Honda’s Brookes Takes Overall Win In Australian Superbike Season Opener

Honda’s Brookes Takes Overall Win In Australian Superbike Season Opener

© 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Categories:

From a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

INJURED GILES ON PODIUM!

Australian Superbike Champion Shawn Giles fought his way to a solid result after a qualifying accident threatened to ruin his opening round of the 2004 Shell Advance Australian Superbike Championship at Eastern Creek Raceway.

The three-times champion high-sided his Suzuki in greasy conditions during the first qualifying session, injuring both ankles and requiring X-Rays on vertebrae in his neck.

His GSX-R1000 was more seriously damaged in the incident as it erupted in flames, forcing Giles to climb aboard his spare bike for the remainder of the weekend.

Despite the setbacks, Giles still secured himself a front row start in the first race, after qualifying in third place.

“I made a great start in the first race, but I got squeezed back and only managed to hold on to fourth place,” said Giles.

“It was a bit disappointing, but I only had one bike and no spare, so I had to ride carefully to make sure I was still in it for the next races.”

Qualifying in eleventh place, Giles’ team-mate, Damian Cudlin, brought his new GSX-R1000 home for a creditable eighth place in his first competitive outing with the benchmark Suzuki team.

Another scorching start in the second race saw Giles in more familiar territory – in the lead, although he had some tough competition as he duelled with fellow New South Welshman, Dan Stauffer.

The two riders traded places for the lead until lapped traffic came in to play, giving a Stauffer a gap and forcing Giles to eventually settle for second place.

Further back in the pack, Cudlin had an equally-eventful race as a hit from behind resulted in an off-track excursion, but the youngster bounced back to produce a stellar performance, working his way back through the field to recover for a top 10 finish.

“Damian was rammed in the back wheel and went off track; after slipping back to about 17th, he did a fantastic job to claw his way back to 10th,” Team Suzuki Team Manager, Phil Tainton said.

After a slow start in race three, Giles chased down the leader for the day’s most intense battle for the win, this time between Giles and Honda pilot, Josh Brookes.

“The lead changed about half a dozen times in just a few corners in the last race, with Shawn dicing for the lead. It was very exciting racing,” Tainton said.

Riding with injuries on his spare bike, Giles managed to set the fastest lap of the final race, sending an ominous warning to his rivals for the coming rounds.

“I didn’t make a very good start, but I managed to make it up and get some good speed out of the bike and take second place,” Giles said.

Fourth in the first race and two second place finishes netted Giles third place overall for the weekend, with team mate, Cudlin finishing the weekend in eighth place.

“My ankles are pretty sore and it was hard going, but the bike was good which is a credit to the team given that it was the spare bike,” said Giles.

“I wasn’t happy with fourth place in the first race, but third overall isn’t that far behind in the points, so it’s not too bad.

“Shawn did a fantastic job this weekend particularly under the circumstances,” Tainton said.

“I’m really pleased with Damian’s performance for his first round. He’s getting happier with the bike and is riding very well.

“He went faster and faster in each race and made really good progress this weekend.”

Team Suzuki newcomer, Damian Cudlin was also pleased with his debut performance on the Phil Tainton-prepared GSX-R1000.

“I kept out of trouble and brought it home for some good points,” said Cudlin.

“I’m becoming more comfortable on the bike and settling in to the team.

“I’m not where I want to be yet, but it will happen; it’s only a matter of time before I’m up the front end challenging the leaders,” he added.

Team Suzuki will contest the Australian Superbike support races for the Australian round of the World Superbike Championship at Phillip Island on 26 – 28 March.

The 2004 Shell Advance Australian Superbike Championship continues with round two at Wakefield Park (NSW) on 16 – 18 April.

SHELL ADVANCE AUSTRALIAN SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP:

TEAM SUZUKI RESULTS:

QUALIFYING 3rd Shawn Giles Qualifying Time – 1:32.863

11th Damian Cudlin Qualifying Time – 1:35.01

RACE 1: 4th Shawn Giles, Fastest Lap – 1:33.470

8th: Damian Cudlin, Fastest Lap – 1:34.789

RACE 2: 2nd Shawn Giles, Fastest Lap – 1:33.010

10th Damian Cudlin, Fastest Lap – 1:34.715

RACE 3: 2nd Shawn Giles, Fastest Lap – 1:32.921

8th Damian Cudlin, Fastest Lap – 1:35.059

2004 SHELL ADVANCE AUSTRALIAN SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP:

CURRENT POINTS:

Josh Brookes,(Honda) 61 points, Daniel Stauffer (Yamaha) 60, Shawn Giles (Suzuki GSX-R1000) 53, Adam Fergusson (Honda) 41, Robbie Baird (Kawasaki) 36, Jamie Stauffer (Kawasaki) 35, Shannon Johnson (Yamaha) 24, Damian Cudlin (Suzuki GSX-R1000) 22, Scott Charlton (Suzuki GSX-R1000) 22, Nick Henderson (Honda) 16.

Latest Posts

WorldSBK: Bulega Undergoes “Arm Pump” Surgery In Italy

Nicolò Bulega underwent surgery for compartment syndrome Nicolò Bulega underwent...

How To Identify Real Vanson Leathers

Vanson has been producing jackets, riding/racing suits, and other...

Kato Named New President Of Yoshimura Japan

Editorial Note: Yohei Kato is the grandson of Yoshimura...

Suzuki Hayabusa Anniversary Celebration Scheduled April 27 In Concord, NC

SUZUKI HAYABUSA ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION COMING TO CONCORD, NC “Hayabusa Homecoming”...

Oxley Bom Podcast: Hanging With Jorge

Roadracing World MotoGP Editor and Isle of Man TT winner...