Centurion Racing got their 2007 season off to a fantastic start this weekend at the first round of the British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch, 7th – 9th April. Rookies James ‘Westy’ Westmoreland and Dan Cooper secured a strong 10th and 11th place respectively in the overall Supersport Championship with Westy taking the Supersport Cup victory in the process.
The dramatic race which included two red flag incidents and the safety car having to be dispatched onto the circuit gave the youngsters and sharp taste of what could lie ahead for the season. Both handled the situations well and remained focused throughout the cut short 10-lap race.
Westy qualified in a strong 12th position for the scheduled 18-lap race and was looking strong and confident throughout the weekend, setting consistently fast times. Commenting he said “It’s great to finally get the season underway and I’m happy that I managed to secure the Cup win and also a top ten finish in my first appearance. The race was full of incidents, I didn’t get a great start in the first part of the race and I got boxed in going into the first corner. I was working my way back through the field when the first red flag came out. Things went better in the re-start and I got off the line well, I could see Ian Hutchinson and Steven Neate in front of me and was working hard to try and catch them when the second red flag came out and cut the race short. I can’t wait for Thruxton now and hope I can get another strong result there.”
After qualifying in his debut Supersport race in 20th position Cooper was eager to get a good start and work his way through the pack saying “This was only my second time out on the bike this weekend and my second time on a Supersport bike, it was a huge learning curve and I’m really pleased with the result that I gained. There were a number of different elements to learn and a lot of information to take in but I feel that I made huge progress this weekend and hope I can carry on that form for the rest of the season. I was improving each time I went out on the bike and I just wanted to get myself and the team a decent finish. It took me a while to settle into the race, being my first Supersport race it was a little daunting but I really enjoyed it. The team have worked really hard all weekend, they did a fantastic job and I’m looking forward to Thruxton as it’s Centurions and my own local circuit, so I’m eager to get another positive result there next week.
Team Manager Gary Stubbington was delighted with the progress of the two youngsters saying “It’s been a great weekend for us, everyone has worked incredible well and Westy and Dan have had a great start to the season. They have both been on an intense training schedule and that showed today, the full team are very happy with them. Each had their own minor problems but dealt with all obstacles confidently and they both showed a great deal of character in all the situations which occurred. The main thing was that we got two finishes and to have both of them in the top 15 is fantastic. I’m hoping Thruxton will be just as good.”
Centurion Racings next appearance is at Thruxton Circuit, Hampshire next weekend 13th – 15th April. The super fast 2.36-mile circuit will be a strong test for the pair and will hopefully prove to be as successful for them as Brands was. With the teams headquarters being situated in Southampton, this will provide a good opportunity for the team to showcase themselves to their local sponsors and media.
Related Linkswww.centurionracing.net
Related News
