Ross Connolly once again dominated proceedings at the R&G Racing Suzuki GSX-R600 Trophy, taking pole position and both races wins to extend his Championship lead even further.
He lapped the physical 1.2 National circuit in 1min 12.5secs with Trophy regular, Ross “Rossi” Richards in hot pursuit as he came over the line just 0.1secs behind Connolly.
As ever Mark Cheetham was in the mix, qualifying in third place. Completing the front row was top novice Duncan Bedwell who was about two seconds off the others’ pace.
In race one Connolly raced to the win and also set the fastest lap of the race with a time of 1min 12.7secs on lap 13.
From the outset Connolly was at the front with Richards and Cheetham giving chase. They spent four laps tailing one another and it was at this point that Connolly pulled the pin. Both Richards and Cheetham dropped off the pace allowing Connolly to romp home with a 3.5 secs lead. Richards settled for second and Cheetham in third.
Duncan Bedwell raced to fourth place but had a crash on the 11th lap, he remounted to finish. However, ACU Regulations for Club level racing don’t allow a rider to remount after a crash, so he was excluded from the results.
Connolly said: “I felt under pressure at the start from Ross. I was pushing hard but didn’t seem to be making any ground, my board was showing +0, +0 and then it started to show +1, +2, +3. I didn’t feel I’d done anything different but by lap 15 I had a four second lead so I backed off just to take the win. Thanks to my pit crew for the great signaling as it helped me to control the race.”
Richards said: “That was a hard race but Connolly had the speed. He picked up the pace and gapped me.”
Cheetham said: “Me visor steamed up and if it hadn’t then I’d have won! Third is ok; I was only 17 seconds off second place.”
The Express Insurance Top Novice Award went to William Sawyer for the first time. He was over the moon to pick up the award as it was his first time at the track. The Relentless award for most entertaining ride went to Paul Rogers.
Race two played out in a similar manner with Connolly slotting straight into the lead. Cheetham, took third place and set the initial fastest lap on lap two with a 1min 13secs time.
Connolly came back and dropped the fastest lap down to 1min 12secs on lap four. Cheetham worked hard to pass Richards for second place and set about reeling Connolly in. He set another fastest lap with a 1min 12.6secs.
There was one faller in the race and that was Richard Steadman who high sided on to the main straight at the mid point of the race. On lap 11 Cheetham took the lead and dropped his fastest lap to 1min 12.5secs and that is where it stayed. Connolly followed him and passed him back on lap 12 holding the lead until the chequered flag. That left Cheetham in second and Richards in a close third.
The Express Insurance Top Novice award went to Duncan Bedwell and the Relentless rider of the day award went to Cheetham as he was riding with three damaged ribs. Cheetham took part in the Mega Avalanche mountain bike event a few weeks ago where he picked up his rib injury.
Connolly said: “Thanks to my girlfriend Vicky for feeding me all weekend. Thanks to James for the pit boards and thanks to Speedy for eating all the food. It was a tough race as Mark pushed me all the way. If he was fitter I think he could have beaten me. The next two rounds are at Castle Combe and Oulton Park which are favourites of mine.”
Cheetham said: “Thanks to Moto Direct for my new comfy leathers and to Motul Oil for the extra horse power. On lap 15 the tiredness jus hit me and that was that. Over the last three weeks the most I’ve done is cut the hedge thanks to my injured ribs.”
Richards said: “I fluffed the start and wheelied. Mark passed me and I tucked in behind him as he pulled me up to Connolly. Cheetham went wide and I closed up on him but I couldn’t pass him. I do feel I’m getting closer to Connolly though.
Race one results
1. Ross Connolly
2. Ross Richards
3. Mark Cheetham
4. Paul Rogers
5. William Sawyer
6. Tim Sayers
7. Richard Steadman
8. Nicky Wilson
Race two results
1. Ross Connolly
2. Mark Cheetham
3. Ross Richards
4. Duncan Bedwell
5. Paul Rogers
6. William Sawyer
7. Nicky Wilson
Championship Standings
1. Ross Connolly 195
2. Mark Cheetham 157
3. Ross Richards 128
4. Paul Rogers 85
5. Duncan Bedwell 83
6. William Sawyer 74
7. Chris Hawkes 63
8. Nicky Wilson 51
9. Tim Sayers 43
10. Richard Steadman 42
For full Championship standkings click here.