Double Donington Podium for Stapleford in British Supersport
Round two of the British Supersport Championship took place this weekend at Donington Park, and Luke Stapleford was looking for more podium success after his Race One win at Oulton Park. He started as he meant to go on, putting his Macadam Triumph Street Triple 765 in the middle of the front row for Saturday’s Sprint Race while teammate Max Wadsworth lined up 17th.
As the race got underway, Stapleford dropped a position off the line but quickly powered back into second while Ben Currie broke away at the front. Stapleford was locked in a four-way battle for the runner-up spot, ultimately coming out on top to take second place and with it, the Championship lead.
Sunday’s Feature Race was a thriller. Stapleford started from second on the grid and this time nailed the start, taking the holeshot. A nine-rider train formed at the front in the early stages before the leading four pulled clear. The closing laps delivered a breathtaking battle, and Stapleford looked set to claim victory until Currie made a last-lap lunge to take the lead. Forced wide, Stapleford was unable to turn in and Rhys Irwin slipped through as well, meaning the Triumph rider had to settle for third. It was a hard-fought podium - especially as Stapleford is carrying a shoulder injury - and a strong points haul to maintain his championship challenge.
Teammate Wadsworth endured a tough weekend, suffering a technical issue in the Sprint Race and severe arm pump in the Feature Race.
The Macadam Triumph Factory Racing Team return to action in Snetterton, 20-22 June.
Luke Stapleford #8: “I’m really happy with two podiums this weekend. I felt strong in both races despite the fact that I’ve been struggling all weekend with pain in my shoulders and arms which has slowed us down and made things a lot more difficult. We were right in the fight today and it’s obviously frustrating to miss out on the win in the final corners, but it was a proper scrap and we showed we’ve got the pace to fight at the front even with an injury. Big thanks to the team for giving me a great bike all weekend and we’ll be back fighting in Snetterton.”
Max Wadsworth #72: “Not the weekend I was hoping for. I struggled to find a rhythm on Friday, but by the end of qualifying I felt like I’d made a step forward. Unfortunately, a technical issue forced me to retire from Race 1. I didn’t get the chance to properly test the setup changes we’d made, so I lacked confidence to really push in Race 2. Combined with suffering badly from arm pump, I made the tough call to retire. It has been a disappointing weekend, and I’m really sorry to the team for that. We’ve got a month now before Snetterton, so it’s time to reset and come back stronger”
