Honda Racing UK - Brands Hatch race report - Superstock class
The 23-time Isle of Man TT winner made steady progress throughout the weekend, qualifying 16th on the grid with a best lap of 1:27.938. More significantly, the lap marked McGuinness' fastest ever lap of the Brands Hatch GP circuit, highlighting the quality short circuit pace of the Honda Racing UK rider, despite competing against Britain's next generation of Superstock talent.
Saturday's opening 10-lap race saw McGuinness produce a measured and consistent ride. Starting from 16th on the grid, he crossed the line in 17th, narrowly missing out on championship points after maintaining competitive pace throughout the race.
Sunday's 14-lap encounter proved even more encouraging. Although he dropped to 19th on the opening lap, McGuinness settled into a strong rhythm and worked his way back through the field to finish 14th, claiming championship points and demonstrating impressive race pace over the longer distance.
The weekend underlined the continued competitiveness of both rider and superstock machine, with McGuinness consistently reducing the gap to the established Superstock frontrunners.
John McGuinness MBE
I enjoyed my racing this weekend. I was pleased to be able to post my PB last time at the GP circuit and while it was only quicker by a whisker, it was still quicker. I felt some frustration in the second race, I had the pace and confidence at the end of the straights to be handy, but didn't have the drive onto those straights to be able to make the most of it. I enjoyed seeing the team working together so well, they're making small steps when they can and it's encouraging progress.
