EMS Racing 2005

EMS Racing Take Brilliant Podium at Silverstone

EMS Racing secured their best result of 2005 by taking a superb second place finish in the third round of the European Superstock championship at Silverstone. On board the EMS Racing Suzuki GSXR-1000, Craig Coxhell closed down the leaders and keep his cool when it most mattered to secure his second consecutive podium in the hotly contested class. It was an accomplished performance by the 22 year old Australian and the valuable 20 points scored now moves him up to third in the championship, 19 points off the series lead.

After qualifying in sixth position for the 15 lap race, Craig made a stunning start to move up into third position after pushing hard through the fast turn one. Despite his excellent start the leading duo of Keenan Sofuoglu and Massimo Roccoli had already made a break leaving a big gap to bridge to get to the front. Craig responded and showed his class to reel in and catch the leaders. After sitting in third place, Craig pushed hard to pass, but due to a lack of grip was unable to make a move so consolidated his position and stayed as close as possible so that he could capitalise on any mistakes. At the final chicane on the last lap, Craig s strategy worked perfectly when series leader Sofuoglu made a last ditch effort to take the lead and ran wide allowing Craig to slip through and claim second spot.

I got a great start and got up to third but it was really tough and I was having to push hard to stay with the leaders. They pulled away to begin with but I managed to reel them back in and when I got on the back of them I felt pretty comfortable. Unfortunately by that stage I was struggling with rear grip and just couldn t get the drive out of the turns to get close enough to make my move on the brakes. Sofuoglu and Roccoli were practically out braking each other at every turn and I didn t want to get involved in that so I just waited for them to take each other out, which they nearly did at the final chicane. explained Craig.

It s good to get second and its another strong result but we need to be getting the bike set-up quicker in qualifying if we want to start winning races. I came in to the year wanting to be consistent and build up to good results and I think that by finishing in the top three every weekend along with some race wins, we ll have a good chance of winning the championship. he continued.

The EMS Racing team are now on their way to the Czech Republic where they will be conducting a two day test at the spectacular Brno circuit alongside the factory Ducati Xerox team of James Toseland and Regis Laconi.

Silverstone 28-29th May 2005