Maxwell recovers from TT lows with Kells podiums

Thomas Maxwell’s first outing at the Isle of Man TT races “didn’t go to plan, unfortunately”.

The Mullingar road racer said the lack of practice due to the bad weather meant he didn’t have the opportunity to test his bike out properly.

“I got six practice laps in total,” Thomas told the Westmeath Examiner.

“Normally, you would expect to have at least 30 laps of the 37.7 mile track.

“My first race in very windy conditions was red flagged on lap one, sadly due to a tragic accident.

“In my second race I had to retire due to a minor mechanical issue on lap two, and that meant I then had to sit out the Senior Race.

“Had we got the practice laps in, the minor problems could have been fixed in practice week.

“Everyone was in the same boat, but it’s particularly hard for privateers, and especially when you’re a newcomer to the TT.”

Thomas recovered from the TT disappointment and once home got stuck in to getting the bike ready for the Kells Road Races on June 15 and 16.

“We had a great run there and got third place in the first open race, and another third in the big race of the day – the grand final.”

Thomas was keeping pace with the best, and finished on the podium with Derek Sheils and Michael Sweeney in the open race, and with Sheils again, plus Paul Jordan in the grand final.

Thomas is next out at the Enniskillen Road Races this weekend: “I had a good run here last year so I’m hoping for good results again!”