A DEVASTATING crash at Brands Hatch just two weeks ago looked to have destroyed Liam Delves’ season as he struggled to come to terms with the finances needed to repair his bike and get back on the track.
But with the help of family, friends, sponsors and a Go Fund Me page, it has been possible to get the job done as Delves returned to action at Cadwell over the weekend.
Delves rode well to secure third place in his first race and was fighting for the win in the second race when he slipped off the bike at the chicane on lap nine of 12.
“I would like to thank every single person that has helped me get back on track this weekend,” said Delves. “My bike feels brand new.
“I can’t thank you all enough for getting me back it means the world to me and my family. The hard work that has been involved, blood, sweat and lots of tears; I am so proud to have so much support.”
The officials decided on a different format for the races at Cadwell Park with the two sets of riders setting off separately.
The Moto3 riders were first away and then 30 seconds later the Moto3 standard riders set off in a second wave.
After setting provisional pole in the first qualifying session, Delves was sixth in the second session and started the ten-lap sprint race from the second row.
He was soon up to fifth place on lap two which is where he maintained his position until the final lap when he overtook both Asher Durham and TJ Toms to snatch third position at the flag.
Starting the second race from the second row, Delves got away to a good start and settled into third place for the first couple of laps.
He was very close to the top two riders and on lap six he swept past them to take up the lead.
But it was short lived as they fought back and the teenager found himself back in third place one lap later.
As they exited the chicane on lap nine Delves was again in the lead when he slipped off the bike and out of the race. He was unhurt and the bike suffered only cosmetic damage and although disappointed to have crashed he was at least challenging for the win.
“I was really pleased with my first race result and I was in with a good chance of the win in race two but it wasn’t to be,” Delves added.
“Let’s see what we can do at the next round. I have to say a huge thank you to the following for their input in getting me back out after my crash at Brands Hatch. “Brent Gladwin, Dr Moto, Crucial Sauces, Simon Sturman, Pete Banks at Banks Racing, Moto Engineering, Scott Leathers, Oxford Products for my HJC Helmets, Nasty Paint and everyone else that got me back on track.”
The next round is at Oulton Park in Cheshire over the weekend of September 7-9.
