Strong Win for Fitzpatrick
It was another strong win for Craig Fitzpatrick in the Fuchs-Silkolene
British Supersport Cup race at the rescheduled Brands Hatch
event; he also gained a fantastic sixth place in the overall
race. Fitzpatrick on the BLDS Couriers Yamaha extended his
lead in the Cup Championship by 15 points from his nearest
rival Andy Weymouth.
Having already qualified back in April on the front row in
fourth position, Fitzpatrick was looking forward to racing
at one of his favourite circuits and securing a strong result
in the Cup and also in the main Championship.
The 30-year-old from Alfreton, Derbyshire was consistently
running in the top four through both free practice sessions
and was aiming at his first podium in the main race. In the
dramatic race Fitzpatrick got his head down and was fighting
hard for a solid result in the 18 lap scrap. He gained a good
start and was into first place by the first corner, an incident
behind him at Paddock Hill Bend and Druids forced the safety
car out on track whilst the marshal’s cleared the debris.
By lap three the race was up and running again and Fitzpatrick
had slipped back to sixth position. Battling hard he was locked
in some tight battles with Chris Martin and John McGuinness,
once again on lap 11 the safety car was sent out after two
crashes needed to be cleared from the circuit. Fitzpatrick
was unable to match the power of the factory riders and slipped
back down the pack. However he was eager for a good result
and fended off the challenges from Ian Hutchinson and Marty
Nutt, he was involved in a dice to the flag beating the duo
by 0.4 for sixth place.
Commenting he said “I’m a little disappointed
with my result as I was really hoping to be able to fight
for a podium at Brands in the main Championship. I know I’m
strong round there and I wanted to prove that. I struggled
both times when the safety car went back into the pits to
match the power of the other bikes in front of me and tried
to stay with them but it was hard. I can’t complain
too much as I won the Cup race again and sixth is a good result
for a Cup competitor. I’m looking forward to Donington
in a few weeks time and it would be good to keep getting consistent
top ten finishes in the main race.”
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