Successful Silverstone for Wilson Racing

Wilson Racing completed another confident weekend in the championship at Silverstone last weekend. James Cook battled in the leading group of riders finishing with two sixth places and Ryan Hitchcock knew came through the encounter with an 8^th and 7th place finish. They now stand 9^th and 10^th respectively in the championship in their rookie season.

Qualifying

Ryan Hitchcock posted a 1:03.096 which was the seventh fastest lap time in qualifying. Team mate James Cook had improved significantly in free practice on Friday and finished the second session fourth quickest. Unfortunately, the thirteen-year-old was unable to repeat that in qualifying and started the race from fourteenth position.

The team’s third rider Josh Hiatt had to miss this round after a continuing neck issue ruled him out.

Race One

Race one was probably one of the most exciting races of the season so far. Whilst Hitchcock lost a place on the opening lap he was about to embark on a roller coaster ride with his teammate, James Cook, and nine other riders over the full 25-lap race.

Hitchcock quickly recovered from his start and rose to sixth position in the early laps. James Cook was picking his way through the riders as well.

Whilst Cook was advancing up to ninth, Hitchcock was struggling by the half way stage. He had slipped to 12^th in the ten-rider battle for 6th place.

The two Wilson Racing riders then started to work their way to the front of the group.

By the end of the 17^th lap it was Hitchcock in 6^th leading the group once again. Two laps later teammate Cook was up to 9^th place. One lap later and Cook was riding right behind his teammate in 7^th.

The group of riders positions were changing lap by lap with Cook up to 6^th with five to go and Hitchcock 8^th. On the penultimate lap they lay 7^th and 8^th respectively with another rider just a fraction of a second ahead of both.

On the final lap Cook managed to make an overtake to secure a hard fought 6^th place and Hitchcock crossed the line just 0.3.60 seconds behind to finish 8^th place after a thrilling confrontation.

Race Two

For the second race, Cook lined up 7^th on the grid for race two with teammate Hitchcock starting from the middle of row five.

Cook managed a great start and put in a fantastic performance to stay with the leading group of riders. He switched positions with championship leader Franco Bourne and traded places with Evan Belford throughout the action. Running as high as fifth place at one stage Cook finished the race with another 6^th position at the flag.

Ryan Hitchcock had his work cut out starting back in 14^th place. He made up two places off the line with an energetic start. The number 43 went on to lead the chasing group for a while but positions changed repeatedly throughout the race. The group managed to chase down Corey Tinker with Hitchcock heading the group again as they crossed the line to take 7^th place.

Gary Wilson said, “The two lads rode extremely well this weekend. I am very proud of both of them. It was great to see James battling at the front of the race and holding his own. He just got faster each time he went out. Ryan also had a good race weekend. He was not fazed by being in a battle with others riders and came away with two very good results. We hope that Josh will be back with us as soon as possible but obviously his health comes first. Let’s see what the doctors say.”

The next round of the Honda British Talent Cup is on the weekend of 18^th to 20^th September at Oulton Park.