MOUNT Gambier motorcycle racer Levi Day has capped off solid Ducati TriOptions Cup season with a podium position in the final round and third place in the championship as a result.
In his first season in the category, Day battled wet weather and a quality field, climbing up three positions in the final round to claim the third-place championship finish.
“It was a result I didn’t think likely coming into the weekend,” Day said.
“I’m really pleased to have finished the season off so strong and with good pace in wet and dry conditions.
“My team at BPS racing have been nothing but supportive all season and had my back through all our results.”
The final round of the season was held at Assen in the Netherlands over the weekend.
Known as The Cathedral of Speed, Assen is a Grand Prix circuit, similar to Silverstone in the UK.
“It is quite different to many of the UK tracks, but the variety of circuits we race at on the BSB (British Super Bikes) calendar is something I rather enjoy,” Day said.
“Assen is also known for its mixture of weather, you can always be fairly certain you’ll have at least one wet session over a race weekend there.”
Wet weather would in fact arrive in time for the first race of the weekend, with Day already qualified second on the grid.
But with a tough record in the wet, Day knew he had a big job ahead to remain close to the front.
“Wet riding has been an obvious weak point in my riding for sometime, but every session we have I aim to work on my riding and bike set up,” he said.
“At Brands Hatch earlier in the year, I was 21st fastest, a long way from where I want to be.
“At Silverstone a little later on in the season, I finished 12th – still not where I want to be, but some improvement from Brands Hatch.
“We have worked hard with my team and with Richard from Maxton Suspension to help build my confidence in the wet.
“We were able to put some different settings in to try for Race 1 in Assen with it being a fully wet race.”
Day managed to get the hole shot from the start and led into turn one, but was soon passed for the lead.
A few other riders found their way past, but Day held on to finish a credible sixth.
“The bike was feeling the best it has in the wet and I was feeling the most comfortable I’ve ever felt with Pirelli wets on,” he said.
“It was a result I was really pleased with, considering the conditions.”
Having qualified in 11th for a dry race on Sunday due to his lap times in race one, Day needed to find some pace to close in on a podium finish for the season.
An impressive start saw Day round up several riders on the opening lap, moving up to second place on the second lap.
By mid-race he had closed in on team mate Joe Collier in the lead.
“Knowing that if I made any risky moves and lost second position I would most likely remain in sixth in the championship, I felt it best to use my head and be happy with second position,” Day said.
“Joe had great race pace and I don’t believe I could have made a pass for the win without risking more than was necessary on the day.”
In the end the second place was enough to cap off a solid season.
“This has been my best and most enjoyable season of racing ever,” Day said.
“I am the only rider in the championship to finish with points in every single race of the season and it’s down to the support around me.
“I’ve had an amazing bunch of people working with me who treat me like family.
“My wife Katie for always believing in me and pushing me to be better each and every day.
“My parents who support me on the other side of the world.
“My Dad, just like my wife, has sacrificed a lot for me over the years, as my team and sponsors do too.
“These results are a great reflection of the hard work put in by many many people.”
Day said he plans to remain in the Ducati TriOptions Cup for the next season with his BPS team.
