“After East London’s crash we had to strip the bike down and assess all the damage, a crack in the exhaust was a slight set back, as we only discovered it after having done a test session, which then meant removing the fairings to get to the exhaust headers and sending them in to be welded up. Wynand of RaceTec Exhausts did a fantastic job,” said Anja tom Suden.
“This was a bit of a setback for me missing a number of events, “I was out at Red Star Raceway putting in a few practice sessions, the bike felt perfect, so we were both ready. The track has changed direction to clockwise, so I needed to familiarize myself with the track’s current direction another challenge,” said tom Suden.
The 2-month break was good for Anja as it gave her time to sort out the bike and put in some practice time, it was also time to get back on the bike and back into the action. The Red Star Raceway Suzuki Club Championship was the perfect event to test everything.
“We got to the track nice and early to setup and get ready for the day’s action, it was a fairly busy day, as there were more classes on the day than normal, qualifying turned to be a slight problem as the power had tripped and we only realized once it was my qualifying run and the front warmer was off. Not something that any rider wants especially being the front tyre. There was no time to waste so out I went. Through hard acceleration and hard braking, I managed to get some heat into the tyres and then it was time to lay down some hot laps. I struggled to get decent rhythm and a slight brake fade didn’t make it any easier, which resulted in qualifying 14 for race 1,” said Anja
Race 1 came up and she was determined to make up a few places, she had a good start off the line and managed to make up 4 places. The 1000cc riders had a slight better speed on the straights than her 600 but she still crossed the line 1st in Class B. Race 2 she started from 12th on the grid, being on the inside of the track was not ideal but she made it work as best as possible and still managed to make up some ground, finishing Race 2, again 1st in Class B and ultimately 1st overall for Class B ahead of Justin Evans and Llewellyn Chipps.
“Overall, we took some key areas from the race where we need to work on before he next race.
It was a good day and even better that despite some crashes in other categories they still ran the day on time and smoothly, which is typical of the Red Star organizers, marshals and medics who do a really great job for the competitors on race day. Also, a big thanks to Autobarn, Ingco Tools, Valet Cafe, XADO, HEL Performance and my other sponsors for all their support. As without all of you, none of this would have been possible and I am truly grateful for all the support,” said Anja.
“We are all glad that Anja is back racing again, she is certainly one determined brave lady, we congratulate her on her class win at Red Star and we wish her all the best for the rest of the season.” said Terry Brand MD AutObarn SA. Coming off a superbike at speed has its setbacks and she has handled this all very well, said Brand.
Next race 1st September at Red Star Raceway, Delmas Mpumalanga
