By Former World Superbike Championship New Zealand round host Manfeild Raceway served up a stimulating, thrilling second round of this year’s Suzuki International Series.
The Whites Powersport Shoei Premium Helmets F1 races, were engrossing to say the least.
King of The Roads Champion, FHO Racing BMW’s Davey Todd, pocketed third in the opening big-bike contest before accruing honours in the following ten-lap race which saw Peter Hickman before tipping off at turn one, set a new lap record, of 1 minute 04.284 seconds.
Final F1 Superbike/Superstock action of the weekend proved more prosperous for fourteen times TT winner Hickman, who finished a plucky runner-up to Mitch Rees, only 0.258 in arrears.
Senior TT victor Todd, runner-up in all three Supermoto races to Richie Dibben (race 3 – virtual photo finish!) was the highest profile non-finisher from the final 10-lap encounter, failing to complete the race’s opening lap.
Tony Rees, Rogan Chandler were in the mix throughout Saturday, Sunday’s 1000cc racing thrills whilst firmly No.1 of F2 Supersport activities was triple victor, British Supersport regular Morgan McLaren Wood.
Quick mention as well for ex Czech Road Racing 250 Champion Wolfgang Schuster, sweeping up three top eight finishes (8th-6th-4th).
The 2024 Suzuki International Series finalises on Boxing Day with the Southern Hemisphere’s ‘Isle of Man’, the Cemetery Circuit Races.
Photo credit: Michael Wincott
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
