Damon Rees makes all preparations count heading into Opening Round of Bennetts British SBK Championship at Oulton Park in 3 weeks time. With a couple of Official tests completed, and Final test at Donington Park next Tuesday, Damon proves what deep desire to fulfil racing careers goals actually means in reality.
As we all see, to gain opportunity to race in the best National SBK Championship in Europe, having grown up racing off-and-on-road in New Zealand, takes a heap of courage, self-belief and conviction that success is achievable no matter what the odds. Yes, for sure results count for being noticed, so does how an athlete presents their objectives in unison with Team’s goals on track.
Importantly, Damon took up mantle to prove his worth racing debut season in BSB National Supersport 1000 Championship in 2020 under Astro JJR Racing. Along-side fellow NZ’der and team-mate Shane Richardson, Damo scored back-to-back podiums, completing the Series in 8th position Overall.
With impressive performances gaining attention, Damon gained super opportunity to race with Ashcourt Racing for 2021 season, on board team’s BMW S1000R bikes. Boiled down, stepping out of comfortable team environment with Richardson as team-mate, to new, re-focused goals of Ashcourt Racing sums up what Damon is made of- never shy away from opportunity just because there are tinges of uncertainty.
Damon on recent preparations: ‘It’s going really well so far. I gelled almost instantly with the Ashcourt Racing team and I have some really great mechanics that I’m working with this season. It’s taken a bit to get used to the bike, and poor weather at a few of the opening tests didn’t really help. But we are now really falling into our groove. The team is really professional and want to get the best out of me, and the bike’.
Sounds calm- tick. Sounds happy- tick. Sounds grateful to be able to race in 2nd season with that much more knowledge and experience from learning heaps in debut season. Summed up, adaptability to whichever situation an athlete faces comes at some expense of rolling with what comes their way, the achievements, the set-backs, the unforeseen obstacles, and the enjoyment of making all important improvements along the way.
Damo: ‘I guess the biggest thing is that I’ve become very resilient. It hasn’t all been ideal, and I could have looked at it all as being a disaster. But instead, I am very thankful for the past year and what it has taught me, I persevered through the crap and have come out the other side stronger physically and mentally. I know I’m on the right track, doing what I need to do to achieve my dreams and the pandemic won’t stop me from doing that’.
Racing 2021 BSB Championship 11 Round Series, starting at Oulton Park, 25-27 June, through to Final Round at Brands Hatch on 15-17 October, Damon along with partner Taila, have all to look forward to, even when so far from home.
Damo: ‘Oulton Park was our first dry test of the season, which really helped the team and myself. I definitely feel more prepared. We have done a lot more pre season testing than last year and I know a lot more of the tracks. In saying that, it means that it’s really up to me to perform, I have less opportunity for excuses this season, but I’m up to the challenge. I really do think we can produce some great results throughout the season. I think the hardest thing we will face will be the weather, and of course track knowledge, but I’m doing my best to ensure they have minimal impact in my results’.
Header Photo Damon Ashcourt Racing Photo Credit: Michael Wincoft.
Words: Sharon Cox.
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