“Following my major leg and ankle injury at Donington Park, I made my return to racing at back-to-back weekends at Thruxton – the fastest circuit in the UK.�

BSB Thruxton

“Making my comeback from injury at one of the fastest circuits in the country was always going to be a challenge, but having a good base setup from 2025 gave us a solid starting point.

“I was able to get out on track for FP1 and immediately put in some competitive times, which I was really happy with considering how little bike time I had compared to the rest of the field.

“FP2, FP3 and qualifying were all about working on the bike’s electronic settings, including traction control, power delivery, slide control and engine braking. Getting these settings right is particularly important at Thruxton, where the bike can be spinning sideways at over 150mph.

“The aim was not only to maximise performance but also to manage tyre wear throughout the race. If the bike is sliding too much, it puts a lot of stress into the tyre and can cause the pace to drop off towards the end of the race.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t quite manage to get everything fully dialled in for qualifying, so I ended up further back on the grid than I would have liked. However, some further changes during Sunday morning’s warm-up session made a big improvement and gave me much more confidence going into the race.”

“The first few laps were the usual hectic BSB action, but I was able to put the improvements to good use and make several overtakes.

“From there, the rest of the race was about managing my physical limits. This was my first race back after the injury and my rehabilitation is still ongoing, so I had to be sensible with how hard I pushed.

“I settled into a rhythm that felt comfortable and was able to put in consistent laps right through to the end of the race, eventually finishing inside the top 20. That was the goal coming into the weekend, so it was good to achieve that.

“Overall, I was really happy with how I felt on the bike and with the pace I was able to show straight away. The biggest limiting factor is still my fitness and recovery from the injury, but that will continue to improve week after week.�

NG Road Racing Thruxton

“It was straight back Thruxton the following weekend as I joined NG Road Racing for their first event at the circuit in 10 years.

“Only competing on the Saturday meant we had a busy schedule, with morning practice and qualifying followed by a single race in the afternoon.

“Qualifying was a bit of a challenge. The red flags came out at the end of my first flying lap, meaning I hadn’t managed to set a lap time while already putting quite a bit of wear into my already part-worn tyre.

“I was able to get out at the front for the restart and put in a fast time on my first flying lap to qualify on pole position.”

“I went into the race feeling confident, although we did have one unknown as was the first time I had raced with the DYMAG wheels, as I normally have to run standard Honda wheels when competing in British Superbike.

“I got a slightly slow start and was third into Turn 1, but over the first lap I was able to make my way back to the front of the pack.

“From there, I put together a series of fast laps, including the fastest lap of the weekend, and went on to take the race win by almost 10 seconds.

“Overall, the day couldn’t have gone much better. Pole position, the race win and fastest lap of the weekend, as well as gathering some really useful data on the DYMAG wheels, made it a great way to finish off the back-to-back weekends at Thruxton.�

“As always, the start of the BSB season was hectic!

“The level of competition in the BSB National Superstock class is incredibly high, with British Superbike race winners, Isle of Man TT winners, World Endurance riders, and leading British Superbike teams all on the grid. On top of this, there is always a wave of young, up-and-coming riders joining the class each season as they look to progress through the BSB paddock.

“This creates a field of more than 40 riders, all capable of setting extremely fast lap times. The gap between the very fastest riders and those towards the back is often only two to three seconds, meaning that even a minor mistake or slight lack of pace can cost multiple positions.

“In addition to this, the bikes are becoming more and more powerful. The top Superstock machines, BMW M 1000 RR and Honda Fireblade, produce over 220 bhp as standard. As a result, riders are often lapping only slightly slower than full spec Superbikes while having much less track time and far fewer race-specific parts.

“It’s a common view within UK paddocks is that the National Superstock Championship is one of the most competitive series in all of Europe because the field is so deep and the machinery is so evenly matched.�

Oulton Park

“The first round was held at Oulton Park, which is considered one of the most challenging circuits on the calendar due to its steep elevation changes, blind corners, and narrow layout that leaves no room for error. This made for an especially demanding start to the season and despite improving my personal best from 2024 by a full second, I still wasn’t fast enough to challenge for points.â€�

Donington Park

“Donington Park quickly followed for Round 2. This weekend brought a new challenge, with every type of weather imaginable being thrown at us: sunshine, cold and windy conditions, heavy rain, and damp, drying track conditions.

“I was able to make the most of the conditions whenever I was on track and secured a safe qualifying position just outside the top 20, with good pace and a realistic chance of fighting for points in the race.

