Race 1
Josh Day (Host-it.co.uk Racing Team) was back on the top step again today after a fantastic opening race at Cadwell Park on Saturday.
Day led from the start, pulling a gap which he was able to manage throughout the race, going on to take the chequered flag with a 5.772s advantage.
The chasing trio of Chris Walker (4T2 Racing), David Shoubridge (Rich Energy) and Craig Neve (CN Racing) entertained the fans, but as the race ran its course the battle for second came down to Walker and Shoubridge.
Walker was ultimately able to defend his position to take a consecutive podium, finishing in second. Shoubridge crossed the finish line a further 0.247s behind in third, to boost his morale after he was forced to retire last time out due to a slipping clutch.
Josh Day (Host-it.co.uk Racing Team #1) – 1st
“Another good race, really happy. The most nerve-racking thing at the minute is it keeps raining on the line for us, it’s ridiculous. Got my head down, done some good laps, some ‘32:0s. Massive thanks to Wilf and the Moto Rapido guys, they do a mint job. Roll on tomorrow, it doesn’t matter whether it’s wet or dry, I feel confident in either.
I actually turned my traction on, on the line because of the drizzle and I bottled it really because it holds me up so much. I think we would have seen some ’31.7s if the traction wasn’t on. Hopefully its dry and we can try that tomorrow and get close to that lap record.”
Chris Walker (4T2 Racing #9) – 2nd
“To be fair the podiums have all been a bit of a surprise but this one more than ever. It’s not a circuit that I find easy, it’s quite physical. And I’ve not raced a solo round here, something with two wheels, since 2014 so it was quite a baptism of fire when we arrived here yesterday.
I loved it, had a fantastic race. I was just defending to be honest. I got a really good start, got my head down and went as fast as I could. But after four or five laps I realised I wasn’t getting anywhere so I just started going in a little bit earlier than you do normally and just kept the boys at bay. Josh, another faultless ride. And Shouy and Neve behind are doing a great job. Don’t know if we’ll be as lucky tomorrow but we’ll be pushing.”
David Shoubridge (Rich Energy #86) – 3rd
“I grew up with Chris Walker as a bit of a childhood hero so it’s mint to share a bit of tarmac with him. Quite frustrating at times trying to get past, we knew we had a little bit more pace and Josh didn’t have anyone pushing him on. I think if he had someone hot on his tail Josh has always got something in the locker. But I would have been interested to see where that went.
I had a real, real good race, really enjoyed it. I think coverage wise, I’ve watched the race back now and it’s definitely one of my favourites to get all that track time with the legend that is Chris Walker. But the plan tomorrow will definitely be to go with Josh and see what we can do at the front, try and get that infamous win that I got back in 2019. So, tough race but very, very enjoyable.”
Race 2
Craig Neve takes his first win of the season in Race 2 at Cadwell Park.
Initially it looked as if it might have been business as usual for pole-sitter and yesterday’s race winner Day as the Host-it.co.uk Racing Team rider started to edge out a gap as he led Race 2 at Cadwell Park.
Behind him it was a battle between Neve, Walker and wildcard rider Luke Jones on the Highsparks Motorsports Panigale.
But Day started to drop back and was passed by Neve and Walker mid-way through the race, with Jones also passing the championship leader just a few laps later.
Neve took the chequered flag and with it his first win of the season. Walker took a consecutive second place to the delight of the fans, with Jones claiming the final podium position.
Day crossed the line in fourth to further extend his championship lead over CymCirrus Motorsport’s Elliot Pinson who himself finished down in twelfth. Shoubridge finished fifth, with Blue Earth Construction’s Dijon Compton rounding out the top six finishers.
Championship standings
- Josh Day – 168
- Chris Walker – 129
- Elliot Pinson – 114
- David Shoubridge – 96
- Edmund Best – 93
- Craig Neve – 79
- John McGuinness – 77
- Carl Stevens – 50
- Michael Tustin – 49
- Sam Cox – 47\
Craig Neve (CN Racing #2) – 1st
“All the guys, we never really knew what was beneath us. It was quite dry when we started the out lap, and I was thinking maybe a dry rear? But it was so wet in other places. So, we put the wets in and went some way in-between a dry and wet setup. I got a good start, yesterday I got a bit baulked and had a battle with the guys and Josh got away. But today I could see him coming back and I was thinking he probably doesn’t want to risk anything at the moment with the way his championship is, so I thought now’s my chance. I got by him, and I just thought I know he’s strong and he might come back, or I knew somebody was closing the gap so let’s just get our head down and watch the board.
I was watching the board rising and thought not such a bad job here, but I was pleased when the flag came out because it was getting difficult to manage the tyre. Barn Corner was horrendous, it was just like ice skating around. Big shout out to my guys, they gave us a fantastic bike again this week, they have since I started doing the TriOptions and I’m the problem some weekends. But this weekend it all worked out.”
Chris Walker (4T2 Racing #9) – 2nd
“It’s not getting any easier. It was a tough old race. Josh was away with it at the start and then I think he had a problem with his tyres, he was just losing time going into the corners. My bike was great, it really was. There was no way I was going to have keep that pace with Neve, I kept him honest for quite some time but once he got into the lead, I made sure I got passed Josh straight away and just kept my head down. Great race by Neve, he’s not done the whole season and young Jones behind was flying.
Pretty chuffed with that. Got to sort by back out now, I’ve popped it popping the champagne cork. The joys of being an old man!”
Luke Jones (Highsparks Motorsports #82) – 3rd
“I really enjoyed it. Really struggled with the engine brake. Tipping into every corner the back end was just locking up and coming round on me. I was struggling so hard to get it in the corner. But considering that bike was pretty much in bits on Thursday, we were supposed to be on the Stock 1000 but we can’t get the bike to run right, so we brought the bits for the 959 as back up and got it ready. It’s been a hectic weekend. We struggled a lot in the dry just to get the thing setup but we’re getting there step by step.
I really enjoyed that race. Slightly closing in on Chris in the last few laps so could have done with a few more laps but I think that was probably more Chris managing his gap. Fair dues to Craig, I’m pretty sure that’s his first win and he destroyed us today so well done to him. Might be back for the next few I don’t know yet, just depends on the 1000 goes. Really enjoyed this weekend and you never know, hopefully do a few more.”
Steve Plater – Ducati Performance TriOptions Cup Ambassador
“As expected, the weather was a little bit inconsistent but a great race. Craig Neve, first win and coming back from injuries during the winter and doing a great, great job. Not a surprise win, he’s been getting stronger all weekend. A massive congratulations. The Stalker, the crowd’s favourite, putting on a big show after the race finishing second place, doing a fabulous job and plenty of burnouts. And then Luke Jones, our wildcard this weekend and another great step on the podium and hopefully he’ll be back for the next one at Snetterton. So, all to play for. Our champion leader, he dropped down the order a bit, but he did extend his championship pints lead so great job from him. Everybody’s happy in the Ducati TriOptions Cup.”
