Josh Elliott is hopeful he can challenge for race wins this season after a promising third place finish at Thruxton on Saturday. The Ballinamallard rider put in one of his most impressive performances of the season as he battled for the race win, and although he was ultimately unsuccessful in topping the podium, he was happy with his day’s work.
“It was a positive weekend. We got back on the podium and we were battling for the race win right to the end,” he said. “I have had a second place finish this year, but this was probably the closest I have come to winning a race. I led the race which was a first this year. The bike was a lot better. It was really nice to be back at the front battling with those guys. We have got a really good set up with the bike now and it feels really comfortable. I’m hoping now I can get back up there and get some wins before the end of the season.”
After a good qualifying session Josh started the race on the front row, and although a poor start saw him slip down the pack, he responded well and forced his way back into the lead. As the race entered the closing stages he was on the wheel of championship front runner Taylor Mackenzie, but he was foiled in his attempt to mount a late overtaking manoeuvre. “I was lining Taylor up for a last lap move at the chicane on the last straight but I got passed by Keith Farmer on the last lap and that messed my plans up,” he said. “I then wasn’t able to make the move and was battling for second place instead.”
Josh and Mackenzie had a coming together in the previous race, with Josh being penalised for his part in the collision. He had appealed that decision but that was rejected, and he admits that incident affected his thinking during the race. “I felt I should have made the move earlier on Taylor to take back the lead because I definitely had a bit more pace than him,” he said. “My rear tyre was in better shape than his. Around there it is all about tyre life and was getting a lot better grip. I probably should have passed him earlier and tried to make a gap but I was a bit hesitant because at the back of my mind was the penalties given out to me. I didn’t want to make a move and then something happen and mess it up again. I just wanted to get a good strong finish and get some points on the board.”
Josh will have another chance to capture his first race win of the season in under two weeks’ time when the championship moves on to brands Hatch. The iconic circuit was the scene of Josh’s victory on the final round last season, and he will be hoping for a repeat result this time around to boost his championship challenge.