12welve Motor Co.

Race Report – NLR 2025 Finale @ Donington Park

As a team, we’re absolutely gutted the 3-hour endurance didn’t live up to its full potential. After just under half an hour of racing, our charge came to a premature end following a collision with a back marker – a frustrating way to close out what had been shaping up to be an epic battle.

At the time of the incident, the front four bikes were covered by less than four seconds, and we were sitting comfortably in second, closing the gap to the leader and ready to take the race to The Lodges for what promised to be a proper scrap to the flag.

While the result wasn’t what we’d hoped for, we definitely came away with our heads held high. The last four rounds have seen us build serious momentum — three podiums on the bounce and finally putting to bed the technical gremlins that have been plaguing us throughout the season. It’s been a huge effort from everyone involved, and we’re proud of the progress we’ve made.

The support at Donington was nothing short of incredible. One team commented that it was “enough to fill a grandstand” — and they weren’t wrong. It created an atmosphere worthy of a season finale and really made it a special weekend, despite the early exit.

To the team — what a year. We’ve laughed, we’ve learned, and yeah… we’ve argued (lol), but only because we all care deeply and share the same goal: to improve, push on, and give everything we’ve got. The commitment and spirit from everyone this season has been unreal.

Running a single-bike endurance effort has added a whole different level of complexity — but in my eyes, this is proper endurance racing. There’s a certain nod of respect between single-bike teams that says, “we know what you’re going through.” It’s a different pressure altogether, but it makes every result — and every hard-earned mile — mean that much more.

As for what’s next? Honestly, we’re not sure yet. But with the momentum we’ve built and that nagging sense of unfinished business… let’s just say it’s very tempting to come back and see how far we can go.

For now — tar tar, and thanks to everyone who’s been on the journey with us this season. 🙌

A real shame to get tangled up with a back marker while running P2 and closing in fast on the lead. The weather changed and started to spit — but the positives were that we were fastest on circuit for several laps and feeling comfortable.

Managed to get the bike back with the bar snapped off. The team did an amazing job getting us back out, but by that point, we were 6 laps down.

Great to have Jonny back for the last round and enjoyed many wheelies in the closing laps of the race 😅

Huge thanks for all the support throughout the year, and well done to No Limits Racing NLR 2025 for a cracking season 👏

P5 in qualifying 👍

It’s race day!

The boys are back in town! And back on the one bike effort this weekend. Make sure to pop on by to say hi, Garage 8 🫡

Also, shout out to new sponsor Able Assist for the last round 🙌

🔥 This time next weekend… the countdown will be almost over. Just 20 minutes before the lights go out and the first race of the final round erupts onto the tarmac. Every point, every move, every heartbeat — it all comes down to this! 🏁💥

The race bike in for some much needed TLC and upgrades with the team at CF Motorsport 🤩🙌

Round 7 at Oulton Park was a wild one — not so much because of the changing weather, but due to a last-minute dash to identify the ongoing issue with Sam’s bike. Hoorah, we finally found it! The only downside was that, after changing multiple parts to test, we had to throw the bike on the dyno again and run a new map on Saturday morning.

Ten minutes before race start, the bike rolled back into the pit garage. Fortunately, we had two bikes this round, so Steady took the first stint.
43 minutes in: the usual "3-2-1, Pit In" call came — only to discover that the safety car had been deployed on the in-lap, meaning the pit lane was closed and we had no way of communicating with Steady. Unfortunately, we lost over a minute in the pit lane and dropped to 14th position by the time we finally rejoined the race.
With no proper setup, Sam’s first stint was a real handful. Under heavy braking, the bike was pogo-ing into the chicane with limited engine braking, causing Sam to run on several occasions. That said, we still managed to make up multiple positions.

Steady’s second stint was another consistent performance, putting us inside the top 4 — though the front three had quite a gap.
Then the rain started to fall — luckily toward the end of Steady’s stint. We made a quick call to switch to intermediates for Sam’s final stint. Two laps in and just starting to get comfortable... red flag! After a 20-minute delay and with more rain coming down, all teams were allowed a free pit stop and rider change. It was the right call from race control, but unfortunately, we had already pitted and taken the gamble — likely costing us another 50-odd seconds.

With 30 minutes to go, it was a case of damage limitation and trying to salvage a top 5 or 6 finish. It looked like everyone went out on wets, except for us (on intermediates) and Bobby Varey in P4, who went with cut slicks.
Rolling restart behind the safety car: by this point, we were all in race order — although we were a lap down on P4 and three laps down on the top 3. The track dried quickly, and as we exited the last corner on the first flying lap, Jonathan (then in P1) unfortunately got on the gas too hard and got spat off (luckily no broken bones), promoting us to 4th.

Then the rain returned — and this time, it was really heavy. Still on inters, I signaled to pit but knew the team wouldn’t be ready, so tiptoed around for another lap. I had a few riders come past on wets, but the speed difference wasn’t massive, so I stuck it out for another lap. Then, all of a sudden, the rain stopped.
Conditions varied across the lap — I could really gain time in Sector 1, but Sectors 2 and 3 were still tricky. My pit board showed a 51-second gap to P3. At first, I thought it was too much to bridge — although the conditions were starting to suit us.

With about 10 minutes to go, a dry line began to appear. Riders on wets started to cook their tyres and struggle. I found a groove and began picking off multiple riders each lap. I missed a few pit boards, but with four laps to go, the gap dropped: 30 seconds… then 20… then 6! I didn’t know what was going on — then suddenly, P3 came into view, and I coasted by.
It was a case of the gamble paying off. Lewis was flying all day, and big credit to him and Bobby — top boys.

And yeah, that was it. Over the line in P3. A great end to a really tough weekend. Travelling home with a big trophy and smiles on our faces really makes it all worthwhile!

Big Thanks to Steady who has stood in for the last two rounds, huge thanks to Dean, Luke and Matt who managed to find the problem and worked tirelessly on the bike, plus big thanks to everyone that makes it happen.

No Limits Racing NLR 2025
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