Sykes doubles at Oulton Park

From britishsuperbike.com

Tom Sykes has been waiting for his debut race win in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship and last Sunday at Oulton Park he managed to take not only his first victory but also his first double win for the Rizla Suzuki team.

"I am so happy," Sykes said. "After that first race I couldn't really celebrate as I knew I had to do it all again so I sat in my motorhome and just assessed the situation and how we could repeat it in the second race.

"The boys made it hard for me in that second one but I moved my braking points to try and keep them behind me as I had to do something. This is great for me and the Rizla Suzuki team ahead of our WSB appearance at Brands Hatch in a few weeks time so hats off to the team for their hard work this weekend. I am now going to go and have a brew to celebrate. I am going to treat myself to some fast food and a lie in tomorrow."

In the first race Sykes got a flying start from the front row of the grid, leading the chasing pack into Old Hall for the first time, with James Ellison tucked in behind with Leon Haslam and Karl Harris also having strong starts.

On the second lap Ellison was able to take the advantage, passing Sykes in to Island Bend and despite going a little wide he was able to pull the Hydrex Bike Animal Honda back on line and keep Sykes in second. The Rizla Suzuki was a constant shadow until Sykes made his move on the seventh lap with an astounding manoeuvre at Hizzy's chicane.

Sykes then controlled the race from the front to take his first race win in BSB which puts him in a strong position ahead of his World Superbike Championship wild card at Brands Hatch in just two weeks time.

"I am really over the moon for myself and also for the whole team," Sykes said. "It is great to take my debut win in BSB here at Oulton Park. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come now for the rest of the season. I made a decent start and was then able to get ahead of James (Ellison) and I just kept watching my pit board and was just able to extend my lead. I just wanted to bring it home and get the result."

Crutchlow looked ready to challenge for the race win but on lap 10 he crashed out at Brittens but was able to rejoin in eighth place. The HM Plant Honda rider then had to work hard to score as many points as possible and was able to claw back some extra places to finish the race in sixth.

The battle on track intensified for third place with Haslam coming under threat from 'Shakey' Byrne, with the Airwaves Ducati finally making his move by diving down the inside at Lodge corner. Byrne was then able to take third, his 13th podium but also his lowest finish of the season.

Sykes had another lightening start from the front row of the grid in race two, but it was Haslam on the HM Plant Honda who got the holeshot and led into Old Hall for the first time.

The Rizla Suzuki rider was eager to pass the 'Pocket Rocket' though as he was in danger of being passed by Crutchlow in third and he made his move on the second lap on the run down to Lodge.
Sykes then was a man on a mission as he strived to take Rizla Suzuki's first double race win in four seasons.

Behind Sykes, Crutchlow was able to get past teammate Haslam on the fourth lap with a brave move around the outside at Old Hall. Crutchlow then targeted Sykes as he tried to get the victory that he had been chasing all weekend.

Byrne meanwhile was not ready to finish a race outside the top three and the Airwaves Ducati rider had Haslam and third place in his sights. Byrne shadowed him for several laps but it was on the penultimate one that he was able to dive pass at Brittens.

The final lap was then a four-way shootout as Sykes, Crutchlow, Byrne and Haslam all tussled for the podium places. Byrne was first to make his move, passing Crutchlow at Island Bend, but the HM Plant Honda knows he needs to finish ahead if he wants to challenge for the title and barged past at Brittens.

Crutchlow then looked set to take the challenge to Sykes and Lodge was going to be his final chance to take the advantage. But Sykes was strong and held the line to hold off the HM Plant Honda and take his first double win.

Race 1 Results
1. Tom Sykes (Rizla Suzuki)
2. James Ellison (Hydrex Bike Animal Honda) +4.779
3. Shane Byrne (Airwaves Ducati) +5.089
4. Leon Haslam (HM Plant Honda) +14.336
5. Simon Andrews (Lloyds British Yamaha) +25.518
6. Cal Crutchlow (HM Plant Honda) +31.402
7. Michael Rutter (North West 200 Ducati) +36.383
8. Billy McConnell (MSS Discovery Kawasaki) +38.630
9. Michael Laverty (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +48.039
10. John Laverty (Buildbase NW200 Ducati) +48.596
Race 2 Results
1. Tom Sykes (Rizla Suzuki)
2. Cal Crutchlow (HM Plant Honda) +0.619
3. Shane Byrne (Airwaves Ducati) +1.265
4. Leon Haslam (HM Plant Honda) +11.649
5. James Ellison (Hydrex Bike Animal Honda) +25.255
6. Simon Andrews (Lloyds British Yamaha) +26.498
7. Michael Laverty (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +26.949
8. Scott Smart (Hawk Kawasaki) +31.221
9. Karl Harris (Rob Mac Racing Yamaha) +31.189
10. Billy McConnell (MSS Discovery Kawasaki) +32.694

Point Standings
1. Shane Byrne (Airwaves Ducati) 312
2. Cal Crutchlow (HM Plant Honda) 213
3. Tom Sykes (Rizla Suzuki) 176
4. Leon Haslam (HM Plant Honda) 174
5. Leon Camier (Airwaves Ducati) 160