Virgin Mobile Cup graduates dominated the results over the weekend's races held at Donington Park. Team Virgin Mobile Yamaha lead rider Tommy Hill, the inaugural winner of the Virgin Mobile Cup in 2003, is still the inspiration for all of the Cup riders. After suffering a crash in race one, he bounced back to a fantastic 6th position in diabolical wet conditions. When his peers and heroes were falling around him he kept his cool and brought home the Virgin Mobile Yamaha YZF-R1 plus a bag full of championship points. His result, albeit in the toughest domestic championship in the world, was for once overshadowed by some of his old sparring partners from the Virgin Mobile Cup.
Cal Crutchlow, one of Tommy’s thorns from the 2003 Virgin Mobile Cup series, rode amazingly to win the Supersport race in treacherous conditions. James Hillier and Richard Wren finished 9th and 12th respectively to gain good championship points, but the biggest upset of the weekend went to Superstock Championship leader and Virgin Mobile Cup 2005 runner-up Brendan Roberts.
Brendan had numerous sponsorship deals fall through over the winter months and had to resort to running his own team supported by his family. Australian Roberts literally got his Suzuki out of a showroom to race prepare himself, throwing it in the back of his van and turning up. He now finds himself after two rounds leading the championship from defending champ Lee Jackson. This is an amazing story and one that fits perfect with Brendan’s character.
Brendan’s hard riding style and never say die attitude was very much evident in 2005 Virgin Mobile Cup, battling with eventual winner and fellow Aussie Billy McConnell for race wins.
“We are all very proud of what we have achieved with the Virgin Mobile Yamaha Cup, every weekend more and more graduates are running consistently at the sharp end of most of our championships, Brendan typifies what it takes to make your dream happen. His commitment is something other riders should take note of, with Cal running up front at Supersport level, Brendan leading the Superstock championship, Bob Collins running in second in the Superstock Cup series we could have a white wash of Cuppers taking titles!” Rob McElnea, Series Organiser.
A brand new school of 2006 Virgin Mobile Cup riders will be the next batch to break through into the top ranks of the British Championships and we will keep you constantly up dated on all of our graduates.
Related Linkswww.virginmobileracing.com
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