Reigning World Sidecar champion, Tim Reeves was on hand to give James Webb a few words of wisdom before the start of the fifth round of the 2007 Virgin Media Cup at Snetterton today, 20 May. Scott David Paton took the holeshot from third on the grid, followed by Leon Morris who made a blistering start from fourth. James Webb settled into fifth, with BJ Toal in sixth on the Pirelli Diablo R6 for the opening exchanges. South African Dane Hellyer had looked strong all weekend but high-sided out of third and the race at Russell's at the end of Lap 3, offering Webb the opportunity to capitalise as he stole a number of places. Within half a lap Webb had gained the lead on the run in to the Bomb Hole and didn't look back.
Behind Webb the action began to hot up. Leo Aldersley swapped paint with Leon Morris for fifth, before getting his head down to catch Midge Smart. 2006 Knockhill race winner, David Paton gained the upper hand over Smart and broke free to claim his second podium of the season and third in the championship.
By the time Webb rode under the chequered flag to take his second win and 25 points, he had taken the new lap record and extended his lead over second placed Paton to 6.7 seconds.
BJ Toal limited the damage at one of his least favourite circuits by crossing the line in sixth. His lead may be cut to 18 points, but BJ Toal will still line up on the championship-leading Pirelli Diablo machine at Knockhill in six weeks time.
James Webb: "I crashed a few times yesterday but managed to get pole still then carry it through to the race win and the new lap record. I hope to continue my form on to Knockhill and get the Championship lead. It's such a strong series this year it will be no walk over."
David Paton: "I had a really good race at the front there. I have felt good on the bike all weekend and obviously happy with a podium. Knockhill is where I won last year and I'll be looking to repeat that."
Midge Smart: "I managed to get away with the front pack with BJ behind me, I had the Championship in mind so didn't want to jeopardise anything there. The race gave me some good battles with Leo and I managed to come out third. Some more strong points and a good confidence booster ahead of Scotland."
Niall Mackenzie, Cup Mentor: "James Webb is riding so high on his confidence, even a big crash in practice didn't phase him. It was a good race with Midge Smart, David Paton and Leo Aldersley, another good weekend for the cup with some great talent shining through."
Virgin Media Cup - Result:1. James Webb,
2. David Paton,
3. Midge Smart,
4. Leo Aldersley,
5. Leon Morris,
6. BJ Toal,
7. Dean Hipwell,
8. Daniel Frear,
9. Brad Howell,
10. Daniel Brill,
11. Robbie Brown,
12. Ben Billard,
13. David Haire,
14. Jay Fernandez,
15.- Kyle Kentish
Championship Standings :1) Toal 101,
2) Smart 83,
3) Paton 57,
4) Morris 54,
5) Webb 50,
6) Hipwell 46,
7) Brown 35,
8) Howell 32,
9) Haire 31,
10) Aldersley 29
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