The Virgin Media Cup race would prove once again to be one of the most exciting on the Bank Holiday schedule at Oulton Park, today, 7 May. James Webb took his second pole position in a row, but it was Leon Morris who snatched the holeshot from the outside of the front row. Midge Smart tucked into second, taking the lead with a slick move into Lodge at the end of the first lap. The following lap, James Webb made his move through the pack to move into the lead at Old Hall Bend. The front five runners made a quick break from Hellyer and Hipwell, before a Danny Brill crash at Hislop's chicane left debris across the track and the race was red flagged.
The re-start was declared as a six-lap dash. Webb once again took his position on pole, but for the second time Morris took the early lead. David Paton took his chance sliding under Morris at Island for the lead. The final few laps flourished into a breathtaking spectacle. James Webb, lying in fourth was determined to pass BJ Toal for the final podium position. However, the championship leader fought back regaining third into the first corner. Holding his line true, BJ Toal naturally ran wide onto The Avenue. Webb would not concede ground and lost the front end as his machine clipped the outside kerb.
With Silverstone's race winner out of contention, Morris, Smart and Toal moved clear at the front. Entering Shell Oils on the final lap Smart and Toal ran wide allowing Morris underneath to regain the lead. However, the circuit held it's breath as the leaders fanned out three abreast down Hilltop into Hislop's Chicane. Morris lost out, running straight onto the grass. BJ Toal held his poise to claim his third win of the season, with Smart tucked in for second. The unfortunate Morris subsequently crashed out from third at Druids, leaving Scot David Paton to claim his first podium finish of the season.
In the mid-order, a number of riders were adjudged to have passed under yellow flags. Unfortunately this relegated Dean Hipwell from the seventh position that he had fought to from 24th at the re-start back down to 11th. Alastair Fagan was eventually accredited with seventh, and moves up to join David Haire in seventh in the title race on 28 points.
BJ Toal moves to Snetterton in two week's time with an extended lead of 24 points over Midge Smart who moves above Morris into second.
BJ Toal: "There is a long way to go yet in the Championship with another 7 rounds. I need to keep a level head and take it round by round. I'm really happy that I've another win, it was a shame that it was red flagged but we had a great race all in all."
Midge Smart:
"I didn't know if that was a two part race or not, if I'd of known it was a six lap dash I'd definitely of had a go at BJ on that last corner. It was a really close race and I'm in 2nd place in the Championship so roll on Snetterton."
David Paton: "It was a great race, I had a good battle with Leon Morris then got caught up and dropped back to 4th. When Leon came off I knew that I was back on the podium. Its good to be back up there and helps with Championship points."
Niall Mackenzie, Cup Mentor: "It's was one of the best ever cup races, there is such a mixed bag of characters in there. It's great to see BJ taking on James Webb, he is really coming out of his shell. James made a silly mistake and will be mad with himself. David Paton had a strong race and we are really pleased to see him mixing it up the front and on the podium. Five of the riders had a shock with an amended result sheet at the end of the meeting as it was judged that they passed under a yellow flag."
Virgin Media Cup - Result:1 - BJ Toal,
2 - Midge Smart,
3 - David Paton,
4 - Dane Hellyer,
5 - Robbie Brown,
6 - David Haire,
7 - Alastair Fagan
8 - Ben Billard
9 - Danny Harrison,
10 - Jay Fernandez,
11 - Dean Hipwell,
12 - Brad Howell,
13 - Dan Smith,
14 - Grant Molloy,
15 - Daniel Frear
Championship Standings:1) Toal 91,
2) Smart 67,
3) Morris 43,
=4) Hipwell 37,
=4) Paton 37
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