27/09/2009 22:33pm
The penultimate round of the British Superbike championship heralded the return of Glen Richards after a 12 week absence due to a broken femur. He rode to a fighting 13th place in race one but the likeable Australian felt unable to contest the second race due to pain in his leg, leaving team-mate and fellow Aussie Josh Brookes to battle on to secure a brace of third places.
Steve Plater rode another strong race to secure second place in the eventful Supersport class and extend his series lead to 11 points, while John McGuinness matched that result by taking second place in the Superstock championship although his team-mate Steve Brogan was unfortunate to crash out.
BRITISH SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
Qualifying: Josh Brookes 3rd / Glen Richards 12th
Race one (20 laps): Josh Brookes 3rd / Glen Richards 13th
Race two (20 laps): Josh Brookes 3rd / Glen Richards DNS (did not start)
Josh Brookes rode to a fine third place in the first of the two British Superbike races - his seventh of the current campaign - behind champion elect Leon Camier and James Ellison. After a poor start off the line he caught and passed Stuart Easton to move up from fourth place on lap eight and despite losing grip with the front tyre towards the end of the 20-lap affair he held his position to the chequered flag.
Race two produced the same result and despite a red flag which caused a lengthy delay, when the action resumed Josh was soon into third place and making a challenge on Stuart Easton. But Leon Camier passed both Brookes and Easton at two-thirds distance leaving Brookes to battle with Easton who he finally passed on the last corner to snatch his second podium finish of the day for HM Plant Honda on his CBR1000RR Fireblade.
Glen Richards rode a gutsy race on his return to the track after injury and held 10th place through the first 10 laps but was passed by Julien Da Costa and fell back into a battle for 11th pace with Graeme Gowland and Tom Bridewell who both eventually overhauled him on lap 18.
Richards decided not to contest the second race but to give his leg a further two weeks rest and build up his strength before the final round at Oulton Park.
Josh Brookes
"It's been a good weekend and I'm pleased to have come away with two podiums. We've got the bike working even better and although still not perfect in terms of set-up, I feel we got the most of the machine that we have so far this year. In race one I was struggling a bit with front grip in the second half of the race, but we made a few changes for race two which helped and I was able to ride around it. It's a shame we've only got one race meeting left as I feel that we're now just starting to make some great progress and see the results come with some consistent podiums."
Glen Richards
"Obviously this was my first time back racing since I broke my femur. It was 12 weeks ago so it wasn't that long ago. The leg is alright in short bursts but when I am on the bike for a long time it just wears out and the rest of my body wears out compensating. I am happy to be back and also happy with the lap times I can do when the leg is fresh. It was important for me to come back before the end of the year as it would be a long winter without riding the bike and we now have to work towards Oulton Park which is a couple of weeks away. I will do as much as I can to get the leg back stronger in the time I have and am looking forward to the off season and getting 100% fit for next year."
BRITISH SUPERSPORT CHAMPIONSHIP
Qualifying: 3rd
Race (18 laps): 2nd
As the 18-lap Supersport affair got underway, Plater, who began his campaign from a front row grid position, moved up into second place but was knocked back to fifth in the first lap battle for position. He regrouped and made his way back through to third on lap five and sat on the back wheel of McConnell throughout the remainder of the race, biding his time and watching to see which was the best place to make a pass.
On lap 15, Plater made his move at the chicane and made it stick. But McConnell was not going to let him get away and the pair disputed the position to the final corner when McConnell made a desperate attempt to pass and the pair clashed. Plater was pushed wide onto the grass but was able to remain in control to bring the HM Plant Honda CBR600RR across the line in third place. However, race control decided McConnell had taken an unfair advantage and reversed the finishing positions to give Plater the second place that he deserved.
Steve Plater
"I realised after qualifying and especially morning warm-up that James Westmoreland was going to be on winning pace and hard to beat so I wasn't too worried about where he finished. I was more concerned about myself and Billy (McConnell) as the title race is between us two. It was a good race; I followed Billy for a long way and then made my move on him at the chicane with three laps to go. I tried to get my head down and pull away but Billy was faster in some places and stuck with me, and then we had a bit of a coming together on the last lap but I managed to get second and extend my lead."
BRITISH SUPERSTOCK 1000 CHAMPIONSHIP
Qualifying: John McGuinness 1st / Steve Brogan 2nd
Race (15 laps): John McGuinness 2nd / Steve Brogan DNF
John McGuinness was on top form and delighted to qualifying in pole position - his first pole on a short circuit since 2001 - for the start of the penultimate round of the Superstock 1000 race.
As the race began, the two Padgett's Honda riders took a couple of laps to settle into their race but McGuinness was quick to move into the lead on lap two, swiftly followed by Brogan and the pair battled it out at the head of a pack of six riders with first McGuinness leading and then Brogan. But it all went wrong when Brogan fell at Abbey and McGuinness was forced back to fourth place in the confusion that followed.
