Team Hayley Kawasaki rider Oliver Brindley arrived back to his Yorkshire home with a silver medal in the FIM Flat Track World Cup. The World Cup, which was held over two races in France and Italy, featured 20 of Europe’s best racers from eight countries.
The 16-year-old engineering student embarked on a 3000-mile road trip to compete at the two events that kicked off in Morizes, France on 19 September. Brindley started his championship bid in fine form finishing second in his first two qualifying heats before finishing third in next heat. The speedy youngster finished off his heats with a classy win that qualified in him position three for the final.
Unfortunately, regulations limit under 18-year-olds to a maximum engine size of 450cc, which meant Brindley was suffering a power deficit to his older competitors, who were running larger engines.
The final, which took place in a packed floodlit stadium, saw Brindley in a fierce battle for third with Mikko Koskinen from Finland and Italy’s Emanuele Marzotto. After 12 laps of bar bashing action Brindley just missed out on a podium when he finish fourth.
Brindley said: “The final got a bit messy and I am disappointed in the dangerous riding of one of the other riders. I couldn’t run my fast lines and get clear of the pack, but it’s all good experience.”
A week later Brindley was in Italy and desperate to impress his new sponsor Motovario. He once again showed his skill and consistency as he finished second in his first three heats before winning the final qualifier. It was a stunning performance demonstrating talent beyond his years.
Unfortunately, the 12-lap final was stopped twice while Brindley was challenging for the lead. A smart and safe third place finish secured the rising star of flat track a silver medal overall behind Italy’s Fransessco Chechinni.
Brindley said: “The pace was quick but I felt like I needed more laps to apply pressure and go to the front. With the two restarts it made the race a bit short. I wanted to win but I am happy with a second overall. I would like to thank my team and sponsors for making this possible.”
Brindley’s next race will be against the stars of Superbike and Moto GP racing at the Superprestigio of Americas held in Las Vegas on 21 November and the Superprestigio of Europe held in Barcelona on 12 December. Racing is live on Fans Choice TV.