Smith Gloucester Racing’s Josh Day, 2010 Metzeler National Superstock Champion, talks to www.bikesportnews about his 2011 season and how his current team rescued his racing year in the Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship as he prepares for the penultimate round of the year at Silverstone this weekend.
Day started the season in the Evo class but was left without a ride due to the collapsing of the team but was fortunately offered the opportinity to step in for the injured Luke Mossey at Smith Gloucester Racing earlier in the season.
Day has now ridden for the team at two rounds scoring points in every race and has been confirmed to ride again at Silverstone. In the previous round at Donington, Day was running in sixth place before the race was red flagged. He then impressively battled his way up to 13th after having to start from pitlane.
Day said: “I was really looking forward to Donington, I haven’t been there for over two years and because it was wet in the first practice I’d only done 20 laps before qualifying so to put the Smiths (Gloucester) Racing Triumph on the front row was awesome. Honestly I think I could have maybe even gone quicker on my last lap but I had a huge moment so that was that. Again the races didn’t really go too well, I said after Cadwell I had to sort out qualifying and I did that so now for Silverstone I have to sort out my Starts. In race two I was 18th into the first corner but got back to 6th, if I had got away I think I could have been up with the front four challenging for the podium.
“I’m pretty happy with how I’m riding at the moment, it’s hard enough to jump straight on a new bike and go and compete with some of the best riders in the country at the start of a season so as I haven’t had much track time his year I think I’m doing ok. Each time I go out I feel more comfortable and confident, as for results I don’t feel they show on paper how strong we have been. The team and the bike deserve to be on the podium every race, at Cadwell it was hard for me after because I’d only had a short time on the bike but I think I had the pace to get up around the top eight but just couldn’t make any passes stick but I’m happy with how it went.
“When asked what does he think of 2011 racing season, he said: “Well it’s been a challenging one, definitely made me stronger and even more dedicated to succeed. After watching my rivals from Superstock 600 have pretty successful years you kind of think I can do that, and I believe I still can. I wouldn’t say it’s been a waste because I’ve learnt so much this season but it is disappointing, I want to get that winning feeling back again.
“Things have been awesome. I honestly can’t thank the Smiths (Gloucester) Racing Team enough for giving me this opportunity. I was thinking what the hell do I do now after things went wrong earlier this year, me and my family literally had nothing left so this really has saved my season. My confidence was pretty low and I’m still rebuilding it and this team are helping me do that so much. Everything is done in the right way, very professional and a lot of experience in the garage so it’s been great for me being able to be involved.
“Even though I am only standing in for their injured riders they really have made me feel at home. All the guys work so hard and have been patient with me and I’ve learnt so much. There have been no big issues really, obviously learning a new bike and tyres but other than that it’s just been awesome. The Triumph is very different from anything I’ve raced before but it’s the best bike I’ve raced by a long way, I just can’t get enough of it. The team have given me the opportunity to test a few times which is what I’ve needed all season really, just to do laps with no pressure and learn.
“Firstly I have to thank everybody involved with the AIR racing team for last season because even though towards the end it was getting tight we all put in so much effort to win the Superstock 600 Championship and we had a great time, I’ll never forget that. What happened at the start of this year though wasn’t great, we never really got things together which is a shame so to be honest the change of team has saved my year, my season started at Cadwell.”
As the season draws to an end the Cirencester rider is taking it round by round, but thoroughly intends to enjoy the opportunity to ride as he puts it ‘an awesome bike in an awesome team’ with the hopes that his results continue to show and catch the eye of sponsorship that will assist him next year.
He would also like to say a huge thankyou to "RIPS International, Nickel Designs and Euro Auctions for supporting me and getting me back out there to finish the season. Moto Direct for their help and the Smiths (Gloucester) Racing Team for giving me this chance."