But McGuinness was not finished and came back to pass Marshall Neil into third and then slip past Richard Cooper to seal second place on the penultimate lap and take his points tally to 148 which puts him up to third in the overall rider standings behind team-mate Brogan.
Steve Brogan
"I made a mistake going into Abbey and the back wheel locked up, so I‘m gutted for me, the team - as we were on for a 1-2 - and also for John as I almost ruined his race too. When the back locked up I had no engine braking so just couldn't make the corner. We were all on a very tight racing line as it was due to the oil on the track from the first superbike race and I knew once I made the mistake I could either go straight on and probably crash on the oil line or hope that I could hopefully avoid John, but couldn't. He did well to stay on, collect himself and get going again. But things happen in racing and I've got to get over it, pick myself up and look forward to Oulton now."
John McGuinness
"It was always going to be one of those races as the Superstock class is so competitive - it's all wheel to wheel stuff so I knew it wasn't going to be easy. I didn't really have a plan, just to go fast and get my head down and try to win it. Steve got past me and then I got back past him again and that's how it continued. I got past him at Maggots, the fast left and went towards the hairpin and he must have out braked himself and gave me a push at Abbey and just knocked me right back to fourth. I pushed really hard to get back up there and if I had a few more laps could maybe have won it. But we got second and it's put me up to third in the championship. I've had a good weekend really, with pole position and then a good strong race so that's good."
WEEKEND SUMMARY
Havier Beltran - HM Plant Honda Team Manager
"Overall this has been a positive weekend and it's always encouraging to come away with more podiums in all classes. In Superbike, Josh rode two very good races and possibly got the most of out of him and the bike as a package that we have seen all season. After race one Glen and I spoke as it was obvious he was in pain with his leg, and we agreed it would be better for him to sit out of race two and come back with full strength in his leg at Oulton, rather than risk further injury now. Glen was putting in good performances the whole weekend up until that point however so it's good to have him back with us and I'm sure he'll be fighting fit for the final round. Steve Plater had a great weekend and was at the sharp end in each session. It was all coming together and in the race there was everything to play for. After being shunted down a few places he did a great job to work his way back up the field and I'm pleased the MSVR judicial review panel considered McConnell's move gave him and unfair advantage gain and awarded Steve the second place he deserved. I would also like to commend Steve for the professionalism with which he conducted himself directly following the race despite his understandable emotions. We've got one round remaining and Steve goes into that with an eleven point lead, but it's still all to play for so Oulton should be an exciting season finale."
The final round of the 2009 BSB series takes place at Oulton Park in Cheshire where the Superbikes will enjoy three races instead of the usual two.
Steve Plater rode another strong race to secure second place in the eventful Supersport class and extend his series lead to 11 points, while John McGuinness matched that result by taking second place in the Superstock championship although his team-mate Steve Brogan was unfortunate to crash out.
BRITISH SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
Qualifying: Josh Brookes 3rd / Glen Richards 12th
Race one (20 laps): Josh Brookes 3rd / Glen Richards 13th
Race two (20 laps): Josh Brookes 3rd / Glen Richards DNS (did not start)
Josh Brookes rode to a fine third place in the first of the two British Superbike races - his seventh of the current campaign - behind champion elect Leon Camier and James Ellison. After a poor start off the line he caught and passed Stuart Easton to move up from fourth place on lap eight and despite losing grip with the front tyre towards the end of the 20-lap affair he held his position to the chequered flag.
Race two produced the same result and despite a red flag which caused a lengthy delay, when the action resumed Josh was soon into third place and making a challenge on Stuart Easton. But Leon Camier passed both Brookes and Easton at two-thirds distance leaving Brookes to battle with Easton who he finally passed on the last corner to snatch his second podium finish of the day for HM Plant Honda on his CBR1000RR Fireblade.
Glen Richards rode a gutsy race on his return to the track after injury and held 10th place through the first 10 laps but was passed by Julien Da Costa and fell back into a battle for 11th pace with Graeme Gowland and Tom Bridewell who both eventually overhauled him on lap 18.
Richards decided not to contest the second race but to give his leg a further two weeks rest and build up his strength before the final round at Oulton Park.
Josh Brookes
"It's been a good weekend and I'm pleased to have come away with two podiums. We've got the bike working even better and although still not perfect in terms of set-up, I feel we got the most of the machine that we have so far this year. In race one I was struggling a bit with front grip in the second half of the race, but we made a few changes for race two which helped and I was able to ride around it. It's a shame we've only got one race meeting left as I feel that we're now just starting to make some great progress and see the results come with some consistent podiums."
Glen Richards
"Obviously this was my first time back racing since I broke my femur. It was 12 weeks ago so it wasn't that long ago. The leg is alright in short bursts but when I am on the bike for a long time it just wears out and the rest of my body wears out compensating. I am happy to be back and also happy with the lap times I can do when the leg is fresh. It was important for me to come back before the end of the year as it would be a long winter without riding the bike and we now have to work towards Oulton Park which is a couple of weeks away. I will do as much as I can to get the leg back stronger in the time I have and am looking forward to the off season and getting 100% fit for next year."
