized he thought it was the end of the race!
“I overtook him out of T1 as I knew we still had a lap left, at this point I thought it was just Scott’s mistake and was thinking whilst riding down Craner Curve he’s gifted me third and I’m going to have to give him the trophy back after as I felt bad.
“Unfortunately the officials had actually made a mistake waving the finish flag a lap early to some riders, I personally didn’t see it and only saw the last lap sign on the Gantry and L1 to go on my pit-board. I crossed the line in third but the race got put back a lap so actually I finished fourth.
“It was a real shame as It would have been nice to have the real last lap and not to say I would have been third but I definitely would have been close enough to have a go. These things happen and Scott Swann rode a great race along with Davey and Joe in first and second, managing to stay in the 1.29’s the whole race even with a 1.29.6 on the last lap. This race pace would have won the 2023 race by five seconds.
“With all that said it’s been great riding back at BSB and I’m glad I’m going into Spa in a few weeks time fit and ready! My main concentration for this year has been EWC, so I’m so excited to get out there and try our best to bring back the bacon with TRT 27.
“Alongside myself and Tom Oliver we will have Alex Olsen riding with us which I’m mega excited for! Thank you so much to the Armada Marine Cables Honda team for allowing me to show my potential for these last two rounds it’s been really enjoyable with great people
“Thanks to Graham, Sam, Frankie, Charles, Tommi, Tommy Gun, Dad & Stephy. Matt and Dave from Rapid. All the guys from Armada, Belcom & Zyrad”
Images courtesy of Jamie Morris Photography