Report: In the wake of F&H Racing.
Last weekend, Dieter Jans followed in the footsteps of the F&H Racing Team in Assen. For one weekend he experienced the Grand Prix of the Netherlands through the eyes of the Dutch team, and of course he is more than happy to share this experience with us. So check out this fun report from the F&H Racing Team here on MXMag!
Training
Finally the time had come, after the first preparations and checks had already taken place on Friday, the Assen GP could finally start. Activity also quietly started at the F&H Racing Team, before the action could really start. The calm that dominated the paddock for a long time had to give way more and more as each minute passed to the sound of roaring engines and an increasingly numerous crowd. Everyone within the team prepared for the first big test of the day, and headed towards the pit lane where at the stroke of 11:30 the signal to enter the track was given. Finally the time had come! Finally, Adam Sterry and Marshal Weltin were introduced to the sand that temporarily dominated the TT circuit for the first time that weekend. Finally both gentlemen could show their skills and hunt for those all-important lap times. Lap after lap passed, and once the black and white checkered flag was waved it was very familiar. Adam Sterry and Marshal Weltin had to settle for a 9 respectively after both training sessionsde, 10deand a 18de,25thplace. This was especially difficult for Marshal to bear. With shame on his cheeks and a small heart, he apologizes to the team for what he says is an embarrassing display. Fortunately for Marshal, no man was overboard yet, and the most important moment of the day was yet to come. “It can only get better from now on,” he was told, hoping that he could make a bad morning forget in qualifying.
Qualification
The clock ticked relentlessly, and the finishing touches were quickly put on the engines. Everyone gradually prepared to leave for the start again. The tension was visible on everyone's faces after a difficult morning. The moment of truth had arrived, and everyone was looking forward to the first really big test of the weekend. Could the pilots turn the tide and still connect with the top of the field? These were questions to which we would soon know the answer.
Even before the match had even started, Adam Sterry and Marshal Weltin had to chase. They both got to know the freshly spread Assen sand up close, and all hope of a good starting position for the next day seemed to be lost. Disillusionment also struck in the pi box. Was this what everyone had worked so hard for? Was this what all their blood, sweat and tears would lead to? No! Came the answer, and as if by magic, the disappointment that initially seemed to take over had been replaced by a fierce combativeness that could be felt throughout the team's box. They quickly grabbed markers and pit boards again, and one motivational quote after another was diligently written down. At every pass there was fiery enthusiasm, and this was also noticeable on the track. Both Adam Sterry and Marshal Weltin again fought their way into the top 15, and when the end of the race approached, no one was faster than Britt from the F&H Kawasaki team. Adam Sterry fell just a little short of time to once again establish himself in the top 10, but once again provided the team with hope with his good lap times. With a 12th and 14th place for Adam Sterry and Marshal Weltin, who were plagued by crashes respectively, the question quickly arose where both men could have ended up without bad luck. A question to which the answer will probably remain unknown to us forever.
Performance/Dinner
Once back in the paddock, the pilots gave their account of the race, while everyone was busy repairing the damage that both engines had sustained. Once both machines were ready to race again, evening fell on the TT circuit, and calm descended on the paddock again. Little by little, everyone gathered around a small table under the tent for a nice chat before leaving for hospitality. At that moment, many guests enjoyed a snack and a drink, after which everyone was officially introduced to the pilots who will defend the team's honor in 2019. Everyone clearly enjoyed the event, and once the barbecue was lit the evening couldn't go wrong at all. The setbacks from earlier that day seemed long forgotten, and with a well-filled plate in hand, an eventful Saturday quietly came to an end.
The race
Sunday, the big day that it was all about had finally arrived. After Adam Sterry's strong finish in the qualifying race, and Marchal Weltin who also seemed to be finding his feet more and more, there was certainly hope for a top performance within the team. Although both Adam and Marshal were not completely injury-free from Saturday's qualifying race. Mainly, Marshal experienced a lot of discomfort in his neck after a collision. Far from ideal to compete with the best pilots in the world on this difficult circuit, although both gentlemen did not want to budge. With the tips of coach and sand king Mark de Reuver, and the support of the many guests who were especially ready for them in addition to the hospitality, both gentlemen went on the hunt for another brilliant performance. In the end, Adam Sterry and Marshal Weltin got a 9 respectivelydein 14. deinstead of dragging the day's results out of the fire. Considering the course of the weekend and the bad luck that both pilots had to deal with, everyone agreed with these results. The F&H team left Assen with their heads held high and a number of extra points in their pocket. With one more GP to go and a strong line up for 2019, everyone was eagerly looking forward to the future, and if you ask me, the best lies ahead for this fine group of people who make up the F&H team.
Text and photos: Dieter Jans
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