“Unfortunately, on lap three, having just made a pass on another rider through the Esses, I entered the penultimate corner of the lap, the Melbourne Hairpin. Eager to stay ahead of the rider behind and challenge the group in front, I got on the throttle too aggressively and spun the rear tyre. The result was a massive highside that launched me into the air before slamming me back onto the track, ending my race just as it was getting started.

“I was fortunate not to be hit by any of the riders behind. Unfortunately, during the crash I hit my left leg hard on the ground, breaking both my ankle and leg in the process.

“After being assessed by the medical team at the circuit, I travelled back to my local hospital for surgery. The operation went well, and I am now focused on my recovery and getting back to full fitness as quickly as possible.�

Snetterton Test Day

“We started the month with a test day at Snetterton – my first laps of the circuit on the Fireblade. The main aim was to establish a solid base setting on the bike and get back up to speed around the track having not raced here last year.

“Strict noise limits on the day, combined with some changeable weather, meant we didn’t get as much time on track as we’d have liked. However, as the conditions improved towards the end of the afternoon we managed to put some good laps together and came away with a good setting for the race event back here later in the year.â€�

Cadwell Park – NG Road Racing Round 2

“After taking four wins and setting a new lap record at round one, we decided to enter the second event of the NG Road Racing Season at Cadwell Park.

“Saturday was a solid start, qualifying second in both the Powerbike and Open classes and taking a pair of second-place finishes in the races. Overnight, we made some changes to the bike set-up and I worked on a few adjustments to my riding style. This made big improvements for Sunday as we went on to take two wins after some really close races and fast, consistent lap times.�

Oulton Park – BSB Pre-Season Test

“Our first official BSB event of the year. Two full days on track gave us the chance to run through a wide range of set-up options and really get the bike working the way we want it to.

“I was happy to put in a new personal best lap time and to be lapping with pretty consistent pace throughout. The test was a lot of hard work with a total of 90 laps logged over the two days which was all worth it as the bike is starting to feel exactly how I want it and we left Oulton Park with a big smile on our faces.�

Donington Park – Test Day

“Having missed the official BSB test there earlier in the month, it was important to get some laps in round here ahead of the race later in the season.

“Cold temperatures and high winds made the morning session tricky, but as the weather improved through the afternoon I was able to put in some strong lap times. We finished the day happy with the progress made and confident going into the start of the BSB season.�

“Symonds Racing enjoyed a highly successful outing at the NG Road Racing season opener at Brands Hatch, delivering a dominant performance across both the Powerbike and Open classes.

“Max qualified on pole position in both categories, went on to win all four races he entered, and broke both class lap records including setting a new outright NG lap record at Brands Hatch Indy in the process,� his team explains.

“With the British Superbike season still a few weeks away, we decided to enter round one of the NG Road Racing championship to gain valuable track time.

“Friday’s test day was especially useful, with lots of track sessions allowing us to test new rear suspension components and a find a good direction for the season ahead.

“Saturday started with qualifying sessions for both classes, where I was able to put the bike on pole in each with some strong laps.

“Unfortunately, due to some work that needed doing on the bike between sessions, we decided to sit out the first Open race to make sure everything was 100% ready. With no championship points on the line, it made sense not to take any unnecessary risks.

“I got back out in the first Powerbike race and managed to take a lights to flag victory, setting a new lap record of 47.2 seconds along the way.”

“Sunday morning’s second Open race was a bit more of a challenge, starting from the back of the grid after missing Saturday’s race. This meant a pretty hectic start to the race as I worked my way through from 34th to the lead by lap eight. Once I hit the front I was then able to pull out a gap and take the win by a couple of seconds.

“Starting from pole again in the next Powerbike race, I made the most of the clear track ahead and really pushed on putting together a strong run of laps under my previous best. By lap 5 I had set a new lap record of 46.7 seconds – half a second quicker than the day before.

“In the final Open race of the weekend, I had a bit of a moment coming out of turn one, but was able to regroup and control the race from the front to take another win, along with a new class lap record of 47.0 seconds.

“Having achieved everything we wanted from the weekend, we decided to sit out the final Powerbike race, saving tyres and ending the weekend on a high.

“Overall, the weekend couldn’t have gone better, we made lots of progress with the bike set-up and came away with a load of wins and laps records!�

“The 2026 pre-season has been all about putting in lots of laps, learning as much as possible, and building momentum for the year ahead. Lots of time on track at ±Ê´Ç°ù³Ù¾±³¾Ã£´Ç, Almería and Castle Combe – three totally different tracks – have all helped me and the team step things up in different ways.â€�

±Ê´Ç°ù³Ù¾±³¾Ã£´Ç

“We kicked things off at the awesome ±Ê´Ç°ù³Ù¾±³¾Ã£´Ç circuit that has everything from blind crests and heavy braking sections to big drops super high speed corners. To go fast here you’ve got to commit everywhere.

