Andy Reid slings it away (again)

his is the moment Andy Reid’s 2015 British Supersport season came to a crashing halt, losing the back end of his Team Traction Control Yamaha on the final lap.
Up to then it had been a good weekend, with two poles, a lap record and a win. It was still looking good as he led Jake Dixon and team mate James Rispoli into Lodge Corner.

“I got practically no warning at all! It just came round on me with no notice,” says Reid. Tim Keeton’s photo sequence shows that the R6’s rear tyre was already sliding sideways before rider and machine went airborne over the right-hand exit hump. The consequences when they landed again weren’t very nice.
“I ended up breaking my radius, ulna and the joint of my wrist, ending my season. It wasn’t the way I wanted 2015 to finish.”

 The pace in British Supersport is invariably hot and heavy, but Reid had spent the previous few races slowly shedding his reputation as a crasher and putting together a consistent season. From that point of view, his desire to compete is as strong as ever. “I’ve been able to focus on the positives. I’ve got a good team around me, and I’m already looking to 2016.”

If the Carrickfergus-based tattoo artist can put a package together for British Supersport next season, it needs to be the year when he finally makes his mark.

Interview Simon Patterson  Photo Tim Keeton