Strong début for Robbie Bugden, Xpress Superstock
Raceline Photography
By Carly Rathmell
October 15 2005
Aussie replacement to the Xpress Racing team, Robbie Bugden, had an impressive weekend on his début race on the Suzuki GSX-R1000 K5 at Brands Hatch. Despite crashing out of the race, the young Australian certainly made a big impact on the Superstock grid.
Adapting well to the bike throughout the weekend, having only ever ridden it once before the race weekend, Bugden settled himself nicely into the flow of things. Improving dramatically as the weekend progressed, Bugden qualified in 11th position on the grid. Not only having to adapt to a new bike but also having to learn one of the most technical and difficult circuits in the UK on Metzeler tyres, it was a big step for him and the Xpress Racing team.
photo courtesy of Raceline Photography
Bugden gained a strong start in the race and, lap by lap, he crept up through the field - making everyone stand up and take notice. By the penultimate lap he was in fourth position, looking to make a move for a podium position on the final lap. Sadly it was not to be, as the tyres were degrading and he lost the front end going into Druids. Despite the crash, it was looking like he was going to make his début in the UK with a podium finish.
Although the result was not his desired one, Bugden was still extremely happy with the way things had gone, commenting, “I came to England wanting to have a strong ride, and Nigel and the team at Xpress Racing gave me every possible chance to perform at my best. With a great bike and the chance to test prior to the meeting, I was confident come race day I would be on the pace. It is a real shame that I fell at Druids on the last lap, chasing Hickman, but I thought I should push for the podium rather than just settle for fourth. I knew I had to stay with him (Hickman) down through Graham Hill, or I would not be able to reel him in down the back straight. As it was, the front got away from me and I could not save it.
“I would like to thank Nigel and his team at Xpress Racing for the chance to ride in the final round at Brands Hatch, and can only say sorry for not bringing home the desired result. But if the chance presents itself I would love to come back and have another go.”
Team Manager Nigel Broomhall was delighted with Robbie, saying, “We could not have asked for more this weekend. Although Robbie didn’t manage to finish the race, he was certainly inspiring and had us all on edge at the prospect of a podium finish. He worked incredibly hard this weekend to learn a new track and a new bike. Together the team made massive progress, and I was delighted how well Robbie slotted into the team - providing excellent feedback, enabling us to give him what he needed. Everything and everyone worked very well together.
“We have had our highs and lows this year, but I believe it has certainly ended on a high. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported the team in 2005 - without their help we would not have been able to achieve as much as we have. I’d also like to give a special thank you to Dave Johnson, our main rider in the championship this year, and to wish him a successful future in his riding career. Perhaps he will come back and ride for us again sometime. Lastly, a very big thank you to all of our sponsors, who I look forward to working with next year.”
For further information on Xpress Racing, and to find out how you could become involved with the team in 2006 and beyond, please visit www.xpressracing.co.uk.
To buy the photographs shown above, visit Raceline Photography