The Oulton Park results had been a massive boost to Hicky and the FHO Racing BMW team ahead of arriving over the border in Knockhill for round two of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship.

As usual, the lap times were fast and furious at Knockhill and Hicky finished FP in 8th overall. Qualifying was also tight and 0.02 separated the top 5 riders. Peter jumped 10 places in one lap 4 minutes from the end and the session finished with Hicky qualifying 4th behind Iddon, Buchan and O’Halloran.

Race one – 20 laps

A great start and the 20 lap race was underway after a short delay. Hicky had great pace and comfortably stayed with the leading group. Tussles with Buchan and others during the 19 laps ensued but unfortunately, half a lap from the end, technical failure halted Hicky’s claim to 4th spot.

Peter:

“Gutted, the bike was working really well, really happy with everything and had the pace to finish 4th. My arms weren’t too bad, so happy about that. We have some changes to make on the bike to improve the end of the race for tomorrow, but unfortunately, some engine trouble with half a lap to go meant it was really disappointing for us all and the only good thing about the situation is we had the pace. We know we have the pace and we start fourth on the grid for tomorrow. It’s hard on me and the team but these things happen.”

Race Two – 30 laps

Following yesterday’s technical issue, a new engine was fitted overnight, the team working really hard to get it turned around.

Hicky was fighting for the top spot with Iddon but after colliding and being thrown offline the following riders took advantage, pushing Peter down to 5th. Then the troubles worsened after missing a gear in to turn one then taking an unavoidable detour down the hill over the very wet grass and gravel, he held on to secure 7th.

Race Three – 30 laps

Good start again. Hicky fought through from fifth on the grid to third place.

The bike was working well but again the Ducati of Iddon came very close, sitting Peter up into the hairpin and again Buchan took full advantage of the situation, dropping Hicky down the order. Unfortunately, the same issue regarding gear change into turn one resulted in 8th place. A frustrating race!

Peter:

“Disappointing weekend for us especially when we had the pace which was probably the most disappointing thing. We had the pace for the podium it just wasn’t meant to be this weekend.

Everything that could go against us went against us. It looks like we could have a possible gearbox issue on the new motor, as in both races I missed a gear going into turn one and had to go straight on. Not ideal, not ideal in the slightest!

But we have to take the positives and the positives are we’re fast, competitive and right at the front. So onwards and upwards, we will get things sorted for Brands Hatch in a couple of weeks time.”

Onto Brands Hatch!