A Triumph at Oulton Park!

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Glen Richards claimed victory in an exciting race at Oulton Park.  Having earned second place on the grid, Glen Richards and his MAP Embassy Triumph were in for a tough race with Martin, Kennaugh and Lowry all on the front row.

Chris Martin of Gearlink Kawasaki cruised into the lead from his pole position start, fending off the efforts of Kennaugh and Richards who slotted into third on the opening lap. 
Richards’ hunt for first was postponed when the race was red flagged when one rider suffered a heavy fall at Druids Corner on lap four.  When the race restarted, with riders taking positions on the grid from the their positions at the end of lap 2, it was South African Kennuagh who got a flying start, ahead of both Richards and Martin.

Kennaugh held his lead comfortably with Richards shadowing him until the final lap when Richards made his move.  Richards bided his time and seized the opportunity to pass the Yamaha at the start of the last lap, but undid his hard work when he ran wide at Shell Oils corner, allowing Kennaugh to pass and reclaim first place.  The team were prepared to accept second place when, approaching Lodge, Kennuagh braked early to defend the inside line, but this allowed Richards round the outside to claim the win at the last minute.

Glen said: "It fell into my lap really.  I got into Druids too hot but everyone knows that the last corner here always throws up some surprises.  I was just in the right place at the right time and I know the bike will continue to get better as the year goes on."

It wasn’t quite the same success story for Paul Young.  After putting his 675 in fifth on the grid he had jumped the green light at the start of the race and but then stopped dead and fell back to seventh.  Paul had managed to climb back up to sixth when the race was red flagged but was penalised for his jump start at the restart.  When the race restarted he was told he would have to ride down the pit lane under a regulated speed limit within the first three laps of the restart.  After the restart Paul worked his way up to fifth before choosing to go into the pit lane on his last possible lap to do so.  Paul rejoined the race in 20th position and managed to fight his way up to 17th by the time he crossed the finish line.

 

1.Glen Richards-MAP Embassy Racing
2. Hudson Kennaugh - Raceways Yamaha
3. Ian Lowry - Relentless Suzuki by TAS
4. Chris Martin - Gearlink Kawasaki
5. Steve Brogan - HM Plant Honda

17. Paul Young – MAP Embassy Racing