Whilst a firm bout of wet weather put pay to Superbike, Superstock 1000, Supersport 600 race action, the drama filled opening British Supersport race, provided captivating viewing for roads scene fans, as two top level International road racers starred.
In treacherous conditions with visibility at a premium, Ashcourt Racing’s Lee Johnston showed all his wet weather prowess to take the lead on lap four of the 12 lap race.
Dropping back by lap nine to second, the Steve Henshaw Gold Cup winner’s battle for race spoils with James Westmoreland ended with an incident at Coppice.
Fellow TT winner Gary Johnson, piloting the resplendent Pepsi supported 675R Daytona Triumph, contended throughout for a podium finish.
Unfortunately like Johnston, a late race slip off ended his chance of what would have been a majorly impressive top four finish.
24 times North West 200 winner Alastair Seeley would finish overall eighth, fourth in terms of British GP2 exponents.
Looking towards tomorrow’s action around the Donington Park Grand Prix circuit, Championship leader Glenn Irwin, world’s fastest road racer Peter Hickman, ON1 Racing’s Brian McCormack, Synetiq BMW’s Ian Hutchinson look set to take in three 15 lap BSB races.
National Superstock 1000 competitors including reigning IRRC Superbike Champion Davey Todd, the aforementioned Hutchinson and Immingham’s Craig Neve, have at present weather, circuit conditions permitting two 12 lap race stints on the horizon.
Words by Stevie Rial