Test day on the Friday was exciting in many ways, firstly it was just fantastic to be back in the paddock and seeing all the crews again, but also, it was Louisa’s first time out as an official, novice passenger, helping Wayne out for testing and set up! A very proud moment, even if I was slightly nervous, it’s something she’s grown up with and has been determined to give it a go!
The weather was changeable but they managed to get out in the dry for the first session. Phil Bridge was on hand to look after the outfit along side Wayne and Taylor Oldroyd was there to support Louisa! Kay kept me company and kept me calm…. Thank you !!
The engine had been set up on the dyno the day before and our Motec man joined Wayne to set up a new map and get all the gremlins out that prevented us from having any kind of success last year!!
Session 2 was better, a little faster on the straight sections and teaching Louisa how to move with the outfit in the corners. It was clear that the pace was up but she was managing it very well……. Right up to the last lap of the session! Coming through the bus stop, there was a slower outfit in front and Wayne had to change the race line briefly to avoid any closeness, Louisa didn’t pre empt this and missed her handle, taking a tumble on the exit! Although she was narrowly missed by following machines, she jumped up and got off the track, seemingly unhurt and shrugged it off!
Wayne got back to the pits and waited for news, the session stopped as medics needed to get on track to check her out. Back at the med centre, all checks complete, Louisa was bruised up, but quite adamant that she was fine, so much so that she was keen to go back out after a couple of hours rest! Some girl that!! Wayne was concerned that the shower of rain had made the track to greasy and didn’t want to risk going out again as it would almost definitely slip and potentially shake Louisa up after the last episode! A wise choice to call it a day and be very thankful that no major harm was done and Louisa’s confidence as well as health, was still in tact!
Great to see Horst and Bertie…… I’m sure they can’t quite believe Louisa’s brave enough to get out there!
Time to pack up and head off to Darley Moor to get a TT signature with Matty Rostron.
