Michelin Power Cup front-runner Gaz Evans made his roads debut at the 2012 Southern 100 in preparation for a full assault on the Isle of Man TT next year.
The 32-year-old, riding a P&P Racing BMW S1000RR, joined 32 other newcomers to the circuit when he lined up for Monday evening's practice. Despite early issues, Evans managed a trouble-free opening night and looked forward to Tuesday night practice, qualifying and the following evening's races,
He was entered in Wednesday night’s eight-lap Senior race but unfortunately ended with a non-finish due to rear shock failure, pulling out at three-quarter distance while in a mid-field position.
The following morning he and mechanic Craig were out and about early to get scrutineered ready for the final race on the main day of the week - the six-lap Senior Support Consolation Race. On the opening lap there was a whole gaggle of S100 newcomers taking up space in the top ten and, as the race progressed, Evans was in a tense battle for third.
The timing sheets will show second to tenth was covered by 10 seconds and ninth-placed Evans was sandwiched between experienced road racers, Scottish youngster Callam Laidlaw and Portuguese Nuno Caetano, who was just over a tenth of a second in Evans' shadow. Fastest lap of the race for Evans was just shy of 100mph and 19 seconds a lap faster than his qualifying time from Monday evening.
"We went to the Southern with no expectations, looking for a finish and nothing else. It hit home what I had let myself in for on the first lap when Cummins came past me into Church with his tail wagging," said Evans.
"It's a solid step towards TT 2013 and it also showed us our bike preparation is spot on - apart from the rear shock failure on Wednesday evening the P&P BMW S1000RR went brilliantly. I'm now looking forward to Oliver's Mount this weekend and we are still looking at the Ulster GP as further preparation for next year, I'd also like to thank Pat & Paul Freeman as I wouldn't be here without them, and my vital other sponsors, HELD leathers, Racebikebitz, Smudged Tees and my entire team."
