Croft British Superbikes: Familiar look to podium according to competition winner

Currently in the process of getting her bike licence, Shelby Williams is a keen British Superbikes fan, and having won the THINK! promotion was present at Croft to report on events for MCN.

“With just 16 points separating the Bennetts British Superbike Championship leaders Ryuichi Kiyonari and Jonny Rea, it was all very much to play for as the series moved on to north Yorkshire for round 10 at Croft.

Although Cal Crutchlow had set his maiden pole, it was Jonny Rea who enjoyed a dream start to both races taking the lead early on.

However Kiyonari was soon on his tail and challenging for the lead in both races. In the first race the Japanese ace managed to take the lead on lap eight and proved too quick for Rea who had to settle for second place.

Crutchlow, who at times was challenging Rea for second, rode out of his skin but in a dramatic finish had third place snatched from his clutches by fierce rival Tom Sykes.

To watch Sykes ride the way he did was fantastic, you could tell he really wanted those podium finishes and nothing was going to get in his way – it will be interesting to see what he can do at Cadwell – there is definitely more to come from him, you can almost see him smiling through his helmet!

The second race saw a familiar tail at the front with Rea taking an early lead but Kiyonari proving too quick and going on to record a double race win.

Rea held on for his second runner-up spot of the day with Tom Sykes continuing his rich vein of form to make the podium for the second race in a row.

Perhaps the championship has now been decided with only three rounds left and the HM Plant duo out in front, but who will take third Haslam (I hope!) or Lavilla?

I couldn’t believe Tommy Hill crashed right in front of me just two corners into the second race.  The bike ‘spat’ him off and he needed help to walk away.

That’s something you ever want to see, but at least he was in all the proper gear and had all the help he needed right there.

That incident brought home to me just how important the work of the THINK! Motorcycle Academy is.

The Academy is present at all the rounds and aims to work with bikers to teach them how to get the most out of their bikes in a safe manner.

It was great to see how riders past and present were giving up their time to chat to the big crowds at the academy.

It showed that even though they are used to doing such quick speeds on the track they are well aware of the dangers on the road for bike users and want to help ensure that people don’t take unnecessary risks.

With an interactive simulator, all the main 2007 Superbikes and interview and autograph sessions taking place, the THINK! Academy is really a great place for fans to visit and adds an extra dimension to their day.
 
It’s the first time I have actually watched the other races live, but the Virgin Media Cup was fantastic and at just 18 years old James Webb is amazing if a little scary at times to watch. 
 
All in all a fantastic day, good food, great atmosphere, roll on Cadwell Park.”