Double podium success for RAF Reserves at Cadwell Park
It was celebrations all round for the Briggs Equipment-sponsored RAF Reserves BMW team at Cadwell Park last Sunday (August 23), as rider Peter Hickman secured the runner-up spot in both races at round eight of the 2015 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship.
Competing at his local circuit, Peter was strong during the free practice sessions. He then had to regroup following a nasty crash on the Saturday morning and went on to qualify fifth. Making full use of his second row starting position, Peter was soon up to second in the first of the weekend’s races. Race leader Josh Brookes had opened up a decent lead and when Danny Buchan crashed, the pack bunched up behind the safety car. Peter tried to go with Brookes when the race resumed but was unable to match the Australian’s pace and so.
With almost a second advantage over the next rider, Peter brought the bike home for an excellent second place finish. Brookes claimed another win in the second race but Peter fought hard for a podium position. Having started from the front row, Peter found himself locked in battle with Tommy Bridewell for second place. There was little to choose between them but Peter managed to overtake on the final lap to claim another runner up finish.
Peter Hickman said: “When I crashed on Saturday morning, I never thought I’d end the weekend with two podiums, but whilst I’m feeling a bit second hand now, the bike was mega throughout and I felt really strong in both races. We’ve had some bad luck at some of the rounds this year but this weekend goes a long way to making up for it, and to do it at my home circuit makes it all the more sweeter.”
Team owner Lee Hardy added: “Right from the very beginning of the weekend on Friday, things went well and when Pete was third quickest in the first free practice session, we felt confident we’d be in the hunt come race day. The crash on Saturday morning, when he highsided at Chris Curve, put us on the back foot a bit, but Pete regrouped brilliantly and put in an excellent performance in qualifying to get onto the second row. “A good pass on Luke Mossey in the first race put him into second and although he tried to go with Josh, his pace was just that bit too strong and so with a good gap to third, Pete brought the bike home for an excellent second place. He made a fantastic start in the second race and although Josh was again too strong, the way Pete fought with Bridewell was excellent. He was always looking at Mansfield or the chicane as overtaking attempts as he was very strong in the second sector and when he made his move on the final lap, it was a brilliant effort.
” Congratulations to the team on an excellent result from everyone at Briggs Equipment. Peter and the RAF Reserves will be back in action at Oulton Park on September 4-6.