05.05.08 Map Embassy Triumph at Oulton

Okay, so it’s a cheesy and predictable headline, but we don’t care. Glen Richards claimed victory in probably the most exciting race of the day at Oulton Park. Having put his Map Embassy Triumph second on the grid, he was always going to have a tough race on his hands with Martin, Kennaugh and Lowry all on the front row to worry him.

Chris Martin of Gearlink Kawasaki cruised into the lead from his pole position start, fending off the efforts of Kennaugh and Glen who slotted into third on the opening lap. Glen hounding Kennaugh until they reached Brittens where he squeezed down the inside and into second to begin the hunt for first.

That plan had to be postponed when the race was red flagged when one rider suffered a heavy fall at Druids on lap four. With the riders taking to the grid from the positions they held at the end of lap 2, it was South African Kennuagh that got a flying start, ahead of both Glen and Martin.

Kennaugh held his lead comfortably with Glen simply shadowing him until the final lap. This was when things got interesting in the Map Embassy pit box. We had a special guest in the form of Raceways manager Steve who was watching the race on our television along with Map Embassy manger Myles Schofield, both engaging in banter and clearly enjoying it too. 45 Rider Richards made his move, passing the Yamaha at the start of the last lap. Glen had bided his time well and seized the opportunity at the right time but undid his hard work when he ran well wide at Shell Oils corner, allowing Kennaugh to pass and reclaim P1. When Glen took the lead there was a loud cheer from the watching crew in the Embassy pit box that was closely followed by a solitary yelp from Raceways’ Steve. With the team and Glen seemingly admitting defeat and settling for second everyone at Oulton Park was surprised when, approaching Lodge Kennuagh braked early defending the inside line, allowing Richards round the outside to claim the win at the death.

Glen said: "That fell into my lap really. I got into Druids too hot but everyone knows that the last corner here always throws up some surprises. I was just in the right place at the right time and I know the bike will continue to get better as the year goes on."

It wasn’t quite the same success story for 96 rider Paul Young. After putting his 675 fifth on the grid he jumped the green light at the start of the race but then stopped dead and fell back to seventh. Paul had managed to climb back up to sixth when the race was red flagged but was then penalised for his jump start. He was told he would have to ride down the pit lane under a regulated speed limit within the first three laps of the restart. After the restart Paul again did well to claw is way up to fifth before choosing to go into the pit lane on his last possible lap to do so. Paul rejoined the race in 20^th position and managed to fight his way up to 17^th by the time he crossed the finish line.

It was an unlucky break for Paul who felt he should not have been penalised in the second race as he hadn’t gained an advantage with his earlier jumpstart.

Paul said: “I was unlucky to be penalised yes, but I can’t use that as an excuse. One moment of lost concentration has cost me and the team dearly. I’m lucky that I only have six days to wait until I can make amends at Brands Hatch.”

1. Glen Richards-MAP Embassy Racing
2. Hudson Kennaugh - Raceways Yamaha
3. Ian Lowry - Relentless Suzuki by TAS
4. Chris Martin - Gearlink Kawasaki
5. Steve Brogan - HM Plant Honda

17. Paul Young – Map Embassy Racing