LIAM Delves scored a seventh and then a sixth place finish in the two races that comprised the seventh round of the British Motostar GP125 championship at Cadwell Park over the weekend to retains his fourth place in the overall rider standings.
After qualifying in sixth place, Delves started Saturday’s sprint race from an eighth row grid position in the mixed grid of GP125 and the much more powerful Moto3 machines.
As the lights went out, the 15-year-old did not get the start he wanted and completed the first lap down in eighth place.
But as the race unfolded he made up ground and completed the ten-lap affair in seventh place (21st overall) to pick up a further nine championship points.
In Sunday’s feature race, the Smiths Wood Sports college student began from the eighth row but by the time the race was scheduled to start the rain had begun to fall and the riders were given a few laps of wet practice prior to the start and the race was reduced down to ten laps instead of the planned 12.
As the lights went out Delves settled into ninth place in his class (24th overall) and took his time to settle into his race rhythm in the slippery conditions.
By the half-way stage he was up to eighth place and then on the penultimate lap he passed both Wesley Jonker and Jamie Ashby to move into sixth place (19th overall) where he remained to the chequered flag.
“Following my crash at Anglesey last week it was discovered that I had broken two bones in my hand so I was unsure if I would be able to race at Cadwell,” said Delves.
“But I paid a visit to Ipswich for some laser treatment on the hand and it has eased the discomfort a lot.
“It didn’t really hamper me but I was conscious of the injury so took it a bit steadier than usual! Considering my problems I am quite happy with my results and look forward to the next round when I should be fully fit.
“I have to thank Pete Banks of Banks Racing for providing me with a perfect bike again this weekend and also Oxford Products for my HJC helmet and support at the track.
“Thanks also to my sponsors for their continued support. I must also say a huge thank you to Scott Leathers for my new race suit. They moved heaven and earth to get the suit made and delivered to me within four days for the Cadwell races so thank you very much it is really appreciated.”
Delves remains in fourth place in the rider standings on 159 points and will be anxious to add to his tally in the next round at Oulton Park on September 4/6.
