Eugene McManus took another big step in his Motostar education yesterday at Brands Hatch in Race 1.
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After dominating the early morning warm up and setting the quickest times in 2 of the 3 sectors he lined up 4th on the grid full of confidence. Within a couple of laps Eugene was running with the front two of Taz Taylor and Elliot Lodge and pushing for a podium. McManus and Lodge battled behind Taylor right up to lap 9 when disaster struck for the leader. Coming out of Clearways, Taylor lost the rear and collected the unlucky Elliott Lodge, with both out of the race this left Eugene to lead for the first time ever in a competitive BSB race. Coming into Druids on lap 10 McManus slid off to leave City Lifting duo Tom Booth Amos and Jake Archer a clear path to contest the win. A disappointing end to race 1 but an upbeat Eugene Jnr added;
" I had never led a race before, coming into druids I got a bit excited and lost the front, it was a simple mistake that cost me my chance of a win, I know how it feels now to lead and will make sure I keep everything under control next time.. I cannot wait for race 2 tomorrow, I'm on the front row and looking forward It"
McManus lines up alongside the other RS Racing KTM's of Tom Booth Amos and Jake Archer with
all 3 confident they can get away and battle for the podium places. Eugene now sits 4th in the Championship, a good points haul today will keep him at the sharp end where he so rightly belongs.
Race 2 starts at 14.55pm and is live on Eurosport.
