Broc Parkes reflects on Brands Hatch BSB success
Broc Parkes delivered the ePayMe Yamaha team their strongest performance of the BSB season so far, qualifying for Superpole and securing fourth place on the grid to head the second row. John Hopkins meanwhile returned from his shoulder injury and qualified in 15th place.
In the opening race Parkes was battling inside the top five, proving the pace of the ePayMe Yamaha and crossed the line in sixth place to complete his first race with the team. In race two the Australian was pushing for a repeat performance, however with a different feeling after some changes for the second race, he finished 13th to add to his points tally.
Hopkins put in a gritty performance in the opening race to run a solid pace, despite still not being at full strength in his shoulder, which later forced him to retire from race two.
Broc Parkes
“I felt like the weekend went well and we have to look at the big picture. This was the first time I had actually raced, because at Snetterton I was involved in the crash at turn two. To get into Superpole again and qualify fourth was better than I had initially expected but a great result for me and the team.
“We changed something after warm up and in the race I was really in the mix with the guys and was running in the top five until the very end of the race when I got done and ended up sixth, but it’s so close in this championship.
“In race two we made another change between races and then for the first time in the weekend I kept feeling like I was going to lose the front and a few times I did rescue it. I was in a big battle with Dan Linfoot and Christian Iddon at the end and they have both been on the podium this year, so it just shows how tough these races can be, but I am happy with the progress we are making.
“We had some good input from what I experienced with the Yamaha at the Eight Hour which the team are working with and hopefully we can take another step forward.”
Team owner Tommy Hill
“The weekend started well with Broc and John being back with the team. We had our best qualifying result of the season with Broc being in Superpole for the second time in as many appearances and starting fourth.
“In race one Broc made some great moves and really had a fight on his hands and only just missed out on the top five. It was a tougher race two, but we had some really great feedback from Broc after his experiences in Suzuka for the Eight Hour.
“John again showed his speed to be setting some really consistent times but deep down we all knew it was going to be a tough weekend for him coming back from injury. In race two he just didn’t have the strength and had to retire. The break now before Cadwell Park will be good for him and he will come back stronger at the next round for sure.”
