Saturday June 27, 2009 at 9:47am
Mark Cheetham on the Shorrock prepared GSX-R600, got the better of Championship leader Ross Connolly during the sixth round of the R&G Racing Suzuki GSX-R Trophy at Donington Park.
This weekend the R&G Racing Suzuki GSX-R Trophy riders have the honour of supporting the World Superbikes at Donington Park and as ever they put on a fine show.
Connolly broke into the lead from the off leaving Cheetham to chase him down which he did. Cheetham had to pass Ross Richards first before he could get his head down and go after the race lead.
Once clear of Richards he was able to reel in Connolly and pass him, Connolly fought back but got on the gas too soon and almost highsided. Cheetham came over the line with the win, Connolly second and Richards held onto third place.
The Pole Position award went to Connolly in the form of a £50 voucher for Force Field Body Armour redeemable at Stamford Superbikes. The Fastest Lap award of a Suzuki watch went to Cheetham. The Express Insurance Top Gun Novice award went to Duncan Bedwell and the Relentless Award for most the entertaining rider was given to Cheetham for his superb win.
Cheetham said: “Once I got past Richards I knew I could carry the corner speed better and catch up to Connolly. I had really bad arm pump, I nearly gave up. Connolly was fighting with some other riders and he got held up so I went for it and got him at Craner. He did come back along side me but nearly highsided. I’m chuffed to get the win and crossing the line felt great. A big thanks to Shorrocks for preparing my bike it rode like a dream.”
Connolly said: “I really enjoyed my race and I knew it was Mark that was chasing me. I had bad arm pump that started about two laps in, I don’t think I drank enough water. Well done to Mark he deserved it, I just wish he had passed me sooner. I tried to pass back but I got on the gas early and nearly went over the bars. The plan for tomorrow is to win. I’m gonna drink lots of fluids and not Vodka.”
Richards said: “I had arm pump from the seventh lap on and I felt I could have stayed with Mark but on the last few laps I couldn’t brake. The pace wasn’t bad but I felt I could have gone with Mark but I couldn’t have passed either of them but at least I could have been dragged up there. I tried to rest my arm on the straights but it wasn’t workings. I’d have preferred first or second.”
The seventh round of the R&G Racing Suzuki GSX-R Trophy will take place on Sunday 28th June at 17:00 following the Superbike races. Connolly is determined to win so watch this space.
Race results
1. Mark Cheetham
2. Ross Connolly
3. Ross Richards
4. Duncan Bedwell
5. J Davey
6. Chris Hawkes
7. William Sawyer
8. S Parry
9. Paul Rogers
10. Tom Sayer