The Appleyard Macadam Yamaha team bounced back after their first-round disappointment to take a solid points haul and two podiums at Oulton Park. Bradley Perie took a hard fought second place and third, Harry Truelove two fast paced fourth finishes.
The team hit the ground running at their closest venue for the traditional three-day Saturday-Monday event, after a positive test at the Cheshire circuit the week before.
Saturday’s practice sessions were held in dry conditions and the Appleyard duo showed their confidence in Free Practice 1, with Brad and Harry logging P2 and P3 respectively.
Qualifying was held in a tricky combination of wet tarmac with drying patches meaning the top riders times oscillated wildly. Harry took the fifth fastest time whilst Brad gave himself work to do with eighth, back on the third row of the grid.
The opening 12 lap Sprint race saw a strong start from Brad as he immediately scythed through the grid on the opening lap, to cross the line after lap one in third. He immediately went one better to move into second place and had a titanic battle with TT star Lee Johnston, which was probably the best action of the race. Brad held off Johnston in a determined fashion to take second place at the chequered flag and his first points of the season!
Harry had a strong ride to fight and win his own personal battle with previous Supersport Champion Luke Stapleford, taking a fine fourth place.
Monday’s longer 16 lap ‘Feature’ race started with improved grid positions for the Yamaha YZF-R6 mounted riders; Brad moving to the font row (P3) and Harry on the next with P3. Brad got away with the leading pairing of Jack Kennedy and Lee Johnston but they managed to up their pace slightly. Harry had a decent start and set about catching Brad, matching his times towards the end but happy enough to log another fourth place.
Bradley Perie explained; “It was good to get some decent points on the board with a couple of podiums, which is where we should be. Obviously race one I managed to force myself through to second but in todays race I saw the leading guys clear off and thought I was going slow, until I realised I was doing 1:37’s. So the pace has moved on and we know what we need to be doing when we come back here later in the year. Next up it’s my favourite track, Donington.”
Harry Truelove said, “It was another good points haul and I’m feeling more comfortable on the bike each session. This is the fastest I’ve ever been round Oulton which I would have hoped would have been enough for a podium, hopefully we’ll get back on that box at Donington!”
Team Owner Robin Appleyard said, “We’ve had four solid results to be honest, it’s just that Jack set a fantastic pace. Both our lads have gone faster than they’ve ever been round here before we just need to find a little bit more to battle for the lead. Harry’s pace has noticeably improved over the weekend and for Brad it was important to get a couple of good point scoring results in the bag.”
