From a press release issued by Cartersport Motorsport Media and Management on behalf of Russ Hodgson Racing:

Virgin Mobile Yamaha R6 Cup – Round 2 – Snetterton – 13th April 2003

MORE POINTS FOR RUSTY

Following on from a superb top ten result in the opening round, Yarm motorcycle racer Russ Hodgson continued his good form with another superb result in the Virgin Mobile Yamaha R6 Cup in front of 20,000 fans at Snetterton, Norfolk yesterday.

After battling to ninth position on his four stroke debut two weeks ago at Silverstone, the 21 year old managed to slot the Tillston’s supported machine on row two of the grid during Saturday’s qualifying before taking to the start in front of a live Sky Sports TV audience.

Hodgson was battling with the leading bunch at lap record pace around the ultra-fast track when he was almost high-sided from his machine at the infamous Bomb Hole at half distance causing him to run wide and lose momentum.

Undeterred, the former 125cc racer bounced back into contention but had to settle for seventh at the flag, just as he was closing in on the pack in front.

“I felt really happy on the bike and but for that slide, I think I could have been a few places higher. But I’m happy, especially as I was dicing with Peter Ward who won the opening round so I know there’s more to come” said Rusty afterwards who moved up to seventh in the points table as a result.

Round three of the twelve race series, whereby all riders race identical machines, takes place at Thruxton in Hampshire on Easter Sunday.

Race Result (17 laps)
1. Cal Crutchlow, 21m 10.820s, 2 Benjie Cockerill, 21;11.760, 3 Tommy Hill 21:12.050, 4 Kiel Bryce 21:14.350, 5 Kieran Clarke 21:15.479, 6 Peter Ward 21:17.095, 7 Russ Hodgson 21:20.060, 8 Jason Page 21:22.157, 9 Carl Ogden 21:23.379, 10 Alister Bailey 21:25.255.

Championship Standings (after round two)
1 Tommy Hill 36, Benjie Cockerill 36, 3. Peter Ward 35, 4.Cal Crutchlow 25, 5. Kieran Clarke 24, 6.Kiel Bryce 22, 7.Victor Cox 16, Russ Hodgson 16. 9. Jason Page 13, 10. Ross Connolly 12.