BUCHAN BATTLES THROUGH THE PAIN FOR POINTS
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BUCHAN BATTLES THROUGH THE PAIN FOR POINTS
Seton Tuning Yamaha’s Danny Buchan battled through the pain barrier to record two more point-scoring rides, as Silverstone in Northamptonshire hosted two dramatic races in the penultimate round of the 2013 Motorpoint British Supersport Championship at the weekend (4-6 October). Danny returned to the scene of the crime at Silverstone - the circuit he suffered what could have been very serious injuries through a testing crash just three weeks ago. As a result of those injuries, team principal Phil Seton was forced to withdraw Danny from the previous round at the Assen TT. Eager to return to the series and to vanquish the demons, Danny looked to overcome his persisting elbow injury and locked horns with Scott Smart throughout the weekend as the Essex-based rider looked to maintain his 100% point-scoring performances in every round he has competed in for the Colchester-based team. The 3.66 mile Silverstone GP circuit is not the most conducive to a rider of Danny’s considerable stature. With long straights it is all about maintaining top end speed. As a World Superbike circuit, grid formation saw the riders line up with only three per row. Qualifying 15th with a time of 2:13.229s, Danny’s Seton Tuning Yamaha R6 would take position on the back of row 5 for the 9-lap Sprint race on Saturday afternoon. After a race-long battle with Smart & Guiver, Danny claimed 14th at the chequered flag, his fastest lap of the race (2:11.994s) elevated Danny one spot to 14th for the 12-lap Main Event. Conditions were perfect as the lights went out for Sunday’s Main Event. Seeley grabbed the holeshot as the field flowed through the opening laps. A Kervin Bos crash on lap 3 brought out the safety car until the culmination of lap 6. With racing back on, Danny looked to capitalise upon the field bunching up but had to settle for the final point scoring position of 15th at the flag.
Pirelli National Superstock rider James Mutton continued his steep learning curve of the 2013 season at Silverstone. With the class receiving limited time in the saddle over the weekend, James was on the back foot after a wet opening Free Practice on Friday morning. Progressing with each session, James’ lap time of 2:17.170s put the young Australian rider into 21st position on the grid to line up on the back of row 7. James would have his work cut out to make inroads on the point scoring positions, but maintained station through the opening corners. However, a massive incident involving four riders on the first lap saw the race prematurely red-flagged. The re-start was deferred until post Superbike race 1, and reduced to just seven laps. James made a solid start to proceedings and became embroiled within a six-rider dice, posting his quickest lap of the weekend (2:17.000s), taking the chequered flag in 26th. The final round of the season will take place at Brands Hatch GP circuit over the weekend of 18-20 October, where both the Supersport and Superstock 600 titles will be decided. |
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Phil Seton, Team Principal: “It was great to back at Silverstone after missing the Assen round. It was very positive for Danny to be back after such a big accident here is testing. The team worked really hard with a brand new bike that we had to build in the interim for Danny finding a good set-up. Danny made steady progress throughout the weekend and managed to push quite hard in both races. Unfortunately, the results didn’t quite reflect the overall effort of Danny and the team, but he will be back to full speed for Brands. James had another good weekend, knocking over three seconds from his lap time. He was getting progressively quicker and was knocking on the door of the top 20. The team was fantastic again this weekend. We now have a much smaller outfit than at the start of the season but the atmosphere is tremendous, everyone is relaxed and the camaraderie is first class. It was also great to welcome Steve Elliot back to the team after a four year lay-off. Roll on the final round at Brands Hatch!” Danny Buchan #83: “Considering the circumstances, the weekend was good. I couldn't really get comfortable on the bike all weekend and relax which is not like me at all. So we struggled a bit but we made progress with the bike over the weekend and got quicker. It's just that 6ft 3” on a 600 round Silverstone is tough. I expected more from myself but thanks to the team and my sponsors for the weekend. Roll on Brands Hatch where we can make up for Silverstone.” James Mutton #34: “I’m not so disappointed with the weekend even though p26 isn’t where I want to be at all. It was nice to finally get some feeling with the bike and start to build my confidence back up. I’m looking forward to the final round at Brands Hatch as I think I’ve got a good base setting to start with and improve my previous times at the track, before I head back to Australia and enjoy the sunshine and beaches!” Images © Paul Walker (www.walkersportpics.co.uk) |
