“Us Scots aren’t made for weather like this” INCompetition Aprilia
The INCompetition Sencat team had a successful weekend at Brands Hatch GP circuit. Lewis Rollo, Josh Owens and Freddie Barnes all had positive results and are growing in confidence as the rounds go on. Lewis secured another handful of Pathway podiums with a second and two wins. Josh gained a 4th and 9th place in the National Superstock class and Freddie 24th and 22nd position in the Supersport class.
Bennetts British Superbikes
In a complete contrast to the Snetterton weather it was sweltering this weekend at Brands. Lewis rode very well throughout the weekend and managed to qualify in 18th place on the grid for the opening race on Saturday afternoon.
He had a good race but had to settle for second in the Pathway class behind Alex Olsen who he battled with throughout the 20-lap race. Once again for race two he started from 18th position, he got a better start in this one and was pushed hard by his Snetterton rival Storm Stacey, he managed to win the Pathway class and was 15th in the main class.
For the final race of the weekend, he was elevated to 14th on the grid. He got another good start, and this time was locked in a six-bike battle with some strong experience Superbike riders. He pushed hard for his second Pathway win of the weekend.
Lewis – “It was another brilliant weekend; us Scots aren’t made for weather like this! We got loads of laps in and I managed to put in my quickest time on Friday and then again in qualifying. We just kept improving all weekend. I got some good starts in the first two races but for race one we made the wrong change to the bike, so I couldn’t push as much as I would have liked too.
We reverted to the settings we knew worked well for race two, managed another good start, get in the points and take the Pathway win. For the final race I got a terrible start, but it was probably one of our best races of the season. I was riding with some experienced Superbike riders and didn’t feel out of place. The overall result didn’t reflect the race for me, but it was great to take another Pathway win. I can’t wait for Thruxton as I think the Aprilia will be well suited there. Thank you once again to all the team and the sponsors.”
Pirelli National Superstock
Josh had a good weekend at Brands in the National Superstock class. He rode well all weekend and despite an unexplained crash in practice it all went well. He ended up qualifying on the front row in third place. He had a strong race and was only pushed back to fourth when a hard charging Luke Mossey came through on him.
For race two he started from 7th, he struggled a little in this race to stay with the leading pack, but we know the team will be working hard to find improvements and help Josh at the remaining rounds.
Josh – “It was a positive weekend at Brands, we managed to get out before the rain in qualifying and secured a front row. We are just struggling a little bit on set-up to get that last little bit we need to be fighting at the front. We just need to find that missing part and sure it’ll then all fall into place. I know there is more to come and sure we will be ok at the future rounds. I want to be up there fighting for podiums and wins. Thank you again to all the team for their continued support and dedication.”
Quattro Plant British Supersport
Freddie Barnes once again consistently improved throughout the weekend. He makes huge steps from FP1 to the main race and took 1.7 seconds off his time from start to finish. His best lap of the second race was on lap 12 with a 1:30:046 and he was able to achieve the 1:30s for many laps.
Freddie – “This weekend has been crazy, we have had a lot of pace from the start but not had the luck on our side to get to the position the team and I deserve, but we still enjoyed every second. Thank you to all my sponsors plus J & S and LS2 for protecting me all weekend.”
Chris Barnes – SENCAT – “We’re so proud of all the riders and the team that make up INCompetition Aprilia racing. Everyone continues to impress, and the team bond makes racing a pleasure for everyone involved.
Lewis and the Pathway bike are going from strength to strength. He showed some real pace in the dry conditions, proving he and the bike can run with the Superbikes. With two out of three Pathway wins and the battle of the season so far, we are over the moon and ready for Thruxton.
Despite the crash in practice, Josh continues to show real grit and determination to improve. Josh is more than capable of winning races and it’s only a matter of time before he’s stood on that podium again.
Freddie summed up in three words – future superstar! Hats off to the team for a super slick engine change to get Freddie out for the Sprint race. His progression continues and his lap times are tumbling.
Josh and Freddie will be competing on the Aprilia RSV4 in the support race at Silverstone MotoGP and we can’t wait!
Press Release from INCompetition Aprilia | Photos: Camipix
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