Keen to overcome the disappointment of his Oulton Park race last week, Co-ordit Superstock pilot Phil Bevan turned in a spirited performance to hold off a strong race-long challenge from Michael Elliott to finish fourteenth and collect his first two Championship points (11 May).
Drama ensued from the start for Bevan as, starting deep in the pack, the Cardiff rider made a great start but was clipped by Alex Camier’s Kawasaki. Bevan escaped, unscathed but Camier and a number of other riders crashed bringing out the Safety Car and ultimately the Red Flag while riders were attended to and wreckage cleared from the track.
The race restarted over the shorter distance of twelve laps, shortly afterwards. Bevan made a fine start in what appeared to be a much less frantic affair for the field, than the first attempt. At the head of the field Steve Brogan and Jon Kirkham began to pull away as Bevan battled mid pack chasing down Christian Elkin and Peter Hickman. Struggling with grip under the hot conditions, Bevan was unable to make significant inroads on the riders ahead but focused on maintaining the gap without pushing the bike beyond the limits of adhesion. Not the case for Hickman and Elkin ahead as they crashed out on the fifth tour at the fast right hand Hawthorn Bend.
Bevan now focused his Co-ordit Yamaha R1 on Craig Beggs and Gavin Hunt ahead, conscious of Michael Elliott, Drew Dorling and Michael O’Brien just 0.2s behind. Bevan was able to hold off the challenge and slightly extend his advantage as the pursuant riders fought it out for the Championship points.
As the laps counted down and the race drew to a close, Phil Bevan successfully defended his fourteenth position bringing home his and Co-ordit Racing Team’s first Superstock points of the season.
Phil Bevan:
“I made a good start and felt that I would be able to make some good progress. As the race went on, I started to suffer from a loss of grip and had a few slides. It was difficult to make an impression on the gap ahead and I was aware of the guys behind. Despite a couple of ‘moments’ I dug in and I’m delighted to come away with two points”.
Pete Bradshaw – Team Owner:
“Happy days - What a great day! The sun been out , there ‘s been a really relaxed feel to the weekend and we’ve come
away with some points. I’m looking forward to Donington but before that we’re at Snetterton for the Hottrax Endurance events next weekend
Round 4 of the 2008 Bennetts British Superbike Championship takes place at Donington Park over the Bank Holiday weekend of 24-26 May. Dean Ellison will look to make his comeback in the Superbike class after injury, while Richard Cooper will take charge of the Co-ordit Henderson Yamaha R1 Cup machine in a double header.
Championship Points:
1. Brogan 75
2. Kirkham 60
3. Neill 39
4. Seeley 35
5. Cummins 26
23. Phil Bevan 2
Race Result:
1. Brogan
2. Kirkham
3. Neill
4. Seeley
5. Storrar
14. Phil Bevan
Related Link:
www.teamco-ordit.com
