Billy McConnell ended his first year in the premier class with a fine 3rd place podium finish at Mallory Park ‘Race of the Year’ yesterday, 15/10/06. This end of season fun race was well supported with World Superbike Star Chris Walker having a guest ride with Suzuki, Cal Crutchlow (Ex Virgin Cup graduate) getting his first Superbike ride on his Suzuki, Honda fielding Johnny Rea and TT legend John McGuinness.
Having flown back from Bishops Court in Northern Ireland where he took part in the Sunflower International event for the AIM Yamaha Team, trying out an YZF R6 in the supersport event, finishing a great 5th position, Billy was keen to finish the season on a high for team Virgin Mobile Yamaha.
It was inevitable that the WSB rider Chris Walker with a lot to prove would be the man on form, Mallory being one of his strongest UK circuits he soon settled into a fast rhythm after gaining the hole shot from the green light, with Johnny Rea injured after a practice spill it was left to the two young lions Billy and Cal to slug it out for the runner up podium positions.
This race kept the crowd on their feet with daring passing manoeuvres every possible opportunity, with Billy holding the advantage going into the final lap it was Cal who forced his way through and defending his position to the chequered flag.
“That was real fun, I have had a busy weekend, going to race for the AIM team in Ireland was a great experience and I thoroughly enjoyed it, Cal and I had a good battle and I probably should not have led him going into the final lap, but was good fun and nice to end on a high” said a grinning Bill!
“Billy did great, he should have had 2nd, it was Cal’s first ride and he was very keen to impress, a full day’s exclusive testing on Friday for this one day fun race definitely helped him today! Billy has had a great season and I am sure he had in the back of his mind finishing safely and bringing the bike home for his team, I am sure the crowd enjoyed these two young guys battling out there” Rob Mac.
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