IT was a busy weekend for local motorcycle racers TJ Toms, from Puriton, and Highbridge sidecar ace Dean Nicholls at Thruxton, writes Alan Heal.

The 2.4-mile circuit is one of the fastest in the country where speeds of 170mph are achieved along the straights.

Toms was competing in Round 8 of the National Superstock 600 Championship and finished the first practice sessions in 13th. 

Toms’ performances this year are being noticed in the paddock, including by the factory-supported Gearing Kawasaki Team who offered advice in set-up and, after adjustments, his lap time improved by over one-and-a-half seconds to finish seventh and a start from Row 3 on the grid. 

Toms started well and at half race distance the leading bunch had pulled away leaving a group of seven to fight for fourth.

After a titanic battle, he crossed the finish line in eighth.

He will be back in action at Cadwell Park on August 19.

Bridgwater Mercury:

SPEED: Dean Nicholls and Kenny Cole

Dean Nicholls and passenger Kenny Cole were in action in Round 7 of the British Sidecar Championship.

The weekend did not start well when his sidecar outfit felt unstable and adjustments had to be made.

In the first of two scheduled races on Saturday, Nicholls and Cole were forced to battle hard and after a gruelling eight laps they crossed the line in 14th.

They were on Row 7 for the second race and Nicholls posted his fastest lap of the weekend to move through the field and cross the line in 11th. 

In Sunday’s final race, Nicholls made a good start before being hit by another outfit, losing him valuable time. However, he fought back to finish 12th and move up to ninth overall in the Championship table.