Sleet, Hail and torrential rain greeted the 23 young riders as they arrived at Donington Park for the second round of the Virgin Mobile Cup this weekend (9 April) Swindon-based Matthew Whitman rode the Dunlop Animal yellow bike as he leads the series on points after winning the first race at Brands Hatch two weeks ago. As the grid lined up for the 12 laps of the 2.5 mile circuit, the rain poured down, making conditions a real challenge for the 16-22 year old riders.
As the lights went out for the Virgin Mobile Cup race, Doncaster based James Rose got off to a blistering start. After qualifying 6th on the grid, the talented youngster was the first to the apex of the first corner and won the Animal-sponsored Holeshot prize.
For most of the race it was between two riders for first place, Matthew Whitman who qualified third on the grid and Isle of Man rider, Sean Murphy. Murphy, who didn’t even complete one lap in practice before crashing out, managed to secure an impressive 2nd position on the grid during qualifying. The determined Manx rider wanted victory and he and Whitman were exchanging elbows, paintwork and positions throughout the race.
Sean Murphy said: “I haven’t had a great start to the season with getting pole and then waiting for a green light which never came in the first race at Brands I was hoping Donington would be better. When I crashed out in practice I was devastated as I desperately needed some track time. The race went well though, Whitman and I had an elbow go at each other and it was really close. I would have loved to have come away with the win, but I am looking forward to Thruxton.”
It was Matthew Whitman who came through to eventually take the chequered flag after building up an impressive 8 second lead over Murphy. Northern Irish rider BJ Toal had an incredible race, working in his way through the field from 7th on the grid, overtaking James Rose on lap 8 going on to eventually take third place and getting within half a second of Sean Murphy.
Matthew Whitman said: “It’s been a bit of a dream start and the pressure was on me a bit in this race, I had set myself a standard by winning at Brands and I am just pleased I pulled it off. Again the weather played a huge part in the race, riding in sleet isn’t fun! The Dunlop Qualifier tyres performed on the day and I am feeling really confident.”
There was a real battle for fifth place between Graeme Gowland, Calvin Hogan and James Cox who all crossed the line within a second of each other.
For a few of the riders it was their first time on the track at Donington including Belfast teenager Scott Kelly who despite qualifying in a solid 14th place crashed out on the first lap at Foggy’s Esses taking Tom Grant and Midge Smart with him. Grant got back on his bike and rode on to a well-deserved 12 place.
New addition to the grid Derbyshire rider, 21 year old Linzi Plastow, the only female rider in the Virgin Mobile Cup found the conditions tough at her home track, but managed to stay on the bike for the 12 laps.
Series Organiser Rob McElnea said: “I feel for these young riders, we have had two races both held in the worst conditions you could imagine and yet they still amaze us all with their riding ability. We need to get into some decent weather before we see the front runners for the championship but the lads who are stacking up solid points in treacherous conditions right now will benefit as the year moves on."
The Virgin Mobile Cup riders will be back at Donington as a support class for the Moto GP in July. The next round of the Virgin Mobile Cup will be this Bank Holiday Monday at Thruxton.
Virgin Mobile Cup – Round 2 Donington Park1, Matthew Whitman 23m 02.708s,
2, Sean Murphy +7.754s,
3, BJ Toal +8.256s,
4, James Rose +11.187s,
5, Graeme Gowland +13.531s,
6, Calvin Hogan +13.639s,
7, James Cox +13.852s,
8, Patrick McDougall +16.039s,
9, James Webb +25.940s,
10, Sam Bishop +30.172s,
11, Leon Hunt +31.981s,
12. Tom Grant +37.181,
13, Robbie Brown +1:06.663,
14. Olie Linsdell +1:08.079,
15, David Paton +1:20.072,
16, Alex Jenkins + 1:34.571,
17, John Eastwood +1:36.348,
18, Linzi Plastow +1 Lap.
Virgin Mobile Cup Standings (after round 2)1. Matthew Whitman 50 points
2. BJ Toal 25 points
3. Tom Grant 24 points
3. Graeme Gowland 24 points
5. James Rose 23 points
6. Leon Hunt 21 points
7. Sean Murphy 20 points
8. Sam Bishop 17 points
9. James Webb 14 points
10. Patrick McDougall 13 points
11. Robbie Brown 11 points
12. Calvin Hogan 10 points
13. James Cox 9 points
14. Midge Smart 6 points
15. Scott Kelly 4 points
16. Simon Deaville 3 points
17. Shaun Williams 2 points
17. David Paton 2 points
17. Olie Linsdell 2 points
Related Linkswww.virginmobilecup.com
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