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Steve Scores Another Podium Finish At Brands Hatch
Having secured a podium finish in every British Supersport race he has completed this season, was determined to end his year with another top three finish and, after qualifying in third place on Saturday, lined up for Sunday’s final 25-lap encounter on the front row alongside pole setter Josh Brookes and new champion Glen Richards. As the lights went out for the start of the final race it was who got the hole shot through Paddock but his lead was short-lived as Richards took command on lap two. The pair battled for position with regaining the lead on lap eight and beginning to pull a gap between himself and Richards. But the newly crowned champion was determined to go out with a win and forged back ahead at the half way stage. Although the pair pulled well away from World Supersport rider Josh Brookes, was unable to get past the determined Glen Richards and finally settled for a close second place and crossed the finish line a fraction of a second behind to claim his fifth podium finish of the season.
“I am not really worried about my championship position although it’s nice to have finished fifth overall after only finishing five races. I am happy enough with second place today, I struggled a little bit with rear grip and of course Glen was riding very, very well again today so the combination of the two meant that I was second. We were both consistently running at lap record pace and both of us beat Josh Brookes who is a World Supersport rider so I am very happy! But I am content that I have been on the podium each time and I would like to thank Alistair Flanagan and everyone in the AIM Yamaha team for their hard work and support again this year.” Steve has found great success this season with AIM Yamaha taking three wins at the North West 200 races and a win in the Junior TT at the Isle of Man TT races plus a top five end to his British Supersport campaign. He is due to race just once more this season and will fly out to Losail, Doha for the final round of the World Endurance championship with Yamaha Austria on November 8. The team currently hold the runner up spot and a good result in the final outing could clinch the second place for YART.
Brands Hatch Preview
After switching from the British Superbike championship to Supersport for AIM Yamaha mid-season, Steve has proved he is a force to be reckoned with by taking the win at Snetterton and Cadwell, second at Mallory and third at Silverstone and is aiming to continue his winning streak by clinching the win in the final race of the season. “I am not too bothered about my position in the final rider points as I have not contested every round so therefore am not in a position to make it any further up the order than fifth,” said Steve. “But I would like to round off the year with a win so will be doing my best to make that happen on Sunday.” Qualifying is expected to be a close and exciting affair as there are few passing places on the short and technical 1.1986-mile Indy circuit and Steve will need to get a clear run to secure a strong grid position for Sunday’s season finale. But the jovial Lincolnshire rider is up for the challenge and seeking a front row grid position so he can get away to a clean start and establish the lead at the earliest opportunity. Free practice and qualifying take place on Friday and Saturday ahead of the 25-lap final encounter at 4pm on Sunday.
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* Indicates a future event. Link to Results from Timing Solutions Ltd
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Steve extended his run of podium finishes when he scored a fine second place in the final round of the British Supersport championship at Brands Hatch on Sunday to end his season with AIM Yamaha in an overall position of fifth.
With two wins, two second places and a third under his belt Steve ends his season in fifth place. Having only moved into the championship after the TT and missing a few rounds because of world endurance duties he has made a big impression on the championship and if he had contested every round would almost certainly have been a championship title contender.
As we approach the final round of the Fuchs/Silkolene British Supersport Championship, Steve is determined to end his season on a high with a win in the final round to continue his run of podium finishes in the series.
