JUST three weeks after crashing out of Round 5 of the British Superstock 1000 Championship, subsequently breaking a rib and a vertebrae, Mount Gambier’s Levi Day was backin action and back on the pace for Round 7 at Snetterton.
After much rehabilitation for his injuries, Day had to undergo a fit-to-ride test prior to the round and was cleared to race.
He faced a flat, technical circuit where speeds close to 270kph could be reached on the two long straights, then demanding, tight hairpins to put his body through its paces for just one race over the weekend.
The Friday consisted of two practice sessions which allowed Day to test the waters.
“It allowed me to see how my body was feeling on the bike and steadily work away at our set up,” he said.
“I was feeling a little stiff on the bike, understandbly. but the BSB Physios were a great help in keeping on top of my mobility through out the weekend.
“I ended the combined practice sessions in 16th place, one second off top spot.”
With such a strong field to compete against, Day said he was pleased with the position.
Saturday saw one qualifying session in ideal conditions.
“I bettered my practice time on old tyres at the start of qualifying, then we put a new rear tyre in to do the second half of qualifying,” Day said.
“I was really happy with our set up of the bike and I got some clear track to put my head down for a flyer.
“I managed to go 1.4 seconds quicker than the previous day – which was a personal best for me also – to go under the lap record at a 1:49.7.
“There were eight of us who went under the lap record and I managed to go sixth quickest in qualifying.”
That put Day on the second row of the grid for Sunday’s race.
Race day provided warmer weather, but a tough start saw Day drop down to 11th on the first lap after some early scuffles.
Day was pleased with his pace and moved up to eight position, where he was comfortable, until the final corner of the race.
Another rider pushed him wide and into the grass, but Day stayed on the bike and crossed th eline in ninth.
It was an impressive effort considering his return from injury.
“Overall I am really proud how our weekend went,” Day said.
“Another top 10 in this insanely competitive field is always a good weekend.
“To do it with the injuries I’m still carrying was a really positive weekend for us.”
There is no rest ahead for the Australian rider, with five race meetings on the trot, including a stint on a BSA Goldstar motorcycle at the Goodwood Revival.
“I am so fortunate to have such an amazing support crew around me, from my wife, my mechanics and team boss,” Day said.
“They all have such positive attitudes and allow me to do my job at the best possible level I can.
“I’m so excited for Silverstone this weekend and can’t wait to continue our progress.”
