StoneBaker Racing gear up for Donington Park
01-09-2008
European Superstock 600 Championship
Round 08 - Donington Park, 5th-7th September 2008
Preview
StoneBaker Racing are finalising their preparations for the eighth round of the European Superstock 600 Championship to be held at Donington Park this weekend. Riders Gino Rea and Dan Linfoot currently stand fourth and fifth in the series standings and the team has high expectations for what lies ahead.
"After the opening round back at Valencia I stated that I wanted to see both of our riders on the podium in the same race," recollects joint owner Andrew Stone. "I certainly haven't abandoned that aim yet. We've taken one win and four additional podiums from the seven races so far, but we've yet to have Dan and Gino both finish in the top three at the same track. It would be great for that to happen on home soil at Donington, although I have a feeling it's more likely to occur at Magny Cours in France."
Gino Rea has similarly high aspirations following his best-ever result in the previous round at Brands Hatch, where he finished second: "I want to win," he says emphatically. "I have been on the podium three times out of the last four races, now I need to make the step up onto the top of that rostrum. I am one point away from third in the championship at the moment, so if I come out of Donington in third position overall I will be happy."
Third in the series is also Dan Linfoot's goal: "My aim now is to recover my third place in the championship," he explains. "I won't give up, and in motorsport anything can happen, but realistically I feel that is the most I can achieve given the gap the front two have in the points table with three rounds to go. To do that, I have just have to ride as well as I can and win some more races. I like riding at Donington as it is the scene of my two best results when I was riding in the MotoGP 125 and 250cc support classes, finishing ninth both times."
The action begins on Friday with half an hour of free practice followed by the opening qualifying session. Saturday brings a second qualifying period with the ten-lap race scheduled to begin on Sunday at 4.45pm.
Keep visiting www.stonebakerracing.com during the weekend for up-to-the-minute reports and exclusive photos each evening.
Current Championship Standings
1. Loris Baz (FRA) - Yamaha: 142pts
2. Patrick Vostarek (CZE) - Honda: 110pts
3. Marco Bussolotti (ITA) Yamaha: 82pts
4. Gino Rea (GBR) - Yamaha: 81pts
5. Dan Linfoot (GBR) - Yamaha: 74pts
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.
