ROUND NINE BENNETTS BRITISH SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
06 September 2005 - Colin Appleyard Racing

HYDREX HONDA EXPERIENCE MIXED FORTUNES AS BOTH RIDERS SCRAPE POINTS

Qualifying
The two Hydrex Honda riders suffered mixed fortunes in qualifying as Kieran Clarke failed to get sufficient track time due to persistent mechanical problems and Steve Plater struggled to get on the pace. Clarke found himself at the back of the grid and Plater began his campaign from row five. The weather for race day was certainly favorable and Plater was more optimistic for the race.
Clarke - “Qualifying was rubbish. The bike stopped three times and I probably only did eight good laps. Maybe the race will be more lucky for me”.

Plater – “I’m way down on the grid but I know I can run at the front. The Hydrex Honda is strong and if I stay out of trouble, I will get a top eight finish”.

Race One

In very hot conditions the first start was frantic. So much so that a serious crash between three riders brought a halt to proceedings on lap four.

Fortunately, both Hydrex Honda riders were clear of trouble and took the restart.

It was more misery for poor Kieran Clarke as he ran at the back from the restart with Plater fairing better in twelfth.

It transpired that after twelve laps, Clarke was obliged to retire with further mechanical issues leaving Steve Plater to wave the Hydrex banner. This he did it determined fashion and was locked in a race-long battle with Red Bull Honda’s Jonathan Rea.

Rutter’s last lap crash gave the chance to move up and Plater was awarded eleventh place at the flag.

Race Two

Kieran Clarke’s misery continued on lap two of the race as he retired his Hydrex Honda with yet more mechanical problems.

The race stoppage later on the same lap might well have offered him the chance of a second bite of the cherry and the logistics of getting back and onto the spare machine proved within reach.

Steve Plater had suffered lack of grip in the first outing and was hoping for greater success this time out.

He was running strongly in twelfth at the stoppage and would therefore benefit from an improved grid for the sixteen-lap restart.

It was not to be as Plater retired with gremlins on lap eight with Clarke battling to fifteenth and one point.

Hydrex Honda, BLD, Colin Appleyard Racing and SMR and Dunlop were delighted to welcome a full house of corporate guests and look forward to round ten at Cadwell Park.

www.colinappleyard.co.uk

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