DISAPPOINTMENT IN SCOTLAND
27 June 2005 - Xpress Racing

22-year-old Hinckley based rider Dave Johnson crashed out of 3rd place at the seventh round of the Metzeler National Superstock Championship at Knockhill at the weekend.

Racing for Stoke-on-Trent based Xpress Racing Johnson was tied up in a 14-wheel battle for third place and it was looking like a secured podium until the front end tucked on him.

Setting the fastest lap of the race on lap four, Johnson was looking smooth and eager for a podium placing. He was holding his own well aboard the Drayton Croft/Xpress Racing backed Suzuki GSX-R1000 however, Johnson was disappointed not to have finished.

The weekend had run well up to that point and the young Australian had qualified in 5th on the grid. After gaining an encouraging start Johnson was dicing for the lead and was locked in an eight-bike battle at one point, which could have swung either way. As the riders bashed fairings and exchanged colour schemes the likeable Aussie had settled into a rhythm. It was on lap 22 when Johnson slid out of the race, fortunately not damaging himself and with minimal damage to the bike.

Speaking with him he said ''I was feeling happy and content in the race and everything was working well. It was a tough dice between us all and we were exchanging positions in every lap. Every time I tried to make a break I was caught up again. Obviously I''m gutted I crashed especially when I would have certainly been in the top five, I''m still lying in 7th place in the Championship and hope to improve on that in the remaining six rounds.''

Commenting on the race, Team Manager Nigel Broomhall added ''Once again David has put in a fantastic performance, working hard all weekend and it was a bitter disappointment for David not to have finished. However, we are running consistently at the front of the grid and I am confident that we will get the results that David and the team deserve, in the forthcoming rounds of the Championship.

Championship Standings

Young 128

Jackson 95

Tinsley 76

Fitzpatrick 76

Coates 68

Rainey 63

Johnson 53

Bridewell 51

Shand 50

www.xpressracing.co.uk

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