Rainham racer enjoys good Ducati debut

Rainham’s Rob Guiver enjoyed a winning start to the new Ducati Tri Options Cup season at Brands Hatch at the weekend.

Guiver, riding a Ducati 899 for Hyside Motorcycles of Romford, qualified in fourth place for the first race of the new campaign and finished in a solid ninth.

That earned him a place on the second row of the grid for the next race on Monday, with Guiver quickly settling into his stride to pass Darren Fry and David Heal and move into fourth place by the end of lap one.

Guiver held that position until passing Dennis Hobbs, then moved up into second after getting the better of Marty Nutt.

Not content with the runners-up position Guiver attacked Leon Morris for the lead and, at the end of lap five, made the pass to assume the lead before taking the chequered flag 1.536secs ahead of the field.

“I started off OK in qualifying but couldn’t get to grips with the wet track for my first race and, not wanting to crash, could only finish in ninth,” said Guiver.

“The second race on Monday was more to my liking as the rain had gone and the sun was shining. I felt more comfortable on the Ducati and decided to give it a go and get on the podium, but wasn’t sure about the win.

“As it happened after a good start and passing a couple of riders I gained confidence and went for the win and was a little surprised it went so well.

“I’m really pleased with my first attempts at racing the Ducati and would like to thank the Hyside team for all their efforts and help.

“I’m pleased I could repay them with a win and a good first round. Hopefully we can only improve with experience and do well at the next round.”