07-10-2008    Troy's Diary: " Only a win would do "

I was coasting at 2/3 race distance in race one. Practice had gone well and I was under strict orders from both Davide and Kim. I was pulling back on the reigns to only do what was needed to secure secure the championship.

This year has been a bit of a roller coaster ride in many ways and when I crossed the line with a third championship I was only relieved. Job done!

By the time post race stuff was done, little bit of food and some TLC from my trainer Rok it was game on for the second race. Nori, Corser and Yamaha have been on Form and after his double here last year and his winning streak in the last few races Nori was the man to beat. We put a harder front tyre for the second race and I was nervous.

Only a win would do. My starts have been good all year and this one was great. It was only short lived though and when Nori came past I hung on. Every lap was fast with no mistakes and he was gapping me in the last split by at least 2/10.

I made a few mistakes, one when I ran wide at the hairpin and my feet slipped off a couple of times change of direction in the last chicane. The weather was dirty and when it started spitting rain we slowed a little. Corser risked a little more and closed in the to make it 3 at the front but after running wide when passing me and the lap times coming back it was back to just 2. with 7 laps to go I was sorting out my last split and feeling good on the front. Nori had showed everything and I had been trying different moves. With 3 laps to go I was looking for any opportunity. In the second split there were 2 places where I was faster in mid corner. I was working at it and when I got it right and drew alongside him for a pass I knew that I needed to put a good lap together. I did. 1/10 off my lap record on the last lap. That's what it takes and that's what I get off on!

TB 21