Debut Podium for Centurion & Westmoreland
James Westmoreland secured Centurion Racing their first
British Supersport podium this weekend at round five of the
Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport round at Snetterton circuit.
Westmoreland grabbed a stunning third place after running
with the leaders throughout the 18-lap race and passing experienced
rider Hudson Kennaugh in the closing stages, shortly before
the race was red-flagged due to an accident.
Young Westmoreland who celebrates his 20th Birthday next
week gained an early Birthday present at the super fast Norfolk
track. Running consistently strong throughout the weekend
it was looking likely that Westy would be able to get on the
podium. Not even half way through the season and the youngster
has got to grips with his Honda 600 and is now eager to get
similar results at the remaining rounds of the series.
Westy qualified in a healthy fifth position and missed second
qualifying late in the afternoon on Saturday due to the heavy
rain, the team opted out as the circuit was un-ride-able and
no-one would improve on the dry qualifying times that were
set in the morning. His team-mate Dan Cooper could only manage
to qualify in 18th place in the fiercely competitive series.
Westy gained a fantastic start and was away with the leading
pack, Glen Richards, Steve Plater and Hudson Kennaugh. As
they bridged a huge gap on the rest of the field Westy was
able to stay with the front runners and made a clean pass
on Kennaugh the South African on lap 12 at the bottom of the
fast Revett Straight into the Esses. It was perfect timing
from Westy as the race was red flagged just one lap later
after an accident at Russell Corner.
A delighted Westy commented "I'm so pleased that I managed
to get onto the podium, not just for myself but for the whole
Centurion Racing Team who have worked so hard and kept their
faith in me for the last couple of years and it's nice to
be able to repay them. I was running well all weekend and
I knew if I got a good start I could run with the front runners
and push for a podium. I hope this won't be a one off and
that I can continue running at this end of the pack at the
future races. I'd just like to say a big thanks to all the
people that have helped me get here."
Dan Cooper could only salvage 16th place from 18th place on
the grid. He got blocked into the first corner and struggled
to stay with the riders in front of him, battling hard the
youngster was unable to break into a points scoring positions.
A disappointed Cooper said "I'm gutted not to have scored
any points this weekend I just couldn't seem to stay with
the guys in front of me down the long back straight. I know
the team have worked really hard and I wish I could have brought
it home in a better position for the team. I would like to
congratulate Westy on his first podium, he did a great job.
I would also like to wish Midge Smart a speedy recovery as
his crash was the cause of the red flag and I narrowly missed
hitting him after he crashed. Hopefully I can turn things
around at Mallory in a couple of weeks time."
|
