By Glenn LeSanto

Italian Superstock rider Walter “Torto” Tortoroglio took his GSX-R1000 to a popular victory in Monza this morning. He had to fight the reigning European Superstock Champion, James Ellison, all the way in a thrilling race. The pair took off in the early laps, leaving Marty Nutt, who had been in second place in the opening laps, 15 seconds behind on his GSX-R1000. Ellison and Torto swapped places throughout the race, with Torto making all his passes on the brakes at the end of Monza’s long home straight. In the closing laps Torto got passed Ellison and managed to eke out a half-second advantage. The Italian rider’s victory means he’s now equal first in the Championship with Ellison, who won the opening round in Spain.

Both riders were obviously pushing their Suzukis to the limit but Torto had an advantage on the brakes as Ellison experienced severe chattering when hard on the anchors for the corners. Any handling problems under braking make life particularly difficult through the three stop – start Monza chicanes.

The pair will get a chance to fight over that Championship lead again in two weeks time, this time at Ellison’s home circuit–the next round is at Donington Park in England.

European Superstock, Monza, Italy.
Race Results

1. Walter Tortoroglio, Italy, Suzuki, 20:57.373

2. James Ellison, GB, Suzuki, 21:00.797

3. Marty Nutt, GB, Suzuki, 21:15.861

4. Benny Jerzenbeck, Germany, Suzuki, 21:17.749

5. Dario Tosolini, Italy, Ducati, 21:17.842


Championship Points Standings after 2 of 9 rounds

1. Tortoroglio, 45

2. Ellison, 45

3. Lorenzo Alfonsi, Italy, Ducati, 26

4. Nutt, 22

5. Jerzenbeck, 22