RAIN NOT A PROBLEM FOR TOMMY
15 August 2006 - Bridewell Brothers

Wiltshire racing brothers Ollie and Tommy Bridewell, from Etchilhampton near Devizes, made the long trip North to contest round ten of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, held at Croft Circuit in North Yorkshire this weekend.

After a number of meetings held in glorious sunshine, Croft dawned damp and grey which heralded a meeting of mixed fortunes for the Vivaldi Racing riders with 18 year old Tommy – having just celebrated his birthday last weekend – scoring more points in the British Supersport Championship whereas 20 year old Ollie could add to his tally in the British Superbike Championship standings.

For Tommy, he qualified the 600cc Vivaldi Suzuki in 20th place but with the heavens opening for the race, he rode a magnificent and calculated race to end up in ninth after gradually battling his way through the field to equal his best result of the season. As it turned out, his seventh points scoring ride from the last nine races will be his last as team co-ordinator Norris Farrow confirmed that as of Cadwell Park, Tommy would be elevated to the main BSB team aboard a 1000cc Suzuki.

“I tried to ride a sensible race and I went as fast as conditions allowed so I’m delighted to come home inside the top ten, especially as I didn’t have a good time during qualifying. The Supersport class has taught me a lot and I’m really looking forward to making the jump up and racing against my older brother Ollie in British Superbikes!” said Tommy.

After a troublesome qualifying period, Ollie eventually slotted his 1000cc Vivaldi Suzuki onto row five of the grid but the damp conditions in race one caught him out and he crashed on lap two. A better performance in the wet and windy race two saw Ollie eventually bring the bike home in 16th position – just outside the points – but at least he was satisfied with a finish:

“It’s been a tough weekend one way and another for me and I was disappointed to crash in race one. I was hoping for a better result in race two as I’d scored a couple of top tens in the rain earlier in the season but I struggled for grip. I’m going into Cadwell full of confidence nonetheless and I can’t wait to beat my brother! said Ollie who has dropped to 21st in the championship as a result.

The next round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship takes place at Cadwell Park, Linconshire on August 27th and 28th.

Picture (courtesy of Paul Korkus P K Photo Media 01225 782570): Tommy Bridewell in action on the Vivaldi 600 Suzuki for the final time before moving to British Superbikes.

More News
  For August 2006
  From Bridewell Brothers
  For British Superbike
  Biker247.com Home Page