James McManus was experiencing his first wet weather race on the Triumph and although he did not finish the Sprint Race he came home 15th in the Feature Race.
Qualifying
With Eugene McManus having qualified directly into Q2 younger brother James started his day with Q1. The top nine riders would go through to Q2. James completed ten laps of the GP circuit at Brands Hatch pushing to get into Q2. He narrowly missed out by 0.226 seconds..
Sprint Race (10-laps)
Rain fell at the Brands Hatch circuit throughout the ten-lap Sprint Race. Forty riders took to the rain-soaked track. In difficult conditions the were to be several non-finishers.
James featured in his first wet race since moving up to the Triumph in British Supersport this year. He made a steady start as he climbed a place in the opening couple of laps to run 27th (19th in the Supersport category). The conditions were very difficult catching a number of riders out. James stayed aboard but slipped a few places by mid-race. In the closing stages, he retired from the race.
Feature Race (16-laps)
For Sunday’s Feature Race, the weather changed completely. The sun shone and the crowds and riders were treated to some very pleasant weather. James lined up in 36th position.
James McManus had to fight his way from almost the back of the grid this time. He climbed eight places in the opening laps moving up to 28th on the track and 19th in the Supersport class. James continued to climb positions as the race went on setting his fastest lap of the race five from the end.
The number 14 crossed the finish line 19th on track and 15th in the British Supersport class.
Round seven of the British Supersport Championship takes place at Thruxton from 11th to 13th August 2023.
James said,”It was a tough weekend for me but a big learning one. Happy to come away with a point in race 2, looking forward to Thurxton.”
