Round 2 of The Hel Performance Motostar British Championship became a weekend to remember for Eugene Mcmanus and Team E15 Racing.
Eugene McManus took another big step in his Motostar education during 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"
Race 2
McManus lined up alongside the other RS Racing KTM's of Tom Booth Amos and Jake Archer with
all 3 confident they could get away and battle for the podium places. Race 2 became a tale of two battles with Booth Amos and Archer eventually fighting it out for the top two positions, McManus and fellow irishman Richard Kerr slugged it out for the remaining podium place.
It was Kerr who had led the early stages followed by Booth Amos and McManus, Jake Archer was in fourth but losing ground on the front three. Archer began to reduce the deficit with some consistently fast lap times and with six remaining he had caught the front runners and taken the lead. The City Lifting duo broke away and opened up a 4 second gap leaving McManus to hold onto third for the final few laps despite pressure from Kerr, On the penultimate lap Booth Amos regained the lead and took the chequered flag 0.691 seconds ahead of Archer.
Eugene was obviously delighted with another podium finish that keeps him third in the championship behind Tom Booth Amos and Jake Archer, both riding for City Lifting.Round three is at Oulton Park in a weeks time. ( 29th April - 1st May )
Eugene dedicated his trophy to his Granda Danny who is recuperating in hospital after a recent bout of ill health.
E15 Racing's media officer led the tributes to Eugene after the exciting finish to round 2:
"As a photographer and media officer, I get the opportunity to be part of and enjoy one of the most exciting sports in the world. This weekend at Brands Hatch I witnessed a display of natural talent and bravery from a young man I am only just getting to know, from a family with a true racing pedigree.
Today during the Motostar race, I put down my camera kit and cheered on from trackside as the "Wee Bull" fought for a podium with Richard Kerr. This lad shows no fear yet has his feet firmly planted on the ground. He listen's and learn's quickly. Eugene McManus Jnr, without doubt, is a star in the making. this is just my opinion but i'm pretty sure by the end of 2017 many more will agree with me."
John Willumsen ( Johny ) - Burnout Media Uk