LANGFORD MISSES OUT ON TOP FINISH AT CADWELL Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship
Sy Langford from Wickford riding the Gary Purkiss sponsored Yamaha R1 was unable to capitalise on what would have been his best finish so far this season due to a mechanical failure.
He was competing in the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship; a support race to the mce insurance sponsored British Superbike meeting held at the Motorsportvision owned Cadwell Park racetrack in Lincolnshire.
This venue is probably the most physically demanding on the calendar and due to the many tight as well as high-speed corners, combined with inclines and drops in elevation suspension set up is all important.
Qualifying in a lowly 35th position Langford was once again struggling with handling, but after some advice from a friendly source he managed to get an improved set up on the rear suspension unit, ready to test in Monday morning's pre-race warm up. Unfortunately the clutch disintegrated before the new setting could be proven and a frantic team struggled to renew the clutch in time for the race.
From row 12 on the grid Langford got off to a good start and at the end of lap one was in 28th position. He kept the place until lap three when he passed Graham English into 27th. With the R1 handling well he was able to maintain his pace and at the end of lap six managed to improve another position but on lap seven whilst closing in on the riders ahead his drive chain snapped and his race was over.
"I thought that the bike was handing well before the chain failure", said Sy after the race "and I was steadily catching the group ahead. I'm sure if I had been able to finish I would have gained several more places, and this would have seen me finish just outside of the top twenty. That would have been my best result so far and although I'm annoyed about the chain problem I am feeling more positive about the overall performance. Thanks to Gary for his continued sponsorship, all my hard working team and the MSS boys for helping with the suspension set up, and we'll try to put all the effort to good use and finish higher at the next meeting"
Report & Pics Eric O'Brien
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