EIGHTH PODIUM FOR LAVERTY
30 August 2004 - Honda Racing

Eugene Laverty scored his eighth podium of the season aboard the Red Bull Rookies Honda RS125 at Cadwell Park today.

The Ulster teenager finished in third position at the Louth-based team’s local circuit. It was also a satisfactory day for team-mate Steven Neate who finished tenth.

Laverty made a strong start to the 14-lap race by powering into fourth position from the third row of the grid. He maintained the same position throughout, but was awarded the podium after third-placed rider Joe Dickinson was issued with a 20-second penalty.

Neate was back in 18th position on lap one but he quickly set about slicing through the opposition. By lap four the Barton-le-Clay teenager had moved up to 12th and was battling for a top ten finish. He eventually crossed the line in 11th but was awarded tenth position due to Dickinson’s penalty.

Ashley Beech took the race win, with Laverty’s closest rival and championship leader Christian Elkin finishing in second. The gap between the Toomebridge teenager and Elkin is now 16 points, with two of the 13 rounds remaining.

Eugene Laverty: “I managed to get a good start and was able to hold my position until the chequered flag. I knew that I’d be able to improve on my qualifying position – it was just a question of how much. I was a bit slower than the leading group on some parts of the track, so I’m happy that I’ve been able to finish on the podium. As far as the championship is concerned, there is still much to play for at the last two rounds.”

Steven Neate: “After starting from the fifth row of the grid, I wanted to finish in the top ten. I achieved my objective even though I made it difficult for myself on the first lap after a sluggish start. I’m much happier than I was after qualifying and it’s good to get some points back on the board again for Red Bull Rookies Honda.”

Result: 1. A. Beech (Honda) 22:17.890; 2. C. Elkin (Honda) +7.163; 3. E. Laverty (Red Bull Rookies Honda) +15.389; 4. K. Weston (Honda) +17.622; 5. J. Morris (Honda) +18.150; 6. B. Clark (Honda) +24.940; 7. M. Wilcox (Honda) +25.796; 8. J. Dickinson (Honda) +27.349; 9. R. Guiver (Honda) +29.615; 10. S. Neate (Red Bull Rookies Honda) +29.742

Points after round 11: 1. Elkin – 199; 2. Laverty – 183; 3. Wilcox – 143; 4. Weston – 111; 5. Pearson – 87; 6. Bridewell – 84; 7. Beech – 81; 8. Clark – 73; 9. Dickinson – 71; 10. Robinson – 68; 11. Neate – 57

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