Sam Warren put in a stunning performance in the Henderson Yamaha R1 Cup race to claim his maiden victory in the class, today 5th May.
Adrian Coates on the Stoneyford Concrete Yamaha R1 took the holeshot from third on the grid as the riders teetered through the first set of corners on the slippery Oulton track surface. His lead was short-lived as Emmett and Ben Wilson stole through, before the unlucky Irishman crashed out at the start of the second lap.
Mason led from Emmett, the latter applying constant pressure to the Lichfield rider with Sam Warren keeping tabs on the leading pair in third. Jon Kirkham, determined to make amends for a slow start, expertly barged past local rider Stu Wilson through to fourth at Lodge on lap three.
Emmett finally made his move on Mason the following lap, with Kirkham closing in on the leading trio to make an eight-wheel freight train at the head of the field. Taking Warren for third at Cascades it looked as if the Thruxton race winner was on the hunt for back to back wins. However, with Emmett maintaining a steady 0.5sec gap at the front, Warren had other ideas.
The 25-year old Belper rider used all of his Supermoto skills to great effect over the following three laps. Sliding his Mission Racing Yamaha under Kirkham into Lodge for third on lap 8, Warren then attempted a brave pass round the outside of Mason a Shell Oils for second. The pass didn't stick this time but the warning signs were out. A carbon copy move at Lodge pushed Warren up into second, now with clear track ahead to reel in Emmett.
Braking late into the Shell Oils hairpin, Warren took the lead much to the delight of the watching enthralled crowd, pulling out an amazing 1.3s gap within half a lap. Emmett was suddenly drawn into the clutches of Mason and Kirkham battling for the other two podium positions as Warren disappeared into the distance.
Embroiled in their own three-way battle, Ben Wilson took advantage to slide into the mix. Emmett claimed second spot with a pass on Mason at Shell on the penultimate lap, with Ben Wilson heroically stealing third from under the noses of Mason and Kirkham across the finish line.
Ride of the day undoubtedly went to the dark horse of the series, Sam Warren. His stunning display, producing a blistering fastest lap on the tenth circulation has elevated Warren into third position, just four points behind Emmett at the top. The Henderson Yamaha R1 Cup riders will enjoy a three week break before heading to Donington Park in Leicestershire for a double header over the May Bank Holiday (25/26 May).
Joe Henderson, CEO Henderson Insurance: "What a great race, it really showcases the spirit of this series. That result has opened up the whole championship now with the guys racing in some very difficult conditions again. Once again the series has provided some fantastic race action."
Sam Warren, Race Winner:
"I'm over the moon, I can't believe that I've done it. I need to thank Mission Racing and all my sponsors, my family and of course my mechanics. They have all believed in me and given me the chance to come to road racing. The conditions suited my Supermoto background and played straight into my hands today."
Sean Emmett: "Great racing! I got a really good start, I nearly got the hole-shot but I was in the lead by the end of lap 1. When Sam came past me our tyres were pretty shot due to the drying conditions. Sam used his Supermoto experience; he's used to going sideways and I'm far too old for all that! To leave here as the Championship leader is a real bonus, it's all about consistency."
Ben Wilson: "I knew on the last lap that I could get a podium position, to be honest I left it a bit late as 2nd was in my reach. Anyway to leave here with a 3rd is great, we are playing catch-up after that no point scoring round at Thruxton. I need to keep racking in the points to stay in contention for the Championship."
Race Result:1) Sam Warren
2) Sean Emmett
3) Ben Wilson
4) Gary Mason
5) Jon Kirkham
6) Marty Nutt
7) Jack Kennedy
8) James Cox
9) John Ingram
10) Stu Wilson
Championship Standings:
1) Emmett - 40
2) Kirkham - 36
3) Warren - 35
=4) Nutt - 26
=4) Mason - 26
6) J Kennedy - 18
7) Cox - 16
8) Wilson - 16
=9) Coates - 11
=9) Etheridge - 11
