Coventry sets sights on more top 10s

Sam Coventry has set himself the target of more top-10 finishes after a mixed weekend of racing at Brands Hatch.
Sam Coventry, front, in action at Brands Hatch Picture: CAMIPIX PHOTOGRAPHYSam Coventry, front, in action at Brands Hatch Picture: CAMIPIX PHOTOGRAPHY
Sam Coventry, front, in action at Brands Hatch Picture: CAMIPIX PHOTOGRAPHY

The Waterlooville rider was competing in round seven of the MCE British Superbikes Championship.

The 23-year-old’s third and final race of the meet saw him secure a ninth-place spot, after a starting position of 17th on the grid.

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That made up for the disappointment of failing to even compete in the opening race at Brands Hatch, with gearbox problems forcing Coventry to sit it out.

Finishing 13th from his 21st position in the grid in race two lightened the mood.

But it was coming home ninth in race three which pleased him the most, leaving Coventry hoping for more of the same over the remainder of the season.

The Road & Racing Performance team rider said: ‘You know what they say – third time lucky!

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‘That felt really good and to come away from Brands Hatch with a top-10 ride is what I have been waiting for.

‘This is where I would like to be for the rest of the season.’

It could easily have been so much different for Coventy, who encountered many problems over the weekend of action.

He crashed out of the first free practice session on lap 13 and ended up qualifying in 21st place for race one after a second session of practice.

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A need to climb up the pack was needed when racing got under way.

But gearbox failure ensured Coventry had no choice but to wheel himself off the grid, slapping the tank of the bike in sheer frustration as he walked back to the paddock.

Before he really had time to take it all in, though, he was out again for the second race of the day.

Quick out of the blocks into turn one, there was nothing sluggish about Coventry as began to make inroads on his rivals.

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And after 12 laps he brought the team Road and Racing Performance bike home in 13th place.

‘That is what racing is all about, my start position was not great but it was good to finally be up in the mix,’ said Coventry.

‘I was overtaking some really talented riders so that boosted my confidence no end.

‘The bike felt spot on which it hasn’t for a long time.’

For the final 14-lap race, Coventry started 17th in the grid.

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The pressure was on but Coventry had an excellent start and was gaining ground before the first lap had been completed.

The safety car then aided his bid, allowing him to overtake more of his rivals to cross the finish line in ninth.

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