Success for JW Racing in Round 4 British Supersport at Thruxton

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

A hot and sunny weekend brought out the very best of 20 year old James Westmoreland and the JW Racing Triumph 675 with a successful 4th round result in the British Supersport championship at Thruxton.

Free practice went as planned, with James running his new 675 which was built by JT Engine Developments for Donington Park last week. Time was spent getting a good race set up and feeling comfortable on used tyres. James finished Friday’s free practice in 16th but was extremely comfortable with this as we were not chasing lap times. Saturday mornings qualifying session saw Westy qualify 5th after an impressive run on race tyres with lap times under the lap record. In blistering temperatures the afternoon qualifying went perfect. It was always the intention to make the most out of the soft tyre and James produced a stunning lap to shatter the lap record by 1.25 seconds, and secure his first pole position.

The race got off to a fantastic start with James grabbing the holeshot but three corners in the red flag was shown after a crash involving Dennis Hobbs and Lee Johnston. The restart proved as successful grabbing the holeshot and opening up a 1.2 second lead over the next 8 laps on Dan Linfoot and Billy McConnell. In his attempt to break away James broke Leon Camiers lap record which has stood since 2005. James lost the lead on lap 9 but fought back with all his might using the power of the 675 to lead over the line on lap 13 and 14 of the 16 lap race. A mistake through Church on the penultimate lap lost James the tow with Billy and Dan and allowed Steve Plater to barge his way through at the complex on the final lap. Despite all his fight James made another mistake at the final chicane and had to settle for 4th position at the chequered flag. Westmoreland has now moved up to 6th place in the Championship table.

Westmoreland commented “ We have proved this weekend how fast we are and the Pole position shows the outright pace we have. I gave it my all in the race but the two mistakes cost me a race win today. The lap record is very special to have along with the pole position. To be the fastest ever rider on a supersport bike around Thruxton is an awesome feeling. We have took a lot away from Thruxton and now we have the package to win races.  At this point in the season I would like to thank JT Engine Developments for building the new bike, my whole team, family and my loyal Sponsors who make everything possible”

Round 5 of the British Supersport Championship is at Snetterton on the 19-21st June where JW Racing will be looking for their first rostrum of 2009.