Ellison wins controversial BSB Race One

By Burning Rubber on Jul 19, 09 03:20 PM

Don Ellison 1 Small.jpg JAMES Ellison took his second win of the season after a dramatic and controversial Race One at Mallory Park.

In what will no doubt be the subject of much discussion over the coming weeks, the Cumbrian rider was handed the win after a massive crash took out the top six riders on Lap 23.

The huge seven-bike smash was caused by Aussie HM Plant Honda rider Josh Brookes, who went into the hairpin too hot, crashing out and taking race leader Simon Andrews with him, and causing the next five riders to fall amongst the carnage.

And while it was the second big mistake by Brookes this season - it was him who controversially hit Worx Crescent Suzuki's Sylvain Guintoli at Donington Park in May - even more outrage was caused by the stewards decision to call the result based on who crossed the line at the end of that lap, as the red flag came out.

This meant Ellison, who had been seventh at the time, took the win, followed by his Airwaves Yamaha team-mate Leon Camier, while Allendale's Graeme Gowland took third on his Motorpoint Henderson Yamaha.

Stuart Higgs, Series Director of the ViSK British Superbike Championship in association with Pirelli, explained the regulations:

"The moment the race is stopped, you take a snap-shot of the situation and you eliminate all of those who are not racing - the only riders who can be classified in the results are those who are still racing," he said

"While I'm clearly very unhappy that the spectacle of the best race of the year so far has been ruined, the application of the rules in respect of the race result is correct."

Ellison, while visibly a little embarassed to have been handed the win, said he was happy to take the points. "I was going well and think I would've made the podium anyway, although probably not the win," he admitted. "As far as the win goes, I'll take it."

And Camier, who had endured a bad start after a slow getaway and then getting caught out when Richard Cooper crashed on Lap One, was clearly relieved to pick up another haul of points.

"At first I thought that they'd call the result on the previous lap and just remove Brookes, but then I heard what had happened - so I'm happy to get some more points," he beamed.

Gowland however, was more uncomfortable, despite grabbing his first ever British Superbike podium. "I had struggled a little bit and to be honest, it doesn't feel right to be up here, although you've got to take these things when they come.

"My team-mate Chris (Walker) was riding really well, and he deserved it more than I did."

Race One result:

1. James Ellison (Airwaves Yamaha)
2. Leon Camier (Airwaves Yamaha) +4.345s
3. Graeme Gowland (Motorpoint/Henderson Yamaha) +7.401s
4. Michael Rutter (SMT Honda) +9.701s
5. Julien Da Costa (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) +12.870s
6. Gary Mason (Quay Garage Honda) +13.405s
7. Steve Brogan (HM Plant Honda) +15.617s
8. Ian Lowry (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +17.531s
9. David Johnson (Team Maxxis Yamaha) +18.568s
10. Tristan Palmer (Buildbase Kawasaki) +20.443s

*Image by Fotofuel....not for reproduction without permission