Tonfanau Championship 2014
Unfortunately Matt missed round 1 at Tonfanau in April but on 25th May 2014 it was Matt’s debut at Tonfanau Race Circuit, the cloud all around and inevitably bringing rain with it. At Tonfanau Matt races the CBR600 Steelie with race number 16. In practise Matt quickly adapted to the unfavourable conditions (for many) and the track. In his first ever Tonfanau race, wet race, in the Steel-Framed 600cc class he found the rain to be his ally pulling a second place trophy out the bag, the first trophy of his racing career and the team were elated.
During the lunch break the sun was breaking through the clouds and the tarmac starting to dry. Casually scrutinising the paddock area Matt G Racing team decided to run with dry tyres as many were at this point changing. The racing once again commenced after lunch and a majority of the riders were using the dry tyres, some using intermediates – confidence in the tyre change was high. The first call for the steel-framed 600cc second race of the day was broadcast over the tannoy and to the riders dismay a large dark rain cloud saw this as an invitation. By the time the riders got the grid the rain was coming down hard; all riders looking at one another, no one knowing what the outcome would be. The lights went out and the race started. Matt pushed as hard as he dare but unfortunately this wasn’t enough to get another 2nd but finished in a respectable 4th in the Steel framed class. The day was a success, a trophy, a smile and no mishaps.
Sunday 6th July was round 3 at Tonfanau and Matt again competed in the Steel-Framed 600 class riding number 16. This was the day of the parade of exotica also and featured John McGuinness as a guest at the club – the mood was relaxed although electric. Matt and the team had achieved a second place the last time they were here and confident of again putting on a good show. As always, upon arrival the race bike was unloaded and the paddock area set-up on the dew-soaked grass but the sun was out and the sky was blue. Matt went out for practise and he made the fatal mistake of thinking to himself, “wow this bike feels good today”… and with that as Matt braked hard coming in to Hestletons hairpin corner the circuit marshals were waving the black flag, pointing at number 16 with a concerned expression on their faces. Upon pulling over Matt understands the reason for the black flag, looking down at his Oil soaked boot, rear tyre and fairing – was it all over?
The bike and Matt were carted away back to the paddock and to the teams relief the issue was simply a build-up of chain lubricant that had been overlooked by the pit-crew. This had heated up and at speed broken up and sprayed over the bike. Quick clean up and Matt was ready to race. The first race brought with it a number of collisions (not involving #16) but caused two re-starts, the second of which a warm-up lap was not granted, thus when the race started and finished successfully, no points were given to anyone. Race two for the Steel-Framed 600cc was after lunch and as always Matt pushed hard but to no avail, bringing home no trophies but again a smile.
Round 4 was again missed by Matt G Racing due to all efforts being focused on Darley Moor the day after (25th Aug). After completing just 50% of the round with Tonfanau, Matt finished 7th of 15In the championship and will be back in 2015 to again challenge the other competitors.
