With Map Embassy’s Glen Richards in pole for the first race of the Supersport series the team were in great shape to make a positive start to the year, and that they did.
Richards had the best possible start from pole, staying ahead of the pack for the entire first lap but Steve Brogan of HM Plant Honda took the lead on the second to last corner of lap two. Richards stayed in P2 for a further six laps until the safety car came out after two other riders clashed at the chicane causing both to come off. The safety car stayed out for two laps and when normal race conditions resumed Richards took the lead from Brogan in the first corner which he held for one lap before Brogan again moved into first. That is where he stayed with Glen unable to regain first after that, though it wasn’t through a lack of trying, but with Chris Martin of Gearlink Kawasaki making a late push for second Glen had more than one rider to worry about.
Richards said: “Once I lost the lead for what was the last time I just couldn’t take him again. Steve did his job well and made it impossible for me to pass. I’m a little frustrated but it's a podium finish and makes for a competitive next round at Oulton Park."
Paul Young also started well, leaping from his grid position of 12th to 6th on the first lap. The grid stretched out quickly and Young looked comfortable in his position. “ When the safety car came out I was in 5th and I still felt I was in the hunt for a podium but the rear tyre didn’t seem to like the slow laps and had cooled off once the race restarted so I felt a little off the pace after that”. After falling back to 9th late on Paul decide to consolidate his respectable position and avoided getting in to a late tussle that might see him lose ground. “I’m a bit disappointed not to be in the top five but will take the points for now. Some better luck in qualifying at the next rounds should see me improve on today’s result.”
1. Steve Brogan – HM Plant Honda - 25:04.288
2. Glen Richards – MAP Embassy Racing - 25:04.382
3. Chris Martin – Gearlink Kawasaki - 25:04.874
4. Hudson Kennaugh – Raceways Yamaha - 25:05.636
5.Ian Lowry – Relentless Suzuki by TAS - 25:06.287
9. Paul Young – MAP Embassy Racing - 25:09.845
AJ Venter also put in a terrific performance in the Superstock 600 series. After qualifying way back in 26th due to some difficult conditions on Saturday, AJ was in a quiet but confident mood ahead of the race on Sunday, seemingly focused on the task in hand. On the first lap AJ went from 26th on the grid to 16th. He then shuffled between 16th and 14th position over the next six laps where he stayed for two laps before climbing a further three places to 11th. With AJ scrapping every inch of the way he was disappointed when the race was ended due to a red flag.
“It’s a shame the race was called as I thought I would have been able to at least creep into the top ten but it wasn’t to be today. However, I’m still pleased with my performance today and I have Oulton Park to look forward to in two weeks time and I’m also in a great position to take something from Brands Hatch after that.”
1. Luke Jones - RDL UK1 Racing – 13:35.71
2. Chris Notrthover – Team Haribo Starmix – 13:41.398
3. Jamie Hamilton – MSS Kawasaki Juniors – 13:41.597
4. Joel Morris – Suzuki A1 Motorcycles – 13:43.121
5. David Haire – Vanfit Yamaha – 13:47.519
11. AJ Venter – MAP Embassy Racing – 13:50.395
