Another podium for McConnell at Silverstone

Billy McConnell rode on the limit today at Silverstone in the Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship to obtain as many points as possible hoping to close down series’ leader Steve Plater in time for the final showdown in two weeks’ time.

McConnell didn’t get the start he wanted but soon worked his way up to second as the leader James Westmoreland pulled away.  In the meantime, Plater had battled through the field to catch up with McConnell. 

The Aussie held off Plater until a couple of laps from the end when the battle truly began with both riders were wheel-to-wheel on every inch on track.  McConnell survived a couple of out-of-the seat moments demonstrating his determination before making his final attack on the last lap at the last corner.

It was all change as McConnell moved up the inside of Plater at Luffield to get ahead, but unfortunately both riders came into contact and Plater ran wide onto the grass.  McConnell crossed the line ahead of Plater but due to the result of a post-race investigation into the incident, Plater was later awarded second place putting McConnell in third.

McConnell said: “It was a tough race, I thought I did what needed to be done with Steve [Plater] regarding the championship. I thought I was lined up on the outside to push up on the inside but he closed the door.

“I tried to brake as hard as I could and I even went as close as I could to the kerb, even hooked my knee into the dir,t but I ended up nudging him and he ran wide.  I thought it was a possible pass and I took it.  The rest of the race was ok apart from my start but I then got into a rhythm.”

Lee Johnston didn’t pick up the results he should have due to a jump start forcing him to take a ride-through penalty.  Johnston originally led the race into the first corner and had the pace to battle with the riders at the front, but it was then a case of Johnston carrying out as much damage limitation as possible to finish 13th overall.

Johnston said: “As far as I could see I thought the lights actually dimmed and also the lights over the past couple of meetings have gone out within a couple of seconds, but they seem to hold them a bit longer this time.  I was a bit over eager as well ,wanting to make up for the bad starts I have had previously.”

“In the race I was catching them up but towards the end I had a few problems with the bike and didn’t want to risk it. I really want to say a big sorry to Raceways, MAP and all the sponsors for letting them down as I feel bad.  Hopefully we will get everything back on track for Oulton, a track I really enjoy and pull in a good result.”

It was further disappointment for Allan Jon Venter who was running in the top ten but a technical problem with the bike forced him to retire.

Venter said: “My start was not too bad, I made up some places in the first couple of corners but then the bike kept cutting out, I just couldn’t ride it as every time I opened the throttle it would happen.

‘ It is a shame as I had the pace, we had a good qualifying and a really good chance of a strong result.  I am speechless really but I feel sad for my mechanics and the team because of all their efforts.”

Correction: There was an error in yesterday’s qualifying press release that stated Steve Plater was ahead of Billy McConnell by 13 points in the championship it was in fact seven prior to today’s race results.

The final round of the Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship will take place on the 9th – 11st October at Oulton Park.

Race results

1. James Westmoreland Triumph 26:44.949
2. Steve Plater Honda +9.370
3. Billy McConnell MAP Raceways Yamaha +14.740
4. Ian Hutchinson Honda +15.627
5. Tom Grant Honda +16.419
6. Joe Dickinson Honda +16.796
7.  Jack Kennedy Colin Appleyard/Macadam + 17.742
8. Daniel Cooper Honda +18.336
9. Marty Nutt Yamaha +18.609
10. Hudson Kennaugh Kawasaki +21.609
13. Lee Jackson MAP Raceways Yamaha +26.531
DNF. Allan Jon Venter MAP Raceways Yamaha +11 laps

Championship Standings

1. Steve Plater 190
2. Billy McConnell 179
3. James Westmoreland 151
4. Ben Wilson 121
5. Daniel Cooper 99
6. Ian Hutchinson 78
7. Dan Linfoot 72
8. Tom Grant 65
9. James Webb 54
10. Hudson Kennaugh 45
14. Allan Jon Venter 42
15. Lee Johnston 41

Image Provided By Dave Couldwell