Round 2 of the FIM JuniorGP World Championship took place in Portugal at the circuit of Estoril. Kyle’s second visit to the circuit, hopes were high to qualify as the previous round for the feature races, but as often happens in racing always expect the unexpected.

Fridays free practice sessions were spent finding the right setup with the circuit being very different in characteristics to that of the previous round at Misano and with everything dialled in felt comfortable ready for Saturdays practice session and the more importantly qualifying.

Saturday morning practice Kyle looked quietly confident setting his fastest ever lap at the circuit with a 1 min 48.9 second personal best. Perfectly posed for his qualifying session to battle for a spot in the feature race on Sunday. However the powers that be had different ideas as he headed out with slicks to set his fastest lap of the weekend. Positioned in a group with his rivals all was looked good, until halfway around the out lap it started to rain hard at the back of the circuit without warning, resulting 6 pilots crashing at turn 9 at the exact same time, with Kyle being one of the unfortunate, and with that the hope for the features races dissolved.

The last chance race, one last opportunity to progress if you can be first or second across the line, but as the rain became heavier it was a matter of survival. A good start from the back end of the starting grid (due to no time set in qualifying) numerous pilots in front crashed as they attempted to find the limit of lean, it was evident the grip level was not that great. The main objective achieved, to stay on board the bike with improved lap times every lap finishing P8. Plenty learnt to take away for next time.

Next up Barcelona in 2 weeks, with exams in the middle and unable to attend the Thursday or Friday practice the challenge is going to be tougher than ever!