“It ended up being a really fun and productive weekend from the first session right through to the last. From the first session out, things just started clicking and we kept building from there. Being away from a race event meant I could enjoy riding the bike without any pressure and have the opportunity to try different things with my riding style and position on the bike that I would not normally have the time to do.

“I managed to put in a new PB too, which was a bonus but the bigger win was the progress made with my riding.�

Almeria

“Next up was Almeria. A tight, technical track with not much time to breathe. With five days on track, this one was all about getting my head down and putting the laps in.

“I had a plan in mind to make the most of the track time we had which started out with just doing lots and lots on laps using hard tyres that would last the distance. This allowed me to learn the track, understand how to ride around the lack of grip that came with harder compound tyres, and work more on my riding style on the bike. The second half of the test was all about starting to try different electronic settings to understand what different changes felt like, what suited my riding style and what didn’t, and what I would need to test further back in the UK. The Final runs of the test were about putting in some real fast laps, despite some high winds I improved my lap time by almost a second to be the fastest rider in the test out of about 135 people.�

Castle Combe

“Last stop was Castle Combe Circuit. It was bright and sunny, but absolutely freezing. Even so, we managed to get some really solid laps in and worked through a busy program of electronic setups with the traction control, anti-wheel, power modes, and engine braking.

“Despite the colder weather it felt great to be back at Combe. There’s something about riding at my home track that hits a bit different, especially right before the season starts. We ended the day and finished off this run of testing with lots more learnt about the bike …not quite time to go BSB racing just yet as for some extra testing in March I will be joining NG Road Racing, my old club, for their pre-season test day at Castle Combe and first round of racing at Brands Hatch.�

“As the 2025 season draws to a close, we’re proud to share a look back at what has been a transformative and inspiring year for True Heroes Racing — a season filled with growth and gratitude.

“We began the 2025 season with a bold and symbolic shift — moving away from Ducati machinery after a decade-long partnership and stepping into a new era with Honda. This transition wasn’t just about changing bikes; it was about embracing a fresh challenge and continuing to evolve as a team.

“At the same time, our presence in the ROKiT OFF BMW F900R Cup also evolved with Leon Wilton, who had previously represented us on the Ducati platform, took on a new challenge with a totally different type of machine. We were proud to welcome Corporal Kenny Macleod to the team — an active RAF serviceman and passionate racer — who joined us through our ongoing collaboration with military motorsport associations. His arrival not only strengthened our rider lineup but also reinforced our mission to provide meaningful opportunities for our beneficiaries.”

“Unfortunately, early in the season, we experienced a change of rider in our Superstock line-up. While this could have left us without a rider at a critical point in the year, the strength and depth of our team — both past and present — quickly came to the fore.

“Rather than scrambling for external replacements, two of our former riders stepped up without hesitation. Dave “Saltyâ€� Sellers and Dave ‘Scrawn’ Mackay, both of whom had previously raced for us on the Ducati and Suzuki platforms, returned to the fold as wildcards. Their willingness to jump back in and represent the team not only ensured we remained competitive but also demonstrated the enduring loyalty and camaraderie that defines True Heroes Racing.”

“Later in the year, when both Daves were unavailable, we welcomed Paul Cunvin, a Royal Airforce veteran, who took on the Honda ride. Initially joining us to get a feel for the team environment, Paul quickly proved himself a capable and committed addition, stepping into the role with confidence and professionalism.

“Looking ahead to the 2026 season, True Heroes Racing is proud to continue growing as more people reach out for support and opportunities to be part of our mission. The team has confirmed its rider line-up for the season, and it reflects both continuity and exciting new chapters.”

“In the Pirelli National Superstock 1000 Championship, we’ll see Charlie White return to the grid, now joined by Paul Cunvin, a Royal Airforce veteran who made his debut with us in 2025.

“In the ROKiT OFF BMW F900R Cup, both Leon Wilton and Cpl Kenny Macleod will return to the grid, bringing consistency, experience and a shared commitment to pushing themselves and the team forward.

“But perhaps the most powerful story of the season will be that of Chris, our inaugural Grassroots Pathway rider and a veteran of the Parachute Regiment. After competing in the Clubman 600 and Phoenix Open classes, Chris is now stepping up to the British Superbike Championship grid in the ROKiT OFF BMW F900R Cup — a remarkable achievement in itself.�

“Symonds Racing wrapped up the BSB season on a high, securing multiple points finishes, continuing the momentum since my return from injury. The team’s hard work throughout the season culminated in a strong performance at the final round at Brands Hatch.

