Hill scores Cadwell double
Added on Monday, August 29th, 2011 by Carole Nash Editor
Hill scores Cadwell double
Tommy Hill scored a double victory in today’s two British Suoerbike Championship races at Cadwell Park, to enhance his title bid.
A strong start in the weekend’s second race, today’s first race, saw Hill steal the advantage on his Swan Yamaha machine. However, as the opening few laps developed race one winner Michael Laverty launched an attack for the lead.
After briefly stealing top spot, Laverty was soon forced to relinquish his advantage, when a charging Hill resumed his place at the front. Behind, Shane Byrne was echoing a similar move to move ahead of Josh Brookes.
Hill was able to defend his lead before edging out a gap back to second placed Laverty. Championship leader Byrne fought to third place, but was unable to make an impression on Laverty, whilst Brookes secured a fourth place finish.
Peter Hickman scored fifth place as the chequered flag fell, ahead of Jon Kirkham and Martin Jessopp. Eighth place went the way of Graeme Gowland, whilst Ryuichi Kiyonari and Gary Mason completed the top ten.
As the final race got underway it was Laverty who led away from the grid, with Byrne, Hill and Brookes close behind.
The early phase of the race belonged to Laverty, with the Swan Yamaha rider controlling the pace until the tenth lap. With Hill tucked in behind him in second place, he made a move on his teammate which elevated him into the lead. Hill held the position for the remainder of the outing, as his rivals fought it out behind.
After defending heavily from the chasing Brookes, Laverty was forced to relinquish his position when a mistake allowed Brookes to jump into second place. Laverty held onto third to complete the podium, whilst Byrne rounded out another top four finish.
Hickman again secured a fifth place finish on his Tyco Honda machine, ahead of Kirkham’s Crescent Racing Suzuki. Seventh place was won by Kiyonari on the second HM Plant Honda, ahead of Jessopp, Gowland and James Ellison, with the Sorrymate.com Honda rider making a welcome return to the top ten.
Byrne still has control of the championship standings, to head a total of six riders who are in with a chance of becoming the 2011 BSB Champion. Second placed Hill, the injured John Hopkins, Laverty, Brookes and Kiyonari are all within touching distance of championship honours, as the title showdown looms.
The next round takes place at Donington Park, over the weekend of 9th-11th September.
