James took an excellent 12th place in the final race of the season at Brands Hatch to end his season on a high.
Qualifying
The first free practice on Friday was wet. Several riders did not venture onto the Kent circuit. James McManus completed ten laps to get a feel for the conditions. Free practice two was on a drying track with James posting the 15th best lap time.
James made his way back onto the 2.43-mile circuit at 11.00 on Saturday for Q1. Although cloudy the track was dry. James posted the sixth fastest time of the session. He was safely within the first nine of the 24 competitors that would go through to Q2.
James would start 24th on the grid (18th in British Supersport) after completing Q2.
Sprint Race (10-laps)
There was a dry line on the circuit but clear damp patches of the racing line. Race Direction declared it a dry race.
James started from the end of row eight on the grid. The number 14 made up numerous places on the first lap but was adjudged to have made a jump start and would have to take a ride-through penalty. However, he did not get time to serve the penalty as he slid off at Paddock Hill Bend at the beginning of the third lap.
Feature Race (16-laps)
With grid positions set on fastest laps from the Sprint Race James was 28th having fallen early on in the Sprint Race.
James made up four places on the opening lap rising to 24th and 19th in the British Supersport class. The safety car was called into action on lap two but was withdrawn by the end of the third one. He was quickly up to 19th on the circuit and 15th in British Supersport. In the second half of the race, James set his three fastest laps as he went on to finish in a strong 12th place at the flag.
