It was a race of highs and lows for the Benjan Racing Team at the fast and furious Italian circuit of Monza in the 5th round of the World Supersport Championship as Graeme Gowland was down and out at turn one through no fault of his own whilst Vesa Kallio added more points to the scoreboard.
Gowland, who had qualified in 27th out of a strong 37 rider field, got a good start when the lights went out for the 16 lap race but at the tight first turn chicane he was taken off his Honda CBR600RR by an out of control Triumph ridden by Ruggero Scambia. Gowland was unable to rejoin the action as he suffered an arm injury in the accident and was taken to the medical centre.
Kallio added two points to his tally after crossing the finish line in 14th after a race-long battle with wildcard Cristiano Migliorati. Kallio now lies 21st in the World Supersport Championship with a total of 7 points.
Gowland: “I got a good start but then in the first turn Scambia didn’t even brake and his bike was just a missile in the air and swiped me and Garry McCoy off our bikes. I have rubber on my helmet from his front tyre. I was in a lot of pain at first and the doctors thought I may have a small fracture but I had an x-ray which did not reveal any fractures so it looks like some muscle damage.”
Kallio: “I am really happy to be in the points again and it was a good race as I was in a battle throughout.”
