McDougall fifth in Supersport Cup Opener
20-04-2008
2008 British Supersport Cup Rd 01
20th April, Thruxton
Race - 18 laps
Following the cancelled opening round at a snowbound Brands Hatch two weeks ago, the 2008 British Supersport Cup finally kicked off at Thruxton this afternoon. After a rain-hit weekend of Qualifying, the race was held under sun-kissed conditions with Beowulf Racing's Pat McDougall (Yamaha) finishing fifth in the Cup standings and 25th in the parent Supersport series.
The Supersport Cup is a "race within a race" for the 16 privateer entrants who receive no direct manufacturer support or assistance in the main 46-rider strong British Supersport Championship.
Ironically, the improved weather conditions largely scuppered McDougall's chances of a better result. The Beowulf Yamaha had been set up for wet conditions and when Pat topped the Cup standings during this morning's damp warm-up session, and finished sixth fastest overall, the team was confident of putting in a good performance this afternoon.
As the start of the race approached, it became increasingly clear it would be held under fine conditions. With no dry weather settings to refer to, the Beowulf team took a gamble and made alterations to the suspension and tyres of McDougall's machine. When Pat complained of handling problems on the grid after his sighting lap it was a sign he would have a tough task ahead of him.
McDougall made a good getaway from the his 22nd place starting position but was baulked going into the first corner. It was evident straight away that the Beowulf Yamaha was not handling as well as it should, with Pat unable to hold the cornering lines his competitors were taking. After six laps the Pace Car came out whilst the marshalls tended to the fallen Dennis Hobbs (Honda), bunching the field together. Under normal circumstances this would have given McDougall a chance to get back on terms with his rivals, but it was to no avail. When the car pulled off after a couple of laps Pat fell back several places through the field and although he fought bravely all the way the finishing line, he was the fifth Supersport Cup rider to make it to the chequered flag and 25th overall.
"We got really caught out by the change in conditions," said a dejected McDougall afterwards. "The rear tyre was spinning up everywhere and I must have nearly highsided ten times in that race. I know the change in the weather was the same for everyone, but I had wanted to put in a better performance to reward the team for all their hard work this weekend."
Beowulf UK Team Manager David McDougall concurred: "With us being new to Supersport this year, we had no dry settings to refer to and had to take a gamble for the race. We made some last-minute adjustments on the grid which helped, but clearly not enough. Fifth in the Cup standings isn't bad but we really wanted, and expected, a podium. On the positive side, Pat was only a second away from the fastest lap set today and headed plenty of factory-backed riders during the Qualifying and warm-up sessions. We just have to take the positive points forward with us to the next round and put the rest down to experience."
The next round of the British Supersport Cup takes place at Oulton Park on the Bank Holiday weekend of May 3rd-5th.
2008 BRITISH SUPERSPORT CUP
RD 01 RACE RESULT - THRUXTON
1. Craig Fitzpatrick (Yamaha) - 25:11.844
2. Andy Weymouth (Yamaha) - 25:23.965
3. Alistair Fagan (Triumph) - 25:24.553
5. Pat McDougall (Yamaha) - 25:26.667
2008 BRITISH SUPERSPORT CHAMPIONSHIP
RD 01 RACE RESULT - THRUXTON
1. Steve Brogan (Honda) - 25:04.288
2. Glen Richards (Triumph) - 25:04.382
3. Chris Martin (Kawasaki) - 25:04.874
25. Pat McDougall (Yamaha) - 25:26.667
Sponsors
Team Beowulf Racing.
The great race at the new Portimao circuit brings an end to our season in World Superbike Superstock 600, with riders Gino Rea and Dan Linfoot.
The season has been a success with Gino third and Dan fifth in the championship standings following three victories and five additional podiums in total. The results have also acted as a stepping stone to the riders for next season, with both securing high profile, career progressing rides for 2009.
Thank you for all of the emails, calls, texts and visits throughout the year. It has been much appreciated.
