IT might have been his first full season in race action, but Darryl Cox found himself at the sharp-end of the action in the New Era Formula 600 Club Championship, and with three victories in a tough campaign, the 24-year-old Farnham rider took third place in the overall rankings.
Cox, who works in the family window and conservatory fitting business, had tasted the action in 2007 and was back for more with a brand new Honda CBR600RR, fully prepped for the campaign, but an unfortunate tumble during testing at Mallory Park ten days before the first race of the season left the bike damaged and Cox carrying an injury.
A pair of top six finishes in the opening round reflected that, but at Cadwell Park in what was to prove something of a roller-coaster season, he hit double top with a pair of victories and he was soon embroiled in a scrap for supremacy with William Jones and Max Hunt.
It was to be a season long battle, squabbling for positions and points, and it was tight until Pembrey when Cox, having qualified on pole-position for the first time, pushed too hard too soon in the races and crashed twice.
"He tried really hard despite having a lot of niggling problems with the bike," explained his father, David, who backs his racing. "We hired in Chris of MKW Suspension to get it together and by Pembrey it was all good, but then Darryl crashed looking back, though, it was a good year and a big learning curve."
On track at the Welsh circuit on that day was younger brother Ryan, racing for the first time and taking ninth and tenth place finishes in the Open class-expect to see more of him riding inThundersport GB competition, providing there is a Novice class, while Darryl is determined to stay with that organisation.
Darryl would like to thank the following people and companies for their support in 2008:
• S&C Windows Ltd, Farnham my main sponsor for their endless support.
• Chris at MKW Suspension for bike set-up.
• Sealfix (North Warnborough) without whom my bike would be dirty (they supply all the cleaning products we need, and the window industry with silicon and fixings etc) .
• Motoselect, Farnham our local Honda dealer for their support.
• Wrightsure Insurance Group for financial contribution.
• Greenpoint Computer Services for my website: www.sc-racing.co.uk.
• GJB Developments for personal support.
• The paddock for rallying around when we needed help, especially the Miles crew (#69).
• BSN for their support to all racers and its articles.
• I would also like to say a big thank you to Kirsteen my sister and Sadie my girlfriend who keep us fed and watered.
• Ryan my pit crew, and last, but not least, my Dad, David, for everything - Thanks, Dad
• I would like to wish everybody a happy Christmas and best wishes for the new season and for those racing in Thundersport GB we will see you there Darryl