Big Improvement for Jack Kennedy at Thruxton – Motorsport.ie

Well, what a weekend!  We knew Jack would have pace around Thruxton but he showed us something more this weekend!  He showed a determination and pace that has impressed everyone.  Right from Friday’s free practice 1, he was fully committed and on the pipe- The Jack we all know is well and truly back!

In qualifying, Jack showed his class, banging in a time on his first flying lap to go straight to P3 before the red flag came out  due to McConnell’s bike bellowing out oil and smoke.   Jack then sat out the rest of Q1 as his time was good enough to make it to Q2 to qualify in 12th spot ahead of former champions, Byrne & Kiyo, 17th & 22nd respectively.

In race 1 he kept his cool staying upright when Richard Cooper’s bike blew up at Church covering Jack in oil from his helmet to his boots. In the restarted race he was locked in a battle swapping positions throughout the laps with Byrne, Mossey, Buchan, Bridewell and Mainwaring.  As the pack headed down to Club Chicane for the final time, Buchan crashed out collecting Bridewell in the process.  Jack held on to claim his best finish of the season so far for Team WD-40 in 7th place.

Jack was fired up for a repeat performance in Race 2 and was feeling even stronger but the nature of Thruxton lends itself to many different racing lines and when battling with four time champion, Shakey Byrne for 5th, he clipped the back of him and went down hard at Campbell Corner.  Luckily he walked away with only minor injuries to his hand and arm and he’s already looking forward to Cadwell!  Despite the disappointment of not getting a result in race two, he is still feeling upbeat about how things are going as he is not too far off now. It’s great to see him back up the sharp end and back to enjoying his racing.  Jack and Team WD-40 will look to keep that momentum going now and finish the season strong for the remaining 5 rounds.