LIAM Delves picked up six points in the Motostar Championship at Brands Hatch after upgrading to the Motostar GP class by joining team ILR, which is run by multi TT winner Ian Lougher.
Delves adjusted into his new bike immediately and completed his first race in 16th place before growing in confidence to claim a splendid tenth position on Sunday.
Starting his first race for the new team on Saturday, Delves began from a ninth row grid position and spent the first few laps settling into the race. He then began to move forward and completed the tenth lap affair in 16th place, just one place away from a points finish.
“I had a great day with team ILR and am getting to grips with the new bike,” said Delves, speaking after his first day with the ILR team.
“There are still changes to be made and I feel I can go faster. But P16 in race one is great and my lap time has moved me up three rows on the grid for race two.”
Delves set off from the sixth row at the start of the feature race but it was nearly over at the first corner when a rider fell causing him to swerve in order to avoid the stricken rider and machine that were in the middle of the track.
The rider following him did the same and collided with Delves, almost running him off the track and onto the grass. But Delves kept his cool and managed to control the bike and maintain his position through the first lap.
He then began his move forward moving up a place on nearly every lap to start the penultimate lap 11th position. On the final lap he made a concerted effort and made it through to tenth place well ahead of the next placed GP rider to take the chequered flag and pick up six championship points.
“I am delighted with this result as I was improving my lap times with every session on the bike and feel there is certainly more to come from me,” Delves added.
“But this was the final race of the season so I will have to wait until next year. It will be a long winter I would like to thank Ian Lougher and all at Team ILR for giving me this opportunity and making us feel welcome this weekend.
“Also thanks to all my sponsors for their support over the season, I am so grateful for your help. I am intending to race in the factory Moto 3 class next season and I am now looking for some sponsors to join the team for 2017.”
Ian Lougher commented on Delve’s performance at Brands Hatch, added: “I am really happy with Liam’s performance. He has a lot of potential and has a bright future ahead of him.”
Anyone interested in helping a young rider further his career please get in touch via his face book page or by emailing him at [email protected]
24th Apr, 2024
