Motorcycle racer speeds around Brands Hatch track

East London Advertiser: Sam prepares with his team in the Brands paddock (pic: Samantha Mellows)Sam prepares with his team in the Brands paddock (pic: Samantha Mellows) (Image: Archant)

Sam Cox put the disappointment of engine failure in the previous round of the Supersport Series behind him to beat the 48-second barrier for his average lap time at Brands Hatch.

The Stepney local qualified for the opening race in 28th place, but worked hard to make up places.

By the chequered flag he had moved up to 20th, leaving Cox pleased with how his time on track panned out.

“This first race went well. After a boxed-in start and fighting through corners left me in a pack of riders, I began to pick each one off at a time,” said the Motoden-backed rider.

“By the end I was still pushing hard, so my fitness training has paid off and I was really happy with the bike’s performance too.”

The second race was the main event of the weekend and drew a crowd of 20,000 spectators to the Kent circuit.

Cox started in 25th position, but he again quickly made up ground on those around him and sped up the leaderboard.

The highlight of the weekend for the former Morpeth student was when he was told he had clocked an average lap time of 47.9secs, beating the 48-second mark for the first time in his six-year career.

“It is great to break through that 48-second barrier,” added Cox.

“It means a lot to me to see progress developing so early in the season. The use of electronics is giving me accurate feedback on which to change my riding style to the benefit of my lap times.

“I am realistic for the Championship this year and am treating it as a learning curve upon which to build something more in 2016.”

Motoden managing director George Dennison was also pleased with the development of Cox so far this term, adding: “This is a great start to Sam’s 2015 career in the Supersport Class. We appreciate how hard it is to break into, but Sam has an excellent attitude and approach and will enjoy more success.”

Next up for the speedster is a mid-season test at the fast Oulton Park track which has not been a happy hunting ground for him in the past.

But Cox insists he will draw from his positive experiences at the cicuit when he raced their last year.

“Oulton Park was never one of my favourite circuits, but last year in a televised race I broke the lap record. It changed my view of what was possible,” he said. “If I can achieve more consistency I hope to give my supporters and team more to cheer about next time out.”