“The Donington and Oulton Park rounds proved challenging for me, as I’d missed both the pre-season test and the early-season races at those circuits. Despite the limited track time, we quickly found a competitive setup and showed impressive pace. Unfortunately, being forced off track during the race at Donington Park and then failing to complete a lap in qualifying at Oulton Park – due to bike issues and the session being cut short – meant I had to start from the back of the grid, which ended any real chance of standout results.”

“Brands Hatch was a completely different story. Having visited the circuit earlier in the season for my first ride back after injury, we arrived with a solid base setup and I had valuable recent on-track experience. That allowed us to hit the ground running and show strong pace throughout practice and qualifying.

“Saturday featured two 12-lap races where I delivered solid performances, finishing 14th and 15th. My best lap of 1:27.6 was over a second quicker than my previous personal best at the circuit.

“I felt great on the bike all weekend and was really pleased we were able to make the most of riding here earlier in the year. Both races were great results and could have been even better if not for a safety car in the first race and a red flag in the second, which slowed my progress further up the results sheet.”

“Sunday brought new challenges, with heavy rain and strong winds making for tricky conditions. Starting from P14, I was pushed back on the opening lap and then took a few laps to adjust to the wet conditions with it being my first rain race in a couple of years. Once I found my rhythm, I started picking riders off one by one to finish 16th, just narrowly missing out on a third consecutive points result.

“Overall, Brands Hatch was the strongest round of the BSB season for me and the team. It really showcased the pace we would have been capable of throughout the year, had it not been for the extended injury layoff at the start of the season. With the season now concluded, we’ll take a short break to rest and reset before heading to ±Ê´Ç°ù³Ù¾±³¾Ã£´Ç at the end of November for pre-season testing ahead of 2026.â€�

“Max Symonds and his team rose to the challenge at the recent Motorcycle National by NG Road Racing event at Castle Combe Circuit, claiming the coveted ‘King of Combe’ title for the third time, following previous wins in 2022 and 2023.

“The ‘King of Combe’ crown is decided over a single weekend, consisting of one qualifying session and three races. The rider with the best overall results across the races takes home the title.

“As a local favourite and previous two-time winner of the event, Max entered the weekend as the rider to beat. However, the competition was fierce, with several British Superbike Championship riders also in contention.”

“Max made an impressive start, securing pole position and winning Race 1 on Saturday by more than six seconds.”

Max Symonds: “I made the most of starting at the front, got away well, and put in some fast laps to build up a gap to the riders behind,� Max said. “After that, I kept an eye on my pit board to manage the gap and bring it home. Despite being able to build up a good lead, the bike felt quite hard to ride with the rear tyre sliding a lot under acceleration so we had some work to do overnight to improve the set-up for Sunday.�

“Sunday brought new challenges, with temperatures dropping sharply and the colder track reducing grip levels.

“In Sunday’s first race, Max made another strong start, immediately pulling a gap from the pack. Unfortunately, the race was red-flagged due to a crash, forcing a restart. In the rerun, Max faced closer pressure from the chasing riders, but once his tyres reached temperature, he delivered a series of fast laps to stretch his lead and take his second win of the weekend.”

“Heading into the final race, Max stuck to his proven strategy: warm up the tyres, push hard early to build a gap, then manage the pace to the finish. The plan worked perfectly and he once again pulled away from the field and took the win.

“With that, Max was crowned King of Combe for the third time in dominant style with pole position, three wins out of three, and the fastest lap of the weekend.�

Donington Park – Test Day

“I was looking forward to getting out and spinning some laps at Donington Park ahead of the race there next month. We had hoped to work on the dry setup to help us hit the ground running on the race weekend however, the weather had other ideas with non-stop rain and cold temperatures all day.

“The positive side to this was that it was very quiet out on track so I could get lots of lap in and focus on finding the limit in wet conditions. Whilst I would have preferred it to be dry, going around Craner Curves with your knee causing a bow wave of spray with nothing but empty track in front was still pretty cool!�

Castle Combe – Instruction and Test Day

“I finished off this month’s riding with two days at Castle Combe Circuit in Wiltshire. The first day I was instructing on a Skills and Track Academy event where we help coach new-to-track and less experienced track riders to improve their skills and confidence. Although this was not useful testing for me, it is really enjoyable to help get new riders out on track and see how much they can improve throughout the day.

“The second day I was let loose to do some more testing, this time in full dry conditions. It was a great day where I got loads of laps in with the hard-breaking, aggressive approach needed to go fast on this track was yet again another good test of the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Racing GPFAX pads and X-Series floating discs.

“Next time out will be round one of the National Superstock season with British Superbikes at Oulton Park!