Fridays Free practice and qualifying saw Victor 25th on the grid, not ideal at the very fast Hampshire circuit where overtaking is difficult. During these sessions Victor experienced tyre problems with the rear wheel spinning through the very fast corners at around 150 mph as the bike was lent over.
As race approached, the pace at the front was on lap record times with Steve Plater clocking the fastest ever Superstock lap on his HM Plant Honda in a time of 1 minute 17.29 seconds an average speed of 109 mph.
After the Sunday morning warm up session, the J&L Motorcycles team changed a few settings on Victor’s bike but it was a gamble as to whether this would improve lap times
Victor made a cracking start in the race and climbed up the field at every chance. By the halfway stage he even got ahead of Richard Cooper who won Superstock races last season. Victor had trouble passing James Hiller who was sticking to the racing line, making it harder for Victor to pass. Victor made his move on Hiller in the closing stages and crossed the finish line in 11th place
Steve Plater won the race in a time of 19 minutes 35.39 seconds, an average speed of 108.23 mph. Plater also set a new lap record in a time of 1 minute 16.93 seconds, a speed of 110.23 mph. Victor’s race time was 19 minutes 54.70 seconds, a speed of a 106.48 mph. Victor's fastest lap of the race was 1 minute 18.26 seconds.
Victor said afterwards “It has been a hard weekend but I’m really pleased with the result, had I got past Hiller sooner then a top ten may have been possible. I want to thank my team for all their efforts and the long hours put in over the weekend. Thanks also to the race fans who donated money to the CHECT Charity collection box in the paddock”
Victor is now looking towards the next round on May Bank Holiday weekend - Round 3 - Oulton Park 1/2/3 May
Adapted from the article and picture by Paul Korkus www.pkphotomedia.co.uk