Camier takes title in Silverstone opener

By Burning Rubber on Sep 27, 09 02:08 PM

Silverstone 09 - Camier - 300.jpg BY ZOE BURN AND MIC ARCHBOLD

LEON Camier has been crowned 2009 MCE Insurance British Superbike Champion after beating team-mate James Ellison across the line in today's first race at Silverstone.

The Airwaves Yamaha rider passed Kendal's Ellison on the penultimate lap of 20 around the Northants circuit, to cruise to victory and his first BSB title.

After qualifying on Pole, Camier made one of his trademark bad starts, dropping down to fourth as Hydrex Honda's Stuart Easton got the holeshot and led for the first part of the lap.

But the Hawick rider soon fell into the clutches of a charging Ellison, who took the lead in the opening lap, as HM Plant Honda's Josh Brookes led Camier across the line.

On Lap Three, Camier made a move on Brookes at Abbey, and despatched with Easton a lap later to make it an Airwaves Yamaha 1-2 battle.

Brookes passed Easton on Lap Eight, and the top three remained as they were all the way until Lap 19.

Although Camier had made a few attempts to pass Ellison, he had been unable to make it stick, until he finally shoved the number 2 machine up the inside of Ellison at Priory.

And with just a lap to go, Ellison had nothing left to take the fight to the line, and Camier crossed first, to the rapturous applause of the Airwaves Squad as they celebrated the riders championship to go with the manufacturers title they took at Croft a fortnight ago.

"I don't know what to make of it all, that was one of the hardest races of my life to be honest," he said.

"James had a really strong pace and I was just pushing so hard, trying to make every little thing count. I made a few passes, and wasn't going to give up. I want to say a massive thanks to everyone that's got me here today, I still can't believe it all."

Ellison meanwhile was gracious in defeat. "We both wanted it, but full credit to him. He's ridden fantastic today and all season, it's been unbelievable.

"It's been a pleasure to be his team-mate this year and to run at the front with him, and I think he's brought me on with him.

"I left a gap the size of a fag paper - and he came through - what more can I say?"

MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship Race 1 Top Ten

1. Leon Camier, Airwaves Yamaha
2. James Ellison, Airwaves Yamaha
3. Josh Brookes, HM Plant Honda
4. Stuart Easton, Hydrex Honda
5. Tommy Hill, Hydrex Honda
6. John Laverty, Buildbase Kawasaki
7. Sylvain Guintoli, Worx Crescent Suzuki
8. Ian Lowry, Relentless Suzuki by TAS
9. Simon Andrews, MSS Colchester Kawasaki
10. Julien Da Costa, MSS Colchester Kawasaki