British Supersport: Mallory Park win for Michael Laverty

It was lucky number ‘13’ today for the Relentless Suzuki British Supersport team, when Michael Laverty and Ian Lowry collected champagne bottles number 12 and 13 for the season to date at Mallory Park. 

Laverty stalked both Lowry and early race leader Dennis Hobbs’ Padgetts Honda for just over two-thirds distance, before pulling the pin to take the hard-fought victory. Lowry, who himself lead the race for three laps, rode superbly holding off Dennis Hobbs to take second place and 20 very valuable championship points.

Michael Laverty said: “I didn’t push too hard too soon today as I wasn’t sure how the tyres would last due to the lack of practice this weekend, and to be totally honest I was cruising in the early stages. Halfway through the race I did make a move on Dennis but he ran me wide and that let Ian through as well.” 

“After that I pressed on and took the lead. I was able to gap both Ian and Dennis which left it comfortable for me at the end of the race. I’m happy with that performance, which to be fair to the boys in the team, was won in the garage. I really do have to thank the team today, and with a three week break before the next round I think I have stamped my authority on the championship.”

Ian Lowry said: “I got away in about fifth place, but when I got past Jamie Robinson I was able to settle down into a pace that I was comfortable with. I put in a pretty good lap about mid distance and I was planning a move on Michael.

“At the same time Michael was trying to get past Dennis, they both ran wide and I nipped into the lead. I think I lead for about four laps but when Michael hit the front he was able to pull a gap over us, and in the end he got through the backmarkers better than me.

“My GSX–R600 Relentless Suzuki and Pirelli tyre combination was great today, thanks to the hard work by the team prior to the race. It’s great to be back on the podium after the past couple of rounds, but it was very physical here today – I’m knackered! I think some time in the gym will do no harm before the next round at Croft.”

For full results click here