Two podiums for MAP Raceways in Superstock

MAP Raceways Yamaha rider Luke Jones was second across the line in today’s Metzeler National Superstock 600 race but was later awarded first due to the winner being excluded from the results due to a technical infringement. This also meant team-mate Nikki Coates, who originally finished fourth, claimed his first podium of the season.

Jones took the lead from the start which he held for 12 out of the 14 lap-race fednding off attacks from Patrick McDougall, who later dropped down the order.  This allowed Jones to pull away at the front for the majority of the race. 

As the chequered flag drew nearer it was Luke Mossey who had charged up the field to snatch the top spot from Jones with only a couple of laps to, and Jones was unable to defend due to tyre problems.

Jones said: “I have mixed feelings about the win, but of course I am pleased.  I would have liked to have taken the win myself but it’s good to be up there again.  I had problems in the race as we tried some different tyre pressures and the back end was bouncing every time I was coming out of the corner when trying to get on the power.

“Through the speed traps, I have been at the top all weekend, but in the race because I couldn’t get on the power, I was 19th.  We tried something in warm up but we used old tyres and we weren’t pushing as hard as you would in the race, but the changes seemed to be ok. It turned out to be the wrong move.  I am delighted to be back on the podium though it has been a while and hopefully I can again at Oulton Park.”

Coates started from the front row and did not drop outside of the top five throughout the race.  His main battle was for third in which he was wheel to wheel with Daniel Kneen, swapping positions several times occasionally twice in just one corner.  However it was Kneen who beat him to the line but following the later exclusion of Mossey, Coates was promoted to third claiming his first podium of the season.

Coates said: “I was hoping for a podium and I am pleased with getting third, but I feel I could have got that myself.  I had the pace in the race but halfway through the race I hit the grass, lost concentration for about half a lap and dropped back to fifth. I lost a bit of momentum. It was disappointing as I made some good passes and a podium has been knocking on the door for the last couple of rounds but I will take this third place.”

Cody Nally had his qualifying seriously hindered by a crash in the second session yesterday but was able to end the weekend on a high after working his way up through the grid from 26th to finish 19th while still suffering from his injuries.

Nally said:  “It went well, I am pleased with what I achieved under the circumstances but my ankle that I hurt yesterday in the crash hurt more and more throughout the race.  I did lose a few places which is a shame, but I am happy enough and hopefully I will do better at Oulton.”

There was only disappointment for Mike McLean who had a tremendous start from 15th on the grid which saw him running in the top six from off the line but a costly rider error in the first corner abruptly ended his racing for the day. 

McLean said: “I am really disappointed I was feeling very confident for the race, the bike has been working really well and I was running at the front.  I don’t know what to say, I just opened up the throttle too early and that was it.”

The final round of the Metzeler National Superstock 600cc Championship will take place on the 9th – 11st October at Oulton Park.

Race results

1. Luke Mossey Yamaha 21:22.762
2. Luke Jones MAP Raceways Yamaha +1.628
3. Daniel Kneen Honda +2.123
4. Nikki Coates MAP Raceways Yamaha +2.873
5. Matt Bilton Yamaha +3.437
6. Patrick McDougall Yamaha +7.288
7. Joshua day Yamaha +10.544
8. Luke Stapleford Kawasaki +11.920
9. Jack Groves Yamaha +12.893
10. Leon Hunt Triumph +13.227
19. Cody Nally MAP Raceways Yamaha +35.485
DNF. Mike McLean MAP Raceways Yamaha +14 laps

Championship Standings

1. Jamie Hamilton 165
2. Luke Mossey 143
3. Luke Jones 132
4. Daniel Kneen 104
5. Matt Bilton 103
6. Jesse Trayler 102
7. Patrick McDougall 92
8. Luke Stapleford 85
9. Nikki Coates 59
10. Leon Hunt 54
16. Mike McLean 4

Image Provided By Dave Couldwell