The Hedzup Racing team are smashing it and truly earning their keep

What a few days it’s been—absolutely exhausting, but the Hedzup Racing team are smashing it and truly earning their keep!

We even had a moment to sit under the lorry awning the other night with some pizzas—honestly, that lorry has been a godsend. Massive thanks to our amazing friends at Oil Slick Solutions—once again, this trip wouldn’t be possible without the help and generosity of so many people. Whether you donated, bought from the auction, gave us parts, or helped in any way—you are all incredible.

Right now, I’m waiting for the rest of the Hedzup team to arrive on the ferry, just in time for Calum Pert’s first race. To say he’s been amazing would be an understatement.

Last year, during his newcomer season, Calum only managed four laps—many were in the same boat due to the weather. He did qualify, but unfortunately broke down just a mile or so from the start line. Still, he got started.

Fast forward to this year: on his first lap on the ER650—kindly provided by our good friend Bruce Cobburn—Calum clocked a 101mph lap from a standing start!

On Sunday, he matched last year’s total laps in a single day—four—and even pushed to a 107mph lap that blew us all away. Tonight, he took it even further with a 110+mph lap on the 650, qualifying 19th fastest, which moved him up 22 places on the grid for tomorrow’s race!

Doing his best to preserve the tyres...

He’s also riding Alasdair Cowan’s stunning little NC30, with support from David Dick—who’s been a huge help to Calum these past few years. Honestly, without David’s bikes, Calum probably wouldn’t even be here.

Alasdair’s bike only just made it to the track on Thursday night after a few hiccups. Josh and I were racing along the coast road from Slicks as the roads were already closing, and thanks to Finlay Milne, Calum managed to swap straight from the 650 onto the 400 and instantly put in a 100mph lap!

After today’s session, he’s now sitting just under 106mph on the 400—once again, a testament to the incredible machine Alasdair has built.

Tonight, the lads were hard at work swapping tyres and giving the 650 an oil change, getting everything ready for tomorrow’s 10:15 race.

I’ve attached a photo from today’s qualifying on the 400—taken by Mark Huckerby, one of many incredible shots from the event, and another of Calum doing his best to minimize tyre wear out on the laps.

Huge thanks to Jennifer Shambrook and family, Mhairi Chambers, and so many more. But above all, without Alasdair, none of these bikes would even turn a wheel.

You can donate to Hedzup Youth Development programs here.