The second round of the British Superbikes at Thruxton looked to be threatened with rain, but the sun made a welcome appearance on race day giving Team WD-40 riders Joe Francis, Jon Railton and Tommy Aquino the chance to show what they were made of.
The second round of the National Superstock 1000 and the Monster Energy Motostar British Championships at Thruxton race circuit delivered some excellent results, including another podium position.
Joe, from Backford (Chester), secured his second trophy with a well deserved second place in the Motostar race.
After qualifying second on the grid, the 15-year-old was again battling with leader, Tarran Mackenzie.
Both riders pulled away from the rest and Joe managed to nip past Tarren at one point towards the middle of the race.
A mistake by Joe at the Campbell-Cobb sector of the track meant Tarren was able to pull away and passed the chequered flag five seconds ahead. Both riders completed the race over 20 seconds ahead of their nearest rivals.
Joe said: “I’m happy with the way the race went but also disappointed that I couldn’t catch the leader again.
“My tyres were a bit too soft for the track and I made a couple of silly mistakes which I can learn from.
“Over the next few weeks I’ll be working with the team to get the bike in the best possible shape and I’ll be getting plenty of practice on the track ready for Oulton Park and hopefully I can bring home that win.”
In the Superstock 1000 Tommy Aquino put in a superb performance making up 13 places, from 23rd on the grid to a very credible tenth position. He passed the chequered flag just eight seconds behind the leader.
Jon had a disappointing race and struggled from the beginning. After putting in a great performance at qualifying, starting 11th on the grid, he found it hard to make up positions.
He held on in the first half, but a lack of confidence in the bike due to problems with the front suspension saw Jon come a respectable 18th place.
A crash meant the race was red flagged, with Jon only just missing the debris, which left both riders feeling frustrated that they couldn’t make up places.
Tommy, who had never raced or tested in the UK until three weeks ago said: “I met my goal which was to get in the top ten so I’m extremely pleased and it’s great that I’ve collected points for the team.
“The bike performed brilliantly and feels much more settled now compared to last weeks’ race and I felt comfortable with the way it handled.
“It was frustrating that the race got red flagged as I think I could have taken a couple more places but overall I was really happy with my performance.
“My focus now is to be in the top five and I’m very confident that by round four I could make it – I’m looking forward to getting on the track at Oulton Park on May 6th.”
Jon said: “I was disappointed with the race and struggled to get going from the beginning. It’s frustrating as I wanted to improve on last weeks’ success but I just didn’t feel comfortable with the bike from the start.
“We had made some changes to the bike but I wasn’t able to get used to them as the track was never dry for testing. The fact that the race was stopped with six laps to go didn’t help either as I think I could have made up a few more places.
“Tommy put in a brilliant race though and it’s fantastic he’s collected points. I’m really looking forward to Oulton and I’m sure Team WD-40 will have podiums to celebrate in the Superstock 1000 championship very soon.”
Team WD-40’s manager, Brent, said: “I’m extremely proud of Team WD-40 and what they have achieved this weekend – the lads put in superb performances and built on their achievements from last week.
“Yet another podium finish for Joe is a dream come true. He’s such a fantastic young talent and will be one to watch this season.
“Tommy put in a stunning performance to be in the top ten and I’m very proud of him, and Jon performed really well despite having problems with his bike.
“The team can now build on what we have learnt from these last two races and with the weather brightening up we will have the opportunity to test and improve.”
David Whittome, UK marketing manager for team sponsors WD-40 Specialist, said: “I am delighted with Team WD-40 and the way they built on their performances from last week.
“We’re still in the early stages of the season and with the weather hampering practice sessions, the team haven’t been able get on the track as much as they would have liked.
“I’m in no doubt the guys will go from strength to strength in the next rounds. Jon, Tommy and Joe are very talented young riders and we’re all now looking forward to see how they perform at Oulton Park in May.”
WD-40 is the new title sponsor of GR Motosport. The company has just launched seven new products specifically for use on motorbikes, under its recently launched WD-40 Specialist Motorbike brand.