07/09/08 Donington Park WSB
Louth rider Peter Hickman rode to a 16th place finish in the European Superstock 1000 round at Donington Park in dire conditions on Sunday.
The complete weekend was marred by heavy and persistent rain and final qualifying was no exception. But the weather was the same for all competitors and Hicky posted the 21st fastest time to start Sunday’s 12-lap affair from a sixth row grid position.
As the race got underway the sun made a brief appearance but the track was still very damp and full wets was the obvious tyre choice.
As the riders approached Redgate for the first time, one rider fell and brought down several more who all slid into the gravel trap. Although Hicky was impeded he managed to avoid the melee and continued on his way.
He completed the first lap in 13th place and continued to make progress through to 10th position on lap six. But he encountered a problem with the back mudguard and slowed dramatically over the final few laps to complete his race in 16th place.
“I started the race quite well,” said Hicky. “But got caught up in the first turn which held me up a bit. But then I got my head down and managed to make my way through to 10th and felt quite comfortable. But then I heard a banging under my foot, which concerned me. A lap later I had a bit of clear track and was able to look down to discover the back mudguard was trapping in the back wheel which was unnerving to say the least.
“When I realised it was just the mudguard and nothing more sinister I tried to get back into my race but by then my tyre was shot and I was struggling to run in a straight line.
“But at least we know what the problem was and can rectify it for the race at Croft next weekend.”
Hicky will return to domestic action next Sunday in round 10 of the National Superstock championship at Croft Circuit in North Yorkshire.
