RELENTLESS DOMINATES MALLORY
Relentless Suzuki British Supersport riders Michael Laverty
and Ian Lowry dominated the ninth round of the series at Mallory
Park on Sunday.
Laverty stalked both Lowry and early race leader Dennis Hobbs
for just over two-thirds distance before pulling the pin to
take the hard-fought victory. Lowry, who led the race for
three laps, held off Dennis Hobbs to take second place and
20 valuable championship points.
Michael Laverty:
"I didn't push too hard too soon today as I wasn't sure
how the tyres would last due to the lack of practice this
weekend and to be totally honest I was cruising in the early
stages. Halfway through the race I did make a move on Dennis
but he ran me wide and that let Ian through as well. After
that I pressed on and took the lead. I was able to gap both
Ian and Dennis which left it comfortable for me at the end
of the race. I'm happy with that performance, which to be
fair to the boys in the team, was won in the garage. I really
do have to thank the team today and with a three week break
before the next round I think I have stamped my authority
on the championship."
Ian Lowry:
"I got away in about fifth place but when I got past
Jamie Robinson I was able to settle down into a pace that
I was comfortable with. I put in a pretty good lap about mid
distance and I was planning a move on Michael. At the same
time Michael was trying to get past Dennis, they both ran
wide and I nipped into the lead. I think I lead for about
four laps but when Michael hit the front he was able to pull
a gap over us and in the end he got through the backmarkers
better than me. My GSX-R600 Relentless Suzuki and Pirelli
tyre combination was great today thanks to the hard work by
the team prior to the race. It's great to be back on the podium
after the past couple of rounds, but it was very physical
here today. I think some time in the gym will do no harm before
the next round at Croft."
Philip Neill - Team Principal:
"I've said it before I know, but it just can't get any
better than this. It has been quite a season. This is the
second one-two we have posted this year, seriously proving
the capabilities of the GSX-R600 Suzuki in this class. Michael
also went within a whisker of the lap record here today when
posting the fastest lap of the race, but despite comments
being made about the lack of lap records being broken this
season, they don't win you a championship.
"The weekend initially looked like a non-starter due
to the atrocious weather conditions so to bring the boys home
on the first two steps of the podium is testament to the team
effort going on within our garage. Other than the warm-up
this morning no one had time to find the perfect set-up. Thankfully
we were able to use our 2006 information as a guide and it
worked perfectly.
"With only four rounds left, and with the form that Michael
Laverty is currently showing, it would be crazy for us not
to be hopeful of success although nothing can be taken for
granted. Michael is not only showing his ability on a motorcycle
this season, his experience is also allowing him to attack
at just the right time.
"Ian is just getting better and better and he should
be very proud of himself. He is up against two other riders
fighting for the championship, and they have much more experience
than he has. I'm also very pleased he had the foresight to
ride within his limits, producing an almost flawless performance
this weekend.
"As always our sponsors play a very important role, and
the biggest thanks today must go to Pirelli who helped us
make the right choice for the conditions. Michael did a race
simulation this morning and Pirelli pulled the tyres out of
the bag - superb. Thanks as always to Relentless, Beacon Security,
Putoline Lubricants, WP Suspension and of course Suzuki.
"On behalf of everyone at Relentless Suzuki and TAS Racing,
I would like to offer my sincere condolences, both to NB Racing
and of course the Bridewell family circle after Friday's tragic
circumstances when Ollie lost his life. Our thoughts are with
you all at this very tough time."
Maxxis British Supersport Championship:
1 Michael Laverty [Suzuki] 27:20.538; 2 Ian Lowry [Suzuki]
+2.743; 3 Dennis Hobbs [Honda] +4.776; 4 Billy McConnell [Yamaha]
+12.935; 5 Ian Hutchinson [Honda] +14.735; 6 John McGuinness
[Honda] +15.264.
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