Ben Luxton scored a pole position, a fastest race-lap and a P2 podium during Round 8 of the 2019 Pirelli Superstock 600 series at Lincolnshire’s Cadwell Park circuit last weekend, 16th to 18th August.
Ben maintained a dominant pace on the JR Performance Racing ZX-6R throughout the weekend. He placed P1 in free practice with a time of 1m33.008s, then upped the ante to qualify P1 in 1m31.882s. In a race heat disrupted by wet weather and multiple red flags, Ben scored the fastest lap in 1m32.307s but crossed the line in P2, having been pipped at the post by Caolan Irwin.
Ben takes 20 points from Lincolnshire and moves up from fifth to fourth on the leader-board with 89 points overall and three rounds remaining. Eunan McGlinchey lies third with 92 points and Caolan Irwin fifth with 80 points.
“It was a great weekend, if a little frustrating,” said Ben. “Every session, we were topping the board. We were fastest in FP1, we missed FP2 due to weather, then we qualified in pole. The team put in a maximum effort and were just brilliant.
“The race got red-flagged twice so we had multiple re-starts. I got a great start and managed to lead for three laps, then Caolan Irwin passed me and led for another three. It was tough but I passed him and made a gap, then the rain started spitting. It wasn’t wet enough for a red flag but it did make it hard to manage the pace out in front. The boys behind could use me to judge speed. Without the rain, I might have jumped up to 1m31s laps and pulled a gap.
“I still led into the final lap. Into Mansfield, Caolan found a small gap and made a lunge. He passed wide, I thought I had it and got pushed onto the grass. He came through for the win.
“One good thing about Cadwell Park is that slipstreaming isn’t as big an issue; it’s more of a stop-start track. I’m really pleased to have got the monkey off our back here with a personal best result.
“I didn’t feel much like celebrating as we tragically lost an incredible sponsor on Saturday. My thoughts are with you and your family, Tat. This one’s for you.
“Oulton Park is up next and it’s one of my faves. We were a bit unlucky there back in May but at Round 9, we’ll get two race heats. That’s unusual but good. There will be a bit less pressure and it will help as we try to close down the championship.
“J.R. Performance Racing Kawasaki were incredible once again and I’m so grateful. Massive thanks also to DLR Transport, Paul Rodgers, Luke Rogers, OMG Racing UK, Cool Milk, Knox Armour and 4SR.”
Ben next takes to the track for Round 9 of the series at Cheshire’s Oulton Park circuit from 6th to 8th September.
Photo courtesy of Ben Luxton Racing