By Hebden Bridge’s Jamie Coward enjoyed an accomplished IRRC debut at Hengelo, as he more than mixed it with many a series stalwart.
Steadily building up his pace and confidence around the illustrious Varsselring, the twice TT Privateers championship, following the two qualifying sessions on Saturday, on combined times, qualified a very creditable ninth.
Onto race day on Sunday, and in similar bright sunny, nigh on perfect conditions, the opening IRRC Superbike encounter of 2018, saw him chalk up a solid seventh place finish, finishing in front of proven championship competitors, such as Kamil Holan, Lukas Maurer and multi Supersport series winner Joey Den Besten.
Photo by Robby Repsol
Superbike race 2, would see the leading next gen roads competitor, finish an excellent sixth, along the way joining a select group of racers, to lap under the 1 minute 49 seconds bracket.
Holding following round 1 in the Netherlands, a top six placing in the current IRRC Superbike standings, which is lead at present by his Wepol Penz 13 BMW team mate Danny Webb, it’s fair to say he’s already proved he has the talent, aptitude and determination to establish himself, as a top line IRRC exponent.
Reflecting yesterday via Facebook, about his International Road Racing Championship debut, the amiable Yorkshireman stated:
“Well that’s it folks. Hengelo finished till next year maybe. Had a great day today P7 in race 1 and P6 race 2, just missed out on top 5 by whiskers. Faster again today down In the 1.48’s. Big thanks to all in the Wepol Penz 13.com team.”
Words by Stevie Rial
