The scene was set at Silverstone, 29 April, for an emotional return to the Virgin Media Cup for James Webb. The young Kent-based rider did not disappoint as he dominated the 12-lap race from the lights to take back-to-back wins at the Northamptonshire circuit. James Webb proved his decision to switch classes from Supersport to Virgin Media Cup as the right one, proving too hot to handle for his fellow competitors. Dominant throughout practice and qualifying, Webb destroyed the chasing pack to secure pole position by over a second.
The race would prove to be no different. Stealing the holeshot, Webb was momentarily passed by Midge Smart, before ducking underneath the diminutive Peterborough-based rider at Brooklands to regain the lead at the end of the first lap. Championship leader, BJ Toal on the Pirelli Diablo Yamaha YZF-R6, tucked into third as the front riders made an early break.
As early as the second lap, times tumbled with first Webb (1:33.942 & 1:33.370), and then BJ Toal (1:33.207) knocking over a second from the previous record held since 2005 by Billy McConnell.
With Webb making a break for home with four laps left and BJ Toal nestled in behind Smart, the battle for sixth further down the field began to heat up. Pole-sitter from Thruxton, Leon Morris locked horns with David Paton and Leo Aldersley, swapping paint and lines over the closing stages. Aldersley looked as if he would triumph but Morris's determination saw him edge past in a three-way dash for the line, adding ten points to his championship tally.
Webb extended his lead, taking the chequered flag with over three seconds to spare. With only ten from twelve races counting towards their final points totals, missing the first two means Webb cannot afford any slip ups. Midge Smart held on for his second podium of the season, just ahead of BJ Toal. South African rider, Dane Hellyer picked up his first points of the season with an excellent fourth, holding off the advances of Dean Hipwell.
BJ Toal will continue on the Pirelli Diablo machine after extending his lead to 19 points at the top of the table. With 25-points now on the board, fifth placed Webb will look to continue his good form for the remainder of the season as they head north to Oulton Park in Cheshire for round four over the May Bank Holiday weekend, 5 - 7 May.
James Webb: "To come back here and put it on pole and take a win is a fantastic achievement, we've had a great weekend and just want to continue scoring as many points as we can. Hopefully it will be my year this year and we can focus on winning the Championship."
Midge Smart: "It was a good race, I knew that BJ was there all the time trying to get past me. Fair play to James, who's just come back in to the championship. We scored some more valuable points for my team and sponsors."
BJ Toal:"I'm happy enough with that we've scored some more firm points this weekend. I was trying to pass in a number of place but just couldn't get past, it was a good race though."
Rob McElnea, Team Principal:"It was a great race for James Webb, it's good to see him back enjoying his racing again. I think it will make all the guys raise their game to stick with him. BJ took the new lap record, even though I don't think it's one of his strongest tracks. It's been a good weekend for the whole Cup, I'm very happy."
Virgin Media Cup - Result:1. James Webb,
2. Midge Smart,
3. BJ Toal,
4. Dane Hellyer,
5. Dean Hipwell,
6. Leon Morris,
7. Leo Aldersley,
8. David Paton,
9. Daniel Brill,
10. Alastair Fagan,
11. Brad Howell,
12. Ben Billard.
Championship Standings:1) Toal - 66,
2) Smart - 47,
3) Morris - 43,
4) Hipwell - 32,
5) Webb - 25,
6) Howell - 21
Related Linkswww.virginmediaracing.com
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