By Jay Lawrence reinforced his status as one of New Zealand’s leading pure road racers during Monday afternoon, by winning the second F1 Superbike encounter at the Cemetery Circuit races.
Holding off the attentions of Suzuki Tri Series champion Scott Moir, Greymouth big bike race winner Lawrence’s first rate performance had added dividends in that it provided sponsors Carl Cox Motorsport with a first Superbike success at Wanganui.
Photo by Terry Stevenson
Reflecting via Facebook on a maiden premier class victory at his nations most famous roads meeting, he stated:
“After a good start on the restart, I found myself third behind Scott and Hayden and after a close couple of laps completed a pass for second, leaving me a couple of seconds behind Scott.
I thought that would be my lot for the race but after a few solid laps I’d reeled Scott in and made a successful pass at Robert Holden corner.
I kept my head down for the last few laps and surpassed all of our hopes to achieve my maiden Superbike win.”
Going onto reflect about the feature 10 lap Robert Holden Memorial race, which saw him finish runner up, he said:
“Until crossing the finish line I hadn’t realised how much pressure I’d felt, and put on myself, after the 2016 win. This year’s celebration came from a much calmer place than last year’s outburst of emotions. Which my wife and her wallet thanks me for.
Lap times during this race put me on pole for the Robert Holden Memorial feature race, but unfortunately time limitations and a slight miscalculation on my behalf left me on old tyres. With Scott Moir on a mission, second place was a more than satisfactory way to end the day.
Our heartfelt thanks goes to Carl Cox Motorsport and TSS Red Baron. Without the support of these two sponsors it wouldn’t be possible for us to be present, let alone competitive. It was fantastic to have both Carl and Stewart at the track to share our joy after this result.
Shoei Helmets, Alpinestars Protection, K-Tech Suspension Australasia, Pirelli Tyres, and Gold Fren Brakes gave us the equipment to make the Suzuki GSXR 1000 shine. With the continued support of these generous sponsors we will be rolling on to the NZ national championships where I aim to continue to improve my results, which will be a challenge given the lack of street circuits on the national calendar.
Thanks to everyone else for your messages of support. It was humbling to receive your congratulations throughout the Suzuki Series and especially after the win at Whanganui and I hope to deliver results for you in the future.”
Words by Stevie Rial
