MacKenzie so close again

Qualification was a little frustrating for the CAS boys on Saturday at Mantova in Italy, with Billy qualifying in 14th position and Mike in 19th.

The track was wet as it had been raining all day but luckily the weather brightened up initially for race day.
 
The first race started well for Billy, out of the gate with the front half a dozen, he sat comfortably in fourth position for the first few laps then overtook Marc DeReuver for the third spot, where he stayed until 5 laps from the end of the race when he landed awkwardly and unfortunately the bike threw him down the track.  After Billy remounted he continued in 8th place, only then to be passed by Leok, placing Billy 9th past the finishing flag.  Mike's race was fought further back in 18th/19th position and he came home in 19th place.
 
Before Race 2 got underway the heavens opened and turned the second race into a lottery.  The race didn't start so well for Billy, he was a little further back at the start than in race 1, but fought his way up to fourth place by the seventh lap.  Billy learnt from his first race and settled back to finish a solid 4th.  Mike started not far from his team mate but slipped back, eventually crossing the finishing line in 15th.
 
Billy's summary of the weekend was 'We found it hard to find a good setting on Saturday which was frustrating, but the bike was perfect on Sunday.  I felt relaxed and showed my speed, but was just unlucky to crash in the first race, my second race was great'.
 
'It felt good on Saturday, but Sunday I just couldn't seem to find the right lines on the track' Mike said after his disappointing day came to a close.
 
Neil Prince Team Manager was happy with Billy's performance and felt frustrated for Mike.  He said 'Billy showed that he can take it to them.  The Championship is still wide open which is good for everyone'.
 
Results
Race 1
1st S Pourcel, 2nd K DeDycker, 3rd M DeReuver, 4th J Coppins, 5th D Philippearts, 6th S Ramon
Race 2
1st M Nagl, 2nd D Philippearts, 3rd M DeReuver, 4th B MacKenzie, 5th J Coppins, 6th K DeDycker
Overall on the day
1st M DeReuver, 2nd S Pourcel, 3rd D Philippearts
Championship Positions to date
1st D Philippearts 187 points, 2nd S Ramon 159 points, 3rd J Coppins 149 points, 4th K DeDycker 135 points, 5th B MacKenzie 130 points

The CAS Honda Team are now in preparation for the biggest GP of the year. the home GP at Mallory Park on Saturday 31st May and Sunday 1st June, we hope to see you all there cheering on Billy and Mike, and the rest of the Brits.