John joins the elite!
Thursday, 18 September 2008
A jubilant John Laverty pictured after clinching the Daily Star Cup last week at the perilous Croft circuit. GA383603S
ONE of the Borough's most successful sporting sons has notched up an extraordinary victory in the British Superbikes.
Toome racer John Laverty, on the Buildbase NW200 Ducati, has won the British Superbike Daily Star Cup Championship at Croft circuit - and the victory was sweetened by the fact that two rounds of the series are still remaining!
Laverty on the 1098-R Ducati gained two solid second places in the Cup and sealed the Championship for the NW200 Ducati Team.
Team mate Michael Rutter gained two sixth places in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship after suffering all weekend with a virus.
Rutter who was struck down with migraine symptoms on Friday and continued to suffer throughout the weekend, still qualified in second place on the grid and despite still not feeling well, he got two good results in the two 20-lap races.
Despite his heroics, however, last weekend really belonged to the up-and-coming race ace from Toomebridge.
Laverty knew that if he managed to finish both races in front of his nearest rival in the Championship, Martin Jessopp, then he would be able to clinch the title.
Two very solid second places behind Gary Mason, saw Laverty take an impressive 127-point lead in the series and the Daily Star Cup title for the Buildbase NW200 Ducati Team.
A delighted Laverty - brother of Eugene and Michael - modestly said his success was the result of a 'real team effort'.
“I knew that I just had to ride two consistently safe races and bring the bike home in a good position," he said.
“I got two seconds and have taken the Championship for the Buildbase team which I'm over the moon about.
“I would like to thank, Brad, Neil, Dave and the rest of the Buildbase NW200 Team for all their help and support over the season and glad I've been able to reward them with the Championship.
“I can relax a little now going into Silverstone and Brands but hopefully I'll be able to finish the season on top of the box.
“Thanks again to everyone plus also thanks must go to the CJ Physios for all the help they have given me with my damaged knee, which has been giving me problems since I crashed at Knockhill."
