7 and 8 July 2018, Knockhill (Scotland) – Joe Collier’s double podium [3-3] visit aboard the In Competition prepared EHA Racing Aprilia RSV4 RF at Knockhill in Scotland on Saturday and Sunday, consolidated his position in the Pirelli National 1000cc Superstock Championship – with just 13 points now covering the top three in the series.
Collier (bike no. 11) holds third place after five rounds and a very impressive performance at the Fife venue, which incidentally, was his first-ever on 1000cc machinery and 24 months since he last competed at the Scottish venue. In race one on Saturday he came through from thirteenth to grab podium number one, and in Sunday’s red-flagged second outing, he worked his way through from the second row for another important 16 championship points.
Speaking of his two visits to the third step of the podium, Collier said: “Having not been here for two years and this being my first time on a 1000cc machine, the guys like Farmer had a head start on me this weekend, but we did a good solid job in the end. I’ve really enjoyed riding the EHA Racing Aprilia around Knockhill and had the second race not been red-flagged, I think we maybe could have grabbed a few more points.
I remain 13 points off the championship lead, but with Billy [McConnell] crashing out on Sunday and Keith [Farmer] now taking the championship lead, it’s tightened things up between the three of us. Next up is Brands Hatch GP circuit, which is a real riders’ circuit, so I’m really looking forward to that, but I have enjoyed it here this weekend. Thanks to Ian Newton as always for his support and preparation and to the rest of the EHA Racing team, we’ve had another top weekend. Best wishes to Andy on his recovery after the crash.”
Andy Reid (bike no. 67), fourth on Saturday behind Collier, had a spell at the front on Sunday in the early laps aboard his EHA Racing/In Competition Aprilia, but his crash from fourth place forced a red-flag situation, and the resulting broken wrist will keep him out until Thruxton at the start of August.
Reid said: “Well done to the team and Joe for a good solid performance this weekend. I’m obviously disappointed with what has happened, but thankfully it’s a clean break and we can aim to just miss one round. Thanks to the circuit medical team for looking after me and to the whole EHA Racing team for the continued effort. I’ll be back soon!”
Gail Allingham, Team Manager: “Joe continues to impress with his consistent and unflappable approach to every round so far this season and after a small problem in the early sessions, he recovered superbly for another two podiums on the EHA Racing Aprilia. He’s firmly established himself as a genuine contender at the sharp end this season and seems un-fazed by it, despite being a rookie in the class. Andy also had a few problems in the early sessions that could have held him back, but he showed his class to qualifying on the front row. He secured a strong fourth place in race one despite suffering arm-pump, but didn’t deserve the outcome of his crash in race two. Thankfully the break is un-complicated and we will do our very best to have him back for Thruxton in August.”
INFO:
www.eha.racing
