Comfortable win for Hodgson

Neil Hodgson pulled away from the field again at Phillip Island to win his third race in this year’s World Superbike championship. The British rider was wearing a black armband and later dedicated the win to the memory of Barry Sheene.

Hodgson was only threatened by Frankie Chili but the Italian rider threw a con-rod on lap 4 and pulled off amid clouds of smoke. By the end of the race Hodgson had had extended a considerable lead eventually finishing eight seconds ahead of Second place Ruben Xaus.

He said: ” I wanted to win the race as a tribute to Barry Sheene so I was well motivated. I wanted to attack right from the green lights. ”

Xaus had a bad start but managed to catch up with the dueling Gregorio Lavilla and Chris Walker and pass the two while they were distracted with each other. But Lavilla latched on to the back of Xaus and the two fought a fierce battle for second place.

Xaus said: ” I ran a good race. I had a really bad start but kept it calm and enjoyed riding the bike. It was great to have the battle with Gregorio between two Spanish riders. I lost my mind yesterday and couldn’t concentrate but today was good, so I just have to learn to stay calm and keep with the bike.

Walker slowed considerably at the end of the race eventually finishing seventh behind Steve Martin, Troy Corser, and Regis Laconi, 21 seconds down on Hodgson.

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