2009 title holder Leon Camier claimed his fifth double win of the 2009 British Superbike season at Oulton Park today. James Ellison secured 2nd place in the Championship standings with a 3rd and a 12th.
Both Airwaves Yamaha riders got away well at the start of Race Two. James took the lead on the first lap as Leon became involved in a three-way battle for 3rd. After making a couple of successful passes at Lodge, Leon chased his teammate and took the lead on lap 10. James was pushed down to 3rd four laps from the end.
In a re-started Race Three, Leon took the lead on the opening lap and James slotted in to 3rd. Leon remained unchallenged and pushed out at front, crossing the line for an eventual 19th win by over 3.7 seconds. James experienced a technical issue on lap 8 and dropped down 13th but fought back and made up a place before the end of the race.
After the final race of the season Leon said, “It’s been an absolutely awesome year. To end with a double-win is perfect. The GSE Racing team have done an incredible job all season. I’d like to say a special thanks to my Chief Engineer Frankie. He gave me such a great bike for the last race. I wasn’t sure if it was the right way to go, but he was so confident I couldn’t say no - it’s a good job I didn’t!”
Pleased with claiming 2nd in the Championship, James said, “We’ve had a tough few races this weekend. I really wanted to come away with another couple of wins but it wasn’t to be. This has been my most successful season ever; finishing 2nd feels good, but of course I’ll be aiming for more next year. A massive thanks to the whole GSE Racing team, my wife Sarah for putting up with me, and the Kendal Massive for their support.”
Colin Wright added the final words for 2009 “This season we have not only exceeded everyone’s expectations, we have yet again broken records! Leon and James are the only two riders to have finished every race in the points (barring Leon’s exclusion at Cadwell). We have enjoyed numerous double race wins and double one two’s and I believe Leon’s points tally (549.5) is the most any rider has gained in a race season. We have also, with the help of Pirelli, come close to breaking lap records. The Airwaves Yamaha YZF-R1 and the team have performed outstandingly and I’m so grateful to all those who have made this season one of our best ever. I said it would be!”
Race Two Results:
1. Leon Camier - Airwaves Yamaha
2. Stuart Easton - Hydrex Honda
3. James Ellison - Airwaves Yamaha
Race Three Results:
1. Leon Camier - Airwaves Yamaha
2. Tommy Hill - Hydrex Honda
3. Josh Brookes - HM Plant Honda
12. James Ellison - Airwaves Yamaha
Championship Standings:
1. Leon Camier - Airwaves Yamaha 549.5 points
2. James Ellison - Airwaves Yamaha 413 points
