The Henderson Yamaha R1 Cup riders converge upon Snetterton in Norfolk to contest the fifth round of the Championship this weekend, 14th-15th June.
As the debut Henderson Yamaha R1 Cup approaches the climax of the Spring Cup, Jon Kirkham took the opportunity of a Donington Park double-header to stamp his authority on the fledgling Championship and move 22 points clear at the top of the leader board.
Adrian Coates (Stoneyford Concrete) saw a change of fortune at Donington with his first two visits to the podium thanks to a third in each of the 12-lap races. The veteran racer now stands sixth and another strong result will cement his position as he looks to close in on Gary Mason just six points ahead.
Had it not been for the commanding performance of Kirkham, Boston's Ben Wilson could have found himself standing on the top step at Donington. The former Superbike rider rode two faultless races on his way to a double podium and Snetterton will provide the setting for another determined performance from the 26-year old.
Over the opening four rounds, former Supermoto champion, Sam Warren has blossomed as a short circuit road racer. The Mission Racing-backed rider looks odds-on to claim the Rookie of the Year prize, and is desperate to add to his one race win.
Richard Cooperman' Cooper, running the Co-ordit Racing entry at Donington Park, impressed team boss Pete Bradshaw enough to retain the seat for Snetterton. The 24-year old faced a stiff challenge starting from the back of the grid for the first race, yet stole through the pack to claim ninth in the opening race and eighth in the second.
The 1.95 mile Snetterton circuit is famous for producing tight racing, and all of the ingredients are firmly in place for another hard-fought Henderson Yamaha R1 Cup race as the lights go out on penultimate 14-lap race on Sunday, 15th June.
Jon Kirkham: "I'm pleased for the double at Donington and the overall lead in the Championship. Everything has just clicked into place and I know that I can continue my strong form at Snetterton."
Rob McElnea: "Jon Kirkham came to the fore as a favourite for the Spring Cup at Donington with an excellent double win. However, Sean Emmett will not give up easily and Adrian Coates and Ben Wilson are both on a roll. Add in Warren, Mason and Marty Nutt to the mix and it should make for breath-taking last lap fisticuffs' into the chicane. However, don't forget the mammoth battles further down the field as the likes of Rod Lynn, Cooper, and Big' Stu Wilson look to close in on Jack Kennedy, James Cox and Shannon Etheridge for the final top ten slots."
Eurosport 2 Live TV Broadcast Window, 13.00 - 14.00 and 15.30 - 17.45 (Sunday 15th June)
Images Courtesy of Steve Eyton
