RACE REPORT:

RD1 – DONINGTON GP

31-02 APRIL

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Donington Park first opened its gates in 1931, initially

for motorcycle racing and then two years later for

car action. The circuit went on to stage Grand Prix for

both motorcycles and cars in the pre-war era.

Donington Park was subsequently re-built and re-

opened in 1977. Among other accolades, Donington

Park staged the first ever round of the World

Superbike Championship, as well as holding the F1

Grand Prix of Europe in 1993.

Rushby makes confident debut in BSB Superstock

The conversations have taken place over and over these past few years. When

do we make the step? Is this the right time? Should we take the 600 or go to a

1000? Each year Jordan continued on his path, taking his R6 to the absolute

limit before testing a BMW S1000rr and falling in love. The jump onto the BMW

made perfect sense and after the season opener in Thundersport something just

clicked. Jordan felt the same connection to this bike as he had for so many

years on his last one. The pace was good, no it was very good. This could be

the time? Surely now we should do this right??

An entry was put forward, we kept everyone guessing but Jordan and the team

arrived at Donington on March 31st 2018 to begin his new journey in BSB !!Qualifying

After requesting the Number 2 for Jordan’s bike there was initial

disappointment to find we could not have this number for the

first round. That soon changed to intrigue as Jordan was

handed down a number that had been redundant since it was

graced by the one and only James Toseland, 52.

A quick adjustment in fairings and livery set Jordan out to take

part in FP1 & FP2 onboard his new bike in a completely new

setting amongst some of the finest 1000cc riders in the country.

Practice had its moments with the gremlins still causing issues

with the Bike which set Jordan off on the back foot in

Qualifying.

A respectable P36 meant Jordan would make the grid

however and be right amongst the pack from the off come

race 1.

Race 1

It was already apparent from the incredible surroundings of the

Paddock that this was the height of British Motorsport. Jordan, however,

sat on his bike on the Grid looking ahead to riders he grew up admiring

and both excitement combined with an overwhelming feeling rushed

though his senses.

The warm up lap, Jordan had only one thought in his mind and that

was to bring himself to the party. The lightening start we have become

accustomed to was needed and a cool head in the mix at Redgate to

maintain his balance into a battle around Dongintons GP circuit.

Jordan showed his confidence and began making his way through the

pack as the lights went out. Jordan made his presence felt and staked

his claim amongst the Superstock Elite gaining a fantastic 9 places to

come home P27 in his debut race. Confidence grew after the race

after Jordan showed a best lap of 1:33.935 which consistently would

have seen him challenging for points with a higher grid start!

Race 2

Sunday was a Superstock Double Header so a quick turnaround in

the pits saw the riders return to the grid almost immediately for

their second race of the day. There was no time to reflect on the

times and performance of the first race, Jordan needed to regain

focus and continue making progress through the pack as he had

done only a few moments ago.

Jordan did just that. Another great first lap saw Jordan progress

through the field and continue his strong lap times amidst 1:33

which meant a finish position in the top twenty! P20 in fact which

from an initial grid position of P36 was a fantastic debut to this

new challenge in Jordans racing career.

Tomorrow would bring another opportunity to progress forward as

the first day came to an end with smiles all round in camp Rushby!

Race 3

The team awoke on the Bank Holiday Monday wondering if they had

stepped back to winter. Snow covered the race awnings and it was clear

this day would be more of a challenge than progress. The race would be

a wet race and Jordan would be running on new tyres he had not found

a rhythm on yet. With the Warm Up being cancelled due to the weather,

the race would be another unknown but Jordan would be determined to

perform to the best of his abilities.

A Strong start from P21 on the grid saw Jordan spend the first part of the

race in a great battle amongst several other riders. With Jordan still trying

to adapt to new tyres and finding the level of grip, his pace dropped as

the race opened up. The focus, now, was to gain valuable experience

and a clean sweep of race finishes in his debut campaign. P26 would be

the end position and in these conditions we were extremely happy !!

As the sun sets the team head back north..

As quick as the snow had blighted the morning, the sunshine was

now beaming down on Donington Park. The team packed away

whilst the thunderous noise of the final BSB race set the base tone

in the background. The mood was buoyant, but reflective of

what might have been. The debut campaign was a success

given the issues suffered with the bike early on.

Jordan, however, showed a strength from within and carried a

presence in this championship that left the team, and most of all

his dad Nige, immensely proud.

The positive outcome to the progress made is the quick

turnaround to return for more. The Race Truck is currently on route

to Brands Hatch for BSB Round 2 as this report goes live!

We have our goals and so does Jordan, watch this space to find

out what will happen next as Jordan returns to action !

2018 CALENDAR

ROUND 1 - DONINGTON PARK GP - 31 - 02 APRIL

ROUND 2 - BRANDS HATCH INDY - 13 - 15 APRIL

ROUND 3 - OULTON PARK - 05 - 07 MAY

ROUND 4 - SNETTERTON 300 - 15 - 17 JUNE

ROUND 5 - KNOCKHILL - 06 - 08 JULY

ROUND 6 - BRANDS HATCH GP - 20 - 22 JULY

ROUND 7 - THRUXTON - 03 - 05 AUGUST

ROUND 8 - CADWELL PARK - 17 - 19 AUGUST

ROUND 9 - SILVERSTONE GP - 07 - 09 SEPTEMBER

[TRIPLE HEADER]

ROUND 10 - OULTON PARK - 14 - 16 SEPTEMBER

ROUND 12 - BRANDS HATCH GP - 12 - 14 OCTOBER

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Alongside our 2018 calender we have multiple

options available to compete at some of the largest

events across the globe. Below are just a few we will

be working with our partners towards throughout the

year..

Goodwood Festival of Speed

July 12th-15th

OUR PARTNERS

2018 RACE REPORT Donington Park GP

March 31st – April 2nd

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