Nicole McAleer - Donington BSB 25 May 08, Qualifying


Photo by Philip Campbell

Nicole McAleer swapped her exam papers in Sacred Heart College, Omagh this weekend for racing in the British 125 GP Championship at Donington Park. The Omagh school girl who has spent the last five days stressfully working through her GCSE exams was more than delighted with her free practice times on Saturday, when she was 15th on the grid, little did she know what would be in store for her come qualifying.

Sunday morning brought about slightly less than perfect weather conditions but despite the damp morning the teenager went out and set pole position a few laps into the opening qualifying session. Unfortunately having just set the fastest lap, disaster struck at Starkey’s when she was high-sided off the SP Racing 125 Honda. Thankfully after a quick checked up in the medical centre she was declared fit to continue with the meeting.

Final qualifying was held in even worse conditions, with the track drying out in places, and with a painful right knee, the young lady went out and qualified in 11th place, to take a third row grid slot. The first time she has qualified as high as third row. Although at one point she had been as high as eighth place on the grid. McAleer is now looking forward to tomorrow’s race, having been; “delighted with 11th place. I can’t believe I am so high on the grid,” exclaimed an excited McAleer.

To follow her race at Donington and throughout the season checkout her website, www.nicolemcaleer.com or through the SP125 Racing team website, www.sp125racing.com