On the new 1 000 cm3 superbikes’ first championship visit to Zwartkops this weekend, could favourite Hudson Kennaugh, or perhaps Trevor Crookes, become the first rider to lap the 2,4 km circuit in under 60 seconds?
On the new 1 000 cm3 superbikes’ first championship visit to Zwartkops this weekend, could favourite Hudson Kennaugh, or perhaps Trevor Crookes, become the first rider to lap the 2,4 km circuit in under 60 seconds?
As South Africa’s premier superbike event takes to Zwartkops this weekend, Kennaugh has built up a substantial lead, taking seven of the season’s eight races thus far. Trevor Crookes, Kennaugh’s Cell C Suzuki team mate on his GSXR 1000, scored the other victory and the team should be in high spirits ahead of Saturday’s clash.
However, with riders like Greg Dreyer and defending champion Russell Wood on their Autopage Cellular Yamaha R1s, Kennaugh’s winning streak is sure to be unhinged soon.
The 17-year old Sheridan Morias, currently fourth on the championship standings, would be hoping to gain top honours in rounds nine and ten this weekend. There is no doubt that with the Honda Fireblades erratic handling being remedied, riders Arushen Naidoo and Shaun Whyte, should be able to fully support Morias in the team’s attempt to finish strongly.
With privateers Robert Cragg and Stewart MacLeod only joining the competition in the fifth race of the season, their chances at podium spots on their Kawasaki ZX10 Ninjas could well become reality.
Other privateers with podium potential should be Kreepy Krauly Bioguard
Yamaha R1 riders Gavin Ramsay and Greame van Breda, while the mid-pack war should feature Robert Portman (Mecer Ducati 999S), Alex Lenearts (Big Boy Scooters Yamaha R1), plus Bike SA/USN riders Donovan Fourie and Charles Grassie.
Arlen Ness Aprilia RSV-R riders Garth Norris and Clinton Pienaar should be hoping for a change in fortune after a disastrous first half to the season.
In the 600 cm3 Supersport category, Daryn Upton (Kreepy Krauly Bioguard Yamaha R6) leads with Robbie Breakspear (Suzuki GSXR), Gareth Agnew (Honda 600F4) and Tertius de Lange on his Tony’s Logistics Yamaha R6 being his closest competitors.