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By Colin MacKellar

Colin Edwards (Castrol Honda) closed the season as he started it, with a win and fastest lap in the process. The Brit attack was far less visible in the second race, with Neil Hodgson retiring with engine problems mid-race and none of the others able to challenge for the win. Instead it was popular hero, Pierfrancesco Chili (Alstare Corona Suzuki), who pushed Edwards to the flag, not quite able to get close enough to pass the flying Texan Tornado. Troy Corser (Axo Aprilia) had a comfortable race in 4th. place, inheriting third when Hodgson retired. Troy Bayliss (Infostrada Ducati) and James Haydon (Red Bull Ducati) both crashed, but were fortunately unhurt.

Colin Edwards flew off the grid as the lights turned green The track was dry and everyone was on slick tires. Neil Hodgson and Troy Corser were able to set the same pace on the opening laps and the two fought for second place behind Edwards. they were slowly caught by Chili, Bayliss and Reynolds (Red Bull Ducati, forming a group of six riders by lap 5. For 4 laps Hodgson and Edwards swapped places at the head of the field, passing each other at Druids and Paddock bend, with Hodgson always managing to lead over the line. On lap 9 Bayliss low-sided at Druids, after getting out of shape a couple of times at other places on the track. Hodgson seemed to be able to pull and hold a slight lead on Edwards, that grew to a second by lap 11, with Chili and Corser a further second behind Edwards. However, the INS Ducati was not running well and Edwards was past on lap 16, with Chili following 2 laps later. Hodgson seemed uncertain if he should continue or retire, sticking his leg out suggesting he would retire, but continuing to ride hard. Finally on lap 19, Hodgson pulled off the track, leaving Chili with a 2 second gap on Edwards. He rose to the challenge and closed right up on the Honda rider, but on the penultimate lap, Edwards upped the pace and Chili's tires were not up to closing the gap again. Corser came home in third place comfortably ahead of John Reynolds.

Chris Walker (National Clarion Suzuki), Gregorio Lavilla (Fuchs Kawasaki) and James Haydon, had a race-long fight for 5th. spot, until Haydon crashed on the penultimate lap. Akira Yanagawa (Fuchs Kawasaki) true to tradition, speeded up as the race developed and closed to within half a second of Walker at the flag.

Aaron Slight ended his career at Honda with a spectacular burn-out at the finish line, followed up with a complete strip, throwing helmet, gloves, boots and leathers to the ecstatic crowd. Frankie Chili lost most of his clothes at the finish as well!!

Some quotes:

Gregorio Lavilla (Fuchs Kawasaki) 5th.
I said to Harald that this was the best Kawasaki I ever rode!! The balance was great and we could fix the suspension problem. The grip level was also good and I enjoyed all the fights so much. Unfortunately the leading group was gone and without the slipstream I had no chance to catch up with them. It was a great race to end the season with.

Akira Yanagawa (Fuchs Kawasaki) 7th..
I think the clutch went straight after the start and I had no engine brake at all. I tried all the time to fix and adjust. Towqards the end I found a balance that worked somehow, but it was too late. I think I have shown 2 strong races, but had a bit of bad luck.

Colin Edwards (Castrol Honda) 1st.
I'd made my mind up it was the only way to go into the winter, with a win. I was so happy at the end of the race, days like this don't come along too often and it's been fantastic. The race went pretty smoothly. I was comfortable at the front and was ready for a fight in the last laps. As it turned out, Hodgson retired and I managed to get just enough of an advantage over Chili with about three laps to go.

Aaron Slight (Castrol Honda) 8th.
It was a pretty average race to be honest. I made a bad start and then struggled to get into the groove but I'll take the finish and I had to have a bit of fun at the end with the burn-out, just for the crowd. It's always a great atmosphere here and they've had some pretty rough weather to contend with this weekend.

Troy Corser (AXO Aprilia) 3rd.
I was sure of third placein the championship table, so when Frankie came up behind me I let him past. I knew he was battling for fourth place in the championship. The bike was great, just like it has been all season. I had no idea that we would finish in the top three of the championship and take 5 wins, when we started the year. It's because of the team, who believe in me and are brave enough to do something unconventional if I ask them to. We work well as a group and that's what it takes.