AJ Venter rode a brilliant race at Oulton Park today (Saturday 19th July) to claim his first race win of the season and looks like he is coming good at just the right time.
Starting from 3rd on the grid after a solid qualifying session, he shot straight in to the lead at the first turn and held off early threats from Robbie Brown and Luke Stapleford for the first few laps before they eventually got the better of him. Robbie Brown cruising into first closely followed by Stapleford.
AJ fell to third but bided his time well and was waiting in the wings when Brown came off at Britten’s chicane, Stapleford took the lead and AJ saw his chance taking him at Lodge corner. Once he had the track he opened up the Triumph putting some distance between himself and the other podium chasers with a gap of just over 3 seconds.
It was a great performance by the young South African who is showing real maturity and refining that raw talent.
AJ’s Chief Mechanic, Graeme Parker, spoke of his delight for AJ and the team
“I knew it was only a matter of time before AJ got that win and he did it in great style today. I’m really pleased for him and the rest of the crew. The result puts him in joint third place and I hope we can really kick on from here and get closer to that championship.”
AJ himself was ecstatic with the win
“I got a break when Robbie fell but I thought I rode really well before that and still had work to do when I passed Stapleford. He didn’t look comfortable in the lead and was braking too early so when I saw my chance I took it, then once I had the track I just put my head down and went for it.”
1. AJ Venter – Map Embassy Racing
2. Luke Stapleford – Bournemouth Kawasaki/Hawk
3. Joshua Day – Mainstream Digital
4. Lee Johnston – Trevor Pennell Transport
5.Jamie Hamilton – MSS Colchester Discovery
