Samsung Honda rider Michael Laverty headed to Knockhill this weekend with a point to prove. After recent success at Snetterton Circuit in Norfolk, the Northern Irishman was determined to show everyone, that it wasn’t a fluke.
Laverty has been on the pace all weekend posting consistently fast times in both dry and damp conditions, only losing out on pole to a superb lap from Tommy Hill yesterday. Laverty, who finished third in the opening race, knew he had to make a few tweaks to his bike for the final outing.
“I’m well happy with that, we made a few tweaks to the front end, that allowed me to push that little bit harder and gave me great confidence from the start.
“I worked hard, got past a few boys and then got the head down, to win round here is great and it’s nice to win the Steve Hislop trophy for the fastest lap, that’s the 2nd time around here l’ve won it,” said Laverty.
Rapid Soliciotrs Kawasaki rider Shane Byrne, winner of the opening race, had to settle for 2nd place and was slightly deflated after the final race.
“I know it’s only one position down, but after all that hard work,” puffed Shakey.
Byrne added: “It’s been a great job from the team all weekend, Michael just seemed to have more on the brakes. At points, l thought he was taking the mickey, l’d reel him in and get close, then he’s shoot off again. Step by step, we’re chipping away at it, hopefully we can get it spot on by the time the showdown comes.”
Third placed man Tommy Hill was relatively satisfied with his weekend performance and knows that he, and his Swan Yamaha team, need to raise their game a notch.
“I was never comfortable on the bike that time, it kept locking up on me when entering corners. There are a few riders starting to shine, throughout the field. So we need to up our game again. But on a positive note, its more points and podium credits,” said Hill.
Elsewhere there were plenty for the home Scottish crowd to shout about. Danderhall rider, Michael Robertson set the ball rolling by securing a second place finish in the Metzeler Racetec National Superstock 600 race. Young Tarran Mackenzie soon followed by scoring a podium, the first senior podium of his career in the Monster Energy Motostar race. Tarran’s elder brother, Taylor Mackenzie also had reason to celebrate this weekend, reaching his pre-event goal by securing his first points scoring finish of the season.
Perth’s Jimmy Storrar was in sensational form in the Metzeler Racetec National Superstock 1000 race by taking a second position and cementing his third place in the season’s standings. And, local Gilfillan lads, shared the spoils in the Knockhill Motor Sports Club Superstock 600 races. Greg taking the opening two wins, before elder brother Sean took the final race win of the weekend.
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