Gino Rea wins thrilling WSBK Superstock 600 race at Assen
26-04-2009
Gino won the thrilling WSBK Superstock 600 race at Assen today to put him top of the championship table.
From 5th on the grid Gino got a lighting start to see him in front into the first corner and through the first lap. Lombois then passed and the following 6 laps saw Gino, Lombois, Petrucci, Bussolotti and Litjens (the main 5 title contenders) all fighting for position in a tight group. With three laps to go Bussolotti ran too fast at the end of the home straight and took both himself and Petrucci out of the race leaving the remaining three to fight it out. Two laps to go and Lombois passed Litgens for the lead but lost the front shortly after. Into the final lap and Litgens led Gino to the final corner but locked up the rear leaving enough of a gap for Gino to pass to lead the race the final 100m to the line.
A great race and certainly one to watch on Motors TV when it is on next week (details to follow). Full race results here on the WSBK site.
The Ten Kate team achieved a double Superstock win today with Maxime Berger winning the 1000cc race as well as Gino.
Gino also raced his third Dutch Superbike round with the Duntep team, this afternoon at the Assen event finishing 4th following his 2nd place at Spa last weekend. Gino started 14th on the grid due to his 600cc qualifying time having to be used (see previous news story) but another lightning start gave him 6th position into the first corner. Gino then started to work his way up reaching 3rd before a rear brake failure slowed progress leaving Gino 4th at the end of the race.
Photographs from today are in the gallery here.
Sponsors
Team StoneBaker.
For 2009 StoneBaker Racing is sponsoring four riders. Dan Linfoot, Gino Rea, Christian Iddon and Pat McDougall.
Dan Linfoot has joined premier BSB team Rob Mac Racing Yamaha to compete in the British Supersport Championship.
Gino Rea has joined leading WSBK team Ten Kate Honda to compete in the WSBK Superstock 600 Championship.
Christian Iddon competes in the Supermoto World Championship with factory supported Team Motoracing KTM.
Pat McDougall competes in the BSB Superstock 600 Championship in privateer team Beowulf Racing.
