A SUPERBIKE racer will ride independently at his home circuit, one year after he broke his back in a high speed crash at Thruxton.
Stephen Thomas, also known as Tommo21, spent six months recovering from the crash on August 12, 2023 which left him in hospital for almost a week.
The dad-of-one, who lives in Amesbury, recovered well and joined A Edwards Racing for the 2024 season Bennett's British Superbike Championship.
But Tommo separated from A Edwards Racing after round six of the championship at Brand's Hatch on Sunday, July 21.
A "difference in ideology" meant Tommo had to part ways with the team, he explained: "The aims of the team and the aims of myself are slightly different.
"I'm happy to be on circuit as long as I as a rider am trying to progress. A Edwards Racing said they wanted that to begin with but as the season went on they wanted me to be far more cautious on track.
"For me, it doesn't matter if you're progressing or taking it a bit easier at the back of the pack - the risk of racing a motorcycle is still there irrespective. I'm only willing to be on a track if I'm willing to move forward."
READ MORE: Amesbury superbiker Stephen Thomas returns to racing after crash
Dangerous situations can arise from indecisiveness when a you're "being pulled in a lot of difference directions", Tommo added.
Hoping for podium at home circuit
Thruxton will be Tommo's first race aboard his old Triumph Daytona 675 with his own independent team since his catastrophic crash.
His family team has been "moving heaven and Earth" to prepare for the race and the bike has been rebuilt from scratch in just two and a half weeks.
"The priority is Thruxton, my home circuit," said Tommo.
"If there was any other circuit coming up next, we would not have put the time and effort we are to get everything ready."
Hoping for a podium position in the Supersport Cup class at his home track, Tommo added: "Obviously what I went through last year was traumatic and painful; it was a fast, serious crash and I don't take that lightly. But I've never taken the risk of racing motorcycles lightly.
"All I think about is going back to Thruxton. It's probably my favourite track of the season with local support and all I want to do is go back there and do what I need to do to have a good round."
The team is confident it will have two sponsors covering the racing consumable costs for the 2025 season which should relieve financial pressure and allow them to focus on getting the bike ready to race.
Tommo gave personal thanks to all the sponsors and individuals who have helped him put the team together including JPAutoBodies, JMS Heating and Plumbing as well as Signs in Motion.
He added: "Irrespective of what happened last year, I'm looking forward to the challenge."
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