The Showdown phase of the 2011 British Superbike season got underway at Donington Park. With six riders in contention for the large trophy at the end of the season there was a lot to play for with 50 points up for grabs over two races. (see more)
This is the first time in a few years that the BSB paddock has been back to the magnificent Donington Park. The infield looks somewhat Martian, as it did earlier this year when the SBK paddock turned up. Perhaps this Winter will see some much needed restoration work to get the infield back to its wonderful rolling green hills look.
Tommy Hill entered the Showdown phase leading the points table. John Hopkins returned after missing Round 9 at Cadwell Park due to a broken finger from the Brno round of MotoGP where he competed on the Rizla Suzuki. The very fast and experienced Shane Byrne seemed full of confidence and at ease with his Honda. Michael Laverty has much to prove and too is very fast on the Swan Yamaha.
Ryuichi Kiyonari scraped into the top six at Cadwell Park and has not looked very comfortable on his Honda Fireblade of late. What he is good at is riding very well when it matters and taking wins at the end of the season. Josh Brookes has been looking stronger on the Suzuki throughout the season and will pick up points where they are available.
The Supersport championship saw two races where Alastair Seeley took off into the setting sun and left Ben Wilson in his dust; a stark contrast to Round 9 at Cadwell Park, where Ben showed Alastair how it's done. The final few races are going to be very exciting with the points table ever tighter.
Sunday morning saw the entire paddock pay their last wishes and tributes to the late Ben Gautrey, the young Superstock 600 rider who lost his life at Cadwell Park two weeks prior. A lap of honour was complted by Ben's family and close friends as all involved lined the track and cheered on the parade vehicles. Rest In Peace Ben.
Tommy Hill claimed Pole on Saturday afternoon giving him the shortest run into Redgate corner for Race 1. The top four riders fought for position, but after some close fighting between Hil and Byrne, Laverty found himself in the lead only to have it taken away by a very cautious yet very fast Hopkins who took the Chequrered Flag. Race 2 started somewhat controversially as Laverty and Byrne collided at Redgate on the first lap while fighting for the same piece of tarmac. Both went off leaving Hopkins to lead Hill to the flag. Byrne and Laverty got back on track to ride lonely but fast laps hoping for any points. Michael went on to claim the lap record but came in a lonely 14th. John Kirkham took the third step of the podium with Martin Jessopp not far behind in fourth.
Photographically, Donington Park is a world away from Cadwell Park. Donington is set amongst rolling hills with few trees to control light and to use as picturesque backdrops. This weekend saw various conditions including sunshine and rain with dramatic skies making for wonderful wide images.
The next and penultimate round is at the Grand Prix circuit of Silverstone in Northamptonshire. (see less)