Kingston Upon Hull’s Callum Ward enjoyed another consistent Manx GP tenure, as the amiable Yorkshireman continued his accomplished progress around the fabled Mountain Course.
After a turbulent practice week for all competitors, due to persistent inclement weather plus circumstances outside of event organisers control, race week for YZF R6 Yamaha mounted Ward began with the four lap Mylchreests Junior race.
Maintaining throughout a solid pace, he went onto finish a very respectable 31st, ending with an overall average race speed of 110.714 mph, along the way setting on the fourth and final lap a best lap speed of (112.072).
Unfortunately his third Manx GP campaign ended in disappointing fashion with a first lap retirement, within the showpiece Senior race.
Reflecting on his Senior race misfortune, plus the overall two weeks competition on the Isle of Man, he candidly stated early this month via his Facebook racing page:
“Home and unpacked from Manx, not how I wanted it to end but the way the two weeks have been with weather and bike problems it just wasn’t meant to be this year.
Having to retire from senior race at Kirk Michael on lap 1 due to vibration on the bike, suspect front wheel out of balance, I felt it soon as I set off down Bray Hill but tried to ignore it and carry on.
But unfortunately through the faster corners it made the bike hard to handle and braking for corners difficult due to vibrations been so bad, and I was making too many mistakes so decided it was safer to retire then risk a crash.
I didn’t reach my target lap speed I wanted this year but we’ll make plans for races next year, and if we can fit the Manx in I’ll be back for another go.
Not sure what plans are for rest of the year but I’ll keep you posted once I have a look at what races are left for the year
Thanks to Dad, Steve and James for faultless Pitstop in the junior and been ready for another in senior which we unfortunately didn’t reach
Thanks to Mum and Meg for help during the Manx race week, thanks to all sponsors for making Manx and rest of years racing possible.
Automotive paint supplies Hull, Brough mot centre, Hel performance, Into Gear Motorcycle Clothing, Parts & Accessories, Japtech Hull Ltd, Jmp transport, Micro precision engineering, Pitstop Motorcycles, RRS Recovery Services, Spares Unlimited. Strypz Vehicle Branding Limited, 5ways motorcycles.”
Photo credit: Road Racing News | Reported by Stevie Rial
