Sam Burman ended her season on a high at the final race meeting of the Thundersport GB Championship last weekend. Riding her immaculately prepared Phill Burman Racing Honda RS125, she battled through to a brace of fourth place finishes over the two days at Donington Park and Mallory Park, despite being involved in a start line incident in the first race of the weekend. The results rewarded Burman with fourth place in the final championship standings, proving she is a force to be reckoned with.
 
On the Saturday at Donington Park, Burman was slightly disappointed with the first qualifying session, but with a new rear tyre and some minor adjustments to the set up, she more than made up for this in the final qualifying period, during which she set her best ever lap times at the circuit in securing her first front row start of the Thundersport season, just under half a second shy of pole sitter, Ed Rendell.
 
As the lights went out to start the first of the day’s two races, Burman was immediately struck by another rider, ending her race before it had even started. There was minor damage to both rider and machine, but both would be ready to do battle once again for race two later in the day.
 
Taking up her second position on the grid, Burman was in determined mood, and made a good start to the race as the leading group entered Redgate corner for the first time. As the pack settled down, newly crowned Champion Ed Rendell, built a handsome lead over Adam Dudley, with Burman locked in a close battle for third place with Shaun Winfield, the pair exchanging places several times.

On the final lap, Burman had sneaked ahead, only to find Winfield out-braking her into the chicane, a position he would narrowly hold to the chequered flag. Burman, however, was pleased with her riding, and felt that this was the best she had ridden all year.
 
The final race in the Thundersport GP3 series took place the following day at Mallory Park, which is not one of Burman’s favourite circuits. She was a little nervous, but at the same time confident that a change of riding style, developed the previous day, would help her feel more settled, particularly under heavy braking.
 
The organisers had decided to combine the Thundersport GP3 with the EMRA club regulars for both qualifying and the race, and with more machines on the circuit, coupled with a delay due to an accident involving Tom Weedon during qualifying, Burman would qualify on the fourth row of the grid in 14th position.

As the race got underway, Burman got her head down and over the coming laps, battled through the pack in impressive style, and once she had some clear road ahead, she controlled the gap to those behind from her pitboard, finishing in a well deserved seventh place overall, and fourth of the Thundersport GP3 competitors. Needless to say, she was delighted with her performance, and to take fourth in the Championship at the final round.
 
“I was really looking forward to Donington, and after qualifying second, I felt things were going really well," said Sam. "I was so disappointed with the first race but lapping faster than ever before finished the day off well in the second race. Then to Mallory I was again happy with my riding in the race and feel we have a lot to build on for next year. I would like to thank all at Thundersport and congratulate them on a brilliant first season, thanks.”