A WET TRACK AND MECHANICAL PROBLEMS STRIKE KIRKHAM ONCE AGAIN
02 October 2006 - Jon Kirkham

A promising start for Scuderia Stellare’s Jon Kirkham ended in despair as the young Derbyshire riders 2006 season ended with a double DNF due to mechanical woes at a wet Brands Hatch.

Following a torrid time at his previous outing at Silverstone where an exhaust failure ruined race one and an electrical problem ended race two prematurely Kirkham and the Scuderia Stellare squad were hoping for some good results to round-out the season at the Kent circuit.

With rain looming for most of the weekend it was looking promising early on when his team made just the right call in qualifying, getting him out on qualifiers mid-session as rain threatened. He was able to put in a couple of quick laps on slicks before the heavens opened preventing many from bettering his twelfth quickest time which was just over a second off pole.

Team spokesperson Chris Johnson said a bit of luck had finally gone Kirkham’s way backed up by some strong riding.

“It was looking like it was going to rain so we sent Jon out on qualifiers about 20 minutes before the end of the session. He was able to grind out some quick times just before it rained. It was the right call at the right time – so hopefully Jon can capitalise on his efforts tomorrow.”

Buoyed by the third row grid slot Kirkham and the team were looking forward to the two races which featured double points but intermittent rain and then mechanical gremlins once again ruined the weekend.

Race one was declared ‘dry’ and Kirkham made a good start making his way into the top ten passing James Haydon and then battling with Dean Thomas and Billy McConnell when his engine failed mid-race. To make matters worse the race was red flagged only a few laps later as rain lashed the track.

With race two declared ‘wet’ Kirkham made a solid start and he soon became embroiled in a tussle with Peter Hickman. Having only completed seven laps he then was forced to stop once again this time due to a faulty generator.

Speaking after race two a disconsolate Jon Kirkham said the final round had gone the same way as most of his season.

“I’ve changed teams twice and had various equipment issues all season. As soon as we made any headway we seemed to slip backwards the following round when something went wrong. I’ve never been able to build up a head of steam and show what I’m capable of – it’s just very disappointing. I feel like everything that can be thrown at me has – I remain undeterred though and feel it has made me a stronger rider. I need to look at my options and come out fighting in 07’.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank all my loyal supporters for sticking by me through all the ups and downs and extend my congratulations to Ryuichi Kiyonari on taking the 2006 title.”

www.jonkirkham.co.uk

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