BRITISH SUPERSPORT CHAMPIONSHIP
Qualifying: 3rd
Race (18 laps): 2nd
As the 18-lap Supersport affair got underway, Plater, who began his campaign from a front row grid position, moved up into second place but was knocked back to fifth in the first lap battle for position. He regrouped and made his way back through to third on lap five and sat on the back wheel of McConnell throughout the remainder of the race, biding his time and watching to see which was the best place to make a pass.
On lap 15, Plater made his move at the chicane and made it stick. But McConnell was not going to let him get away and the pair disputed the position to the final corner when McConnell made a desperate attempt to pass and the pair clashed. Plater was pushed wide onto the grass but was able to remain in control to bring the HM Plant Honda CBR600RR across the line in third place. However, race control decided McConnell had taken an unfair advantage and reversed the finishing positions to give Plater the second place that he deserved.
Steve Plater
"I realised after qualifying and especially morning warm-up that James Westmoreland was going to be on winning pace and hard to beat so I wasn't too worried about where he finished. I was more concerned about myself and Billy (McConnell) as the title race is between us two. It was a good race; I followed Billy for a long way and then made my move on him at the chicane with three laps to go. I tried to get my head down and pull away but Billy was faster in some places and stuck with me, and then we had a bit of a coming together on the last lap but I managed to get second and extend my lead."
BRITISH SUPERSTOCK 1000 CHAMPIONSHIP
Qualifying: John McGuinness 1st / Steve Brogan 2nd
Race (15 laps): John McGuinness 2nd / Steve Brogan DNF
John McGuinness was on top form and delighted to qualifying in pole position - his first pole on a short circuit since 2001 - for the start of the penultimate round of the Superstock 1000 race.
As the race began, the two Padgett's Honda riders took a couple of laps to settle into their race but McGuinness was quick to move into the lead on lap two, swiftly followed by Brogan and the pair battled it out at the head of a pack of six riders with first McGuinness leading and then Brogan. But it all went wrong when Brogan fell at Abbey and McGuinness was forced back to fourth place in the confusion that followed.
But McGuinness was not finished and came back to pass Marshall Neil into third and then slip past Richard Cooper to seal second place on the penultimate lap and take his points tally to 148 which puts him up to third in the overall rider standings behind team-mate Brogan.
Steve Brogan
"I made a mistake going into Abbey and the back wheel locked up, so I‘m gutted for me, the team - as we were on for a 1-2 - and also for John as I almost ruined his race too. When the back locked up I had no engine braking so just couldn't make the corner. We were all on a very tight racing line as it was due to the oil on the track from the first superbike race and I knew once I made the mistake I could either go straight on and probably crash on the oil line or hope that I could hopefully avoid John, but couldn't. He did well to stay on, collect himself and get going again. But things happen in racing and I've got to get over it, pick myself up and look forward to Oulton now."
John McGuinness
"It was always going to be one of those races as the Superstock class is so competitive - it's all wheel to wheel stuff so I knew it wasn't going to be easy. I didn't really have a plan, just to go fast and get my head down and try to win it. Steve got past me and then I got back past him again and that's how it continued. I got past him at Maggots, the fast left and went towards the hairpin and he must have out braked himself and gave me a push at Abbey and just knocked me right back to fourth. I pushed really hard to get back up there and if I had a few more laps could maybe have won it. But we got second and it's put me up to third in the championship. I've had a good weekend really, with pole position and then a good strong race so that's good."
WEEKEND SUMMARY
Havier Beltran - HM Plant Honda Team Manager
"Overall this has been a positive weekend and it's always encouraging to come away with more podiums in all classes. In Superbike, Josh rode two very good races and possibly got the most of out of him and the bike as a package that we have seen all season. After race one Glen and I spoke as it was obvious he was in pain with his leg, and we agreed it would be better for him to sit out of race two and come back with full strength in his leg at Oulton, rather than risk further injury now. Glen was putting in good performances the whole weekend up until that point however so it's good to have him back with us and I'm sure he'll be fighting fit for the final round. Steve Plater had a great weekend and was at the sharp end in each session. It was all coming together and in the race there was everything to play for. After being shunted down a few places he did a great job to work his way back up the field and I'm pleased the MSVR judicial review panel considered McConnell's move gave him and unfair advantage gain and awarded Steve the second place he deserved. I would also like to commend Steve for the professionalism with which he conducted himself directly following the race despite his understandable emotions. We've got one round remaining and Steve goes into that with an eleven point lead, but it's still all to play for so Oulton should be an exciting season finale."
The final round of the 2009 BSB series takes place at Oulton Park in Cheshire where the Superbikes will enjoy three races instead of the usual two.
