Double Success For Reilly
Kelvin Reilly made a good start to his 2009 KTM RC8 Championship campaign at his
local circuit, Brands Hatch. The InMoto Corse rider was rewarded for his
consistency with a pair of victories in the opening two races of the year.
Reilly actuall finished second in both races, but following the post-race
technical disqualification of Dave Wood, was promoted to first.
Friday evening's opening practice session was a damp affair, with the difficult
conditions hampering Reilly's efforts to set up his new KTM RC8.
Saturday saw the KTM riders get a final free practice before the one off, 25
minute qualifying session. With a dry track, Reilly was able to get his machine
working for him and posted the third fastest time in practice. After improving
on his previous best, in qualifying, Reilly spent a lot of the session in
second. It was only in the dying minutes of the session that Reilly's time was
bettered, shuffling him back to third on the grid.
The first race saw Reilly get off to a flying start, and he was up to second
position after the first corner. As race leader, Dave Wood, ran wide coming out
of Druids hairpin, Reilly pounced and slid up the inside into Graham Hill bend.
Moments later though, Reilly nearly came unstuck, as he was a little eager with
the throttle and was almost thrown into the grey Kent skies. The mistake was
enough to drop Reilly back into second, and try as he might, he couldn't find
the pace to take victory.
After making an subdued start to race two, Reilly quickly found his rhythm and
was battling for the lead. Reilly took the lead with as he out braked Dave Wood
into Druids hairpin. As the battle for the lead continued, Reilly and rival Wood
took it in turns to lead the way. On lap nine of the scheduled twenty lapper, a
crash further down the field caused the race to be stopped. With Wood leading at
the time, he would take pole position for the restarted ten lap dash.
Following the restart, Wood and Reilly again lead the way. After setting a new
lap record on lap three, Reilly was ready to make his move. This time Reilly got
a great run out of Paddock Hill bend to pass Wood on the run up to Druids. After
a couple more lead changes, Reilly was again left following and with A slight
loss of momentum towards the end, meant Reilly would again have to settle for
second place.
Reilly will be hoping to continue his good form when he is next in action at
Oulton Park, Cheshire, in three weeks time.
Sam Farrington
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