printBritish Supersport Championship – Round 8, Knockhill
Ian Lowry, in only his first season in British Supersport, finally got to enjoy
some podium champagne after a masterful display at the revamped, and resurfaced
Knockhill circuit in Scotland. The TAS Suzuki rookie battled his way through
from a third row starting position, out-gunning former GP regulars Jay Vincent
and Sean Emmett to take the third step on the podium, pushing him into 9th place
in the championship.
Team mate Tom Sykes, looking for his fourth podium on the trot and pushing Cal
Crutchlow for the victory at the Fife venue, was t-boned out of contention on
lap 21 by current British Champion Leon Camier. Sykes was fortunate only to suffer
cuts and bruises in the incident but his TAS Suzuki GSX-R600 was not so lucky
returning to the paddock looking very second hand. Sykes was in a strong position
to take second place in the championship on yesterday’s performance, but
the incident with Camier keeps him in 4th place on 76 points.
Ian Lowry
“It is fantastic to get my first podium so early in my Supersport career.
I was quietly confident that it may come in the latter part of the season but
to be on the podium at Knockhill is fantastic. I got an ok start and just chipped
away and made the most of the incidents in front of me. The TAS Suzuki was superb
all weekend and the Pirelli tyres likewise – the whole package was faultless.
I’m really looking forward to Oulton this weekend as I had a good result
there last time out.”
Tom Sykes
“What can I say about that? We qualified well, were on course for another
podium with a potential win in our sights then boom! It was a pretty silly mistake
from Leon and fortunately I’m not sitting in casualty with some broken
bones! I have been consistently chipping away all year and with Eugene out I
could maybe have put a bit of pressure on Cal. I am really disappointed for the
whole team but hopefully we can get back on track at Oulton Park.”
Philip
Neill – Team Manager
“I just don’t know what Tom has to do: injured last year when he
looked like winning the series, and just when he gets back on form he is taken
out by an out of control rider. It’s not what I would have expected from
a British Champion – an amateur mistake! Leon did apologise but it does
not do Tom any favour losing so many points this weekend when he could have
leap-frogged into second place in the series.
In saying that, what a ride from Ian Lowry. I am really pleased for the
lad; he rode maturely and showed this weekend that he certainly has a big
future in the sport. It must be the best performance in a very long time
from a rookie and let’s not forget it is only his second season in
British Championship racing. His lap times were very consistent and it augurs
well for the remaining rounds this year.”
17 July 2006