LOWRY LEADS LAVERTY IN DOUBLE PODIUM SUCCESS
It was a record breaking day all round for Relentless Suzuki rider Ian Lowry who not only made his debut front row start in British Supersport. The Moira rider also recorded his first-ever second place on the rostrum, heading home team mate and championship leader Michael Laverty, who extended his gap over the title chaser to 26 points.
It was another race where the Safety Car unfortunately played its part when Jamie Robinson crashed out early in the race and Yamaha rider Billy McConnell was penalised for passing during its involvement. McConnell waited as long as possible to execute his ride-through penalty: a decision that may have cost Ian Lowry his debut victory in the championship. Michael Laverty wasn't firing on all cylinders during the weekend on the bumpy Silverstone circuit, but the class of the Toomebridge rider shone through taking third place, while having to deal with front end problems late in the race.
Ian Lowry
"The race went pretty good for me and I got away in second place before the Safety Car came out. Dennis Hobbs got a bit of a jump on me when the race re-started then Michael came passed and it took me a while to find my rhythm. I just got my head down and rode as smoothly as possible and with two laps to go I passed Michael and put in a quick lap to secure second spot. It’s more points in the bag and it's all to play for in the championship. My Relentless Suzuki never missed a beat today and although the bumpy circuit caused us a few problems, the team worked superbly for me all weekend. Oulton is my favourite circuit and I’m looking forward to it next week."
Michael Laverty
"I did struggle a bit this weekend, but I went into the race with the confidence that I could run the lap times of Hobbs and McConnell. I just wasn't so sure if we could run them for the entire race distance. With five laps to go I realised that going for the win was just too risky and settled for second but I didn't rank on Ian catching me. I'm disappointed with third but if my bad days still get me on the podium then I suppose it's not too bad a result. It was pretty tough here this weekend and I could only ride at 80% but I'm 26 points to the good in the championship which is basically a race in hand. I won't be riding protectively at this stage of the season as I want more wins."
Philip Neill Team Principal
"It was funny old day but very positive. Ian Lowry came of age and proved himself a worthy title challenger. There are no team orders in the camp at this stage of the season but I did tell the boys to be mindful of each other and also to be aware that they could actually help each other depending on the circumstances. We did find it difficult to get the perfect set-up for an unusually bumpy circuit at Silverstone, but it was still very pleasing to see both riders on the podium. I know that Michael is not totally satisfied with his third place, but he remained positive and rode maturely around a minor front-end problem at the end of the 18 laps. Pirelli were again on top of their game and the GSX R600s keep showing great form, so I suppose we are in good shape coming into round four at Oulton."
Results Maxxis British Supersport Championship: Round 3
Winner Dennis Hobbs [Honda] 27:36.571; 2nd Ian Lowry [Relentless Suzuki]
+3.514; 3rd Michael Laverty [Relentless Suzuki] +5.064; 4thIan
Hutchinson [Honda] +10.187; 5thTom Grant [Yamaha] +12.166; 6thJohn McGuinness [Honda] +13.858