Midge Smart: Croft R6 Cup race report

Croft wasn't going to be easy at all, having never ridden the track in my life, and riding with a freshly broken collarbone was just a tad of a set-back. I managed to break my collarbone by doing a charity moped race, for ''Riders for Health''. Nice one. I wasn't really sure what it was going to be like at Croft, as I've never ridden with a broken bone before. But it definitely sucked. Having a 100+ mph left, right flick in the track didn't help at all.



Out in practice I did a few laps learning the track, and after about 6 laps I was in that much pain I had to cruise around for a bit. I did another 3 or 4 laps and the pain was that bad I had to cruise again. After a lap at walking pace, I put my head down to go for a couple of quick laps. At the end of the session I was 9th. I didn't think I was going to make the race, but Darren Roberts from the Red Bull team gave me a few pointers, i.e not wearing the shoulder brace, and he helped a lot as I lasted a lot longer in qualifying before I needed a rest. At the end of qualifying I managed a time to put me 8th on the grid. I was a bit shocked that I managed a second row start.



After warm-up my shoulder was hurting big time. But I wasn't gonna sit the race out. I'd rather ride in pain than watch the race. Stuff that. I got a mediocre start, and I noticed in the race, nobody in from of me was quicker than me in the turns, but where you have to hold on, and brake on an angle etc I couldn't hold on well enough because of my collarbone. I was gutted. I couldn't believe I could stick with them in the turns. I have no doubt I would have managed a top 4, or even a podium in the patchy conditions. This annoyed me even more but I just had to do my best. I came over the line in 7th position. In more pain than when I actually broke the collarbone.





Still, there's 3 rounds to go. If my collarbone is fixed by Cadwell Park, its game on! ( I really have to go shit or bust from here on in. The podium has my name all over it, as I am in much need of a few good results to keep on a bike next year! Ultimately a Supersport ride, if not, the R6 Cup is a good option if I can raise the money to ride. Raising 23k to go racing each year is not an easy task, with next year needing the funds again is going to be hard to find, which is why I have to thank my current sponsors so much for making the difference this season. Take a look at them on my website at www.midgesmart.com

Signing out,

Midge #53.