Carrick really feeling the heat

Problems with his helmet visor meant Wanganui's Jayden Carrick, Bike 55, could barely see in this first Formula Two race at Hampton Downs last Saturday. Photo/Andy McGechan Bikesportnz.com

It's the pressure of expectation and Jayden Carrick is feeling it.

The 31-year-old Wanganui rider is just one point behind Auckland's Toby Summers heading into the second round of the Suzuki Series at Manfeild this weekend, but has no illusions about how precarious the leadership board can be.

Formally known by its Tri-Series name, the series will conclude Wanganui's Cemetery Circuit on Boxing Day, meaning every rider in the competitive field has only six races in which to make their mark.

On the GSXR600, Carrick won race two against Summers in dry conditions at Hampton Downs last weekend, but an oversight in his preparations before the wet-weather first race nearly led to disaster Carrick having to use all his natural ability to finish third despite being virtually unable to see.

"I didn't prep my helmet right and it fogged," he said. "Just about flew off at the end of the straight. I had bugger all vision and I had to back off and the two guys went past."

While still doing better than at the same time in 2012 where he finished runner-up in his first season of Formula Two, Carrick wants to race with both aggression and caution this weekend at Manfeild to make sure he is still in position to claim the title from Summers.

"In theory that [Hampton Downs] was his track. I should have done more laps at Manfeild but that's not how it works.

"It doesn't matter what he hops on he's quick.

"I'm a little nervous about this weekend. One DNF and you're out [of contention]."

So while not entirely thinking safety first, Carrick is aware just one slip, one flat tyre, one engine cough and the title will be gone.

As well as Summers, also racing this weekend for the first time this series is John Ross, Christchurch's national 600cc supersport champion.

Currently third on points, Clive's Adam Chambers likewise looms as a threat.

Part of Carrick's measured approach is his decision to race the RMZ450 in the Super Moto class of the series an on-and-off commitment that will depend on his qualifying times for his priority Formula Two events.

He raced one Super Moto race at Hampton Downs, finishing third before incurring a jump start penalty which dropped him back to fifth.

It is "chalk and cheese" racing between the two classes a 270km to 180km difference where the time to brake varies between the straight and halfway through the turn.

Nonetheless, despite his focus on Formula Two Carrick acknowledges its the Super Motos that make up much of the drawcard for Cemetery Circuit - not surprising given there are 13 Wanganui riders in the field.

"It's the local boys that bring the people in, it's the class that people love to come and watch."

If Carrick can get up in 2013 to claim the title it will be in no small part down to the support team that has come on board this year. Driving the Greg Brodie-owned GSXR600, Carrick secured sponsorship for tyres from GJ Gardner, which could eventually reach $5000 in costs, while Wanganui Toyota gave him a new ute to transport himself and his bike to events.

But perhaps the biggest help is that regular competitor Glenn Haden stepping back from competition this year meant he became Carrick's fulltime mechanic, so the rider only needs to focus on competing.

"After the race I just come in and sit down. Not having to stress about anything else is probably the best thing," Carrick said.

Qualifying at Manfeild starts at 9am on Sunday, with racing from 10.45am.