EVESHAM-based Jones Dorling Racing ended their silverware drought courtesy of Cameron Fraser’s third-placed finish in the opening round of the 1,000cc and 600cc Superstock series, supporting the British Superbikes at Silverstone.
JDR have expanded to a four-bike team since last season, with experienced riders Ben Godfrey from Nottingham and South African Jordan Weaving from Stroud joining young 600 riders Fraser and Ewan Potter.
Friday’s free practice was a mixed bag with Godfrey and Potter improving their lap times, but Weaving having an off at Becketts due to a technical issue and Fraser in the top three for both sessions.
Qualifying on Saturday was difficult for Weaving due to issues with the Suzuki 1,000 following his Friday crash, but Godfrey pushed hard to qualify in eighth with a new personal best lap time of 55.3.
In the 600 qualifying session, Potter reduced his lap times for 24th place and Fraser rode an amazing session, constantly pushing and battled to an impressive second with a front row start for Sunday’s race.
The afternoon brought the first two-part race of the season for the two 1,000 riders. Despite the crew working into the early hours to repair the damage, Weaving’s bike was not ready.
Godfrey rode an awesome race, battling all the way around sixth and he then got caught up in traffic from another incident which knocked him back to 12th, but he pushed hard to cross the line in ninth.
Race two started after a brilliant ten-minute pit-stop from the crew, with Godfrey getting a good start but he then hit a false neutral, losing him 15 places. Still pushing, he crashed out a few laps later.
Sunday’s race day was challenging for Weaving, starting at the back of the grid, but he fought to cross the line in 16th in the 1,000, with Godfrey crashing out and now awaiting an operation on his hand.
The 600 race was delayed due to a start-line incident before the race got under way with Fraser on P2 and Potter P24. Potter had a great race, fighting his way through the field to finish 14th and knock two seconds off his lap time and bag his first points.
Fraser had an exciting and well thought out race, determinedly battling through the first part of the race but losing a place a few laps in. He was pushing hard fighting for a podium all the way.
He raced across the finishing line in a deserved third place, with only half a second separating the top three, bringing Jones Dorling Racing their first trophy in 13 years.
Fraser said: “Huge thanks to JDR for all their support and hard work. It’s an honour to repay you with your first silverware for many years.”
The team travel to Oulton Park for the next round. Follow the team’s progress at www.jonesdorlingracing.co.uk.
