Thrilling Oulton Park Opener
10.10.09
Airwaves Yamaha claimed their 34th podium of the season in Race One at Oulton Park today. 2009 British Superbike Champion, Leon Camier crossed the line in 2nd whilst teammate James Ellison finished 4th.
Earlier on in the day, Leon qualified 2nd and James 5th for the weekend's three 16 lap races. By lap four of Race One, the Airwaves Yamaha pair was locked in a five-way battle for the lead when a rider ahead of them fell and the race stopped.
For the re-start, Leon lined up 3rd and James 4th. After getting away well from the grid, James led until lap five, before dropping back to 3rd behind his teammate. With two laps to go, Leon moved into the lead, going through on the inside on the approach to Lodge. Both Airwaves Yamaha's pushed hard to defend their positions as the race drew to a close but were each overtaken by a Hydrex Honda at Hizzy's Chicane on the final lap. Although they made a number of attempts to win their positions back, they were unable to find a way past by the chequered flag.
After Race One Leon said, "I'm really happy for Stuart Easton. He totally deserves the win today but I'm frustrated I couldn't get the better of him. The Airwaves Yamaha is strong in the turns, but we've no answer to them on the back-straight. We need to figure something out for the races tomorrow; find a way to out-fox them and get back on the top step of the podium."
Clearly frustrated to miss out on a podium finish, James commented, "For the re-start, I knew I needed to get in front early on to stand any chance of winning. Once I got into the lead, I tried to pull a gap but the Honda was too fast. It was a fun fight out there, it's frustrating to lose out so late on in the race but I'm pleased to have got the fastest lap. I'm really looking forward to having another two good battles tomorrow."
Race One Result:
1. Stuart Easton – Hydrex Honda
2. Leon Camier – Airwaves Yamaha
3. Tommy Hill – Hydrex Honda
4. James Ellison – Airwaves Yamaha