European Superstock Race, Monza, Italy
Italian Superstock rider Walter (‘Torto’)Tortoroglio took his GSX-R1000 to a popular victory in Monza this morning. He had to fight the reigning European Superstock champion, James Ellison, all the way in a thrilling race. The pair took off in the early laps, leaving Marty Nutt, who had been in second place in the opening laps, 15 seconds behind on his GSX-R. Ellison and Torto swapped places throughout the race, with Torto making all his passes on the brakes at the end of Monza’s long home straight. In the closing laps Torto got past Ellison and managed to eke out a half second advantage. The Italian rider’s victory means he’s now equal first in the championship with Ellison, who won the opening round in Spain.
Both riders were obviously pushing their Suzukis to the limit but Torto had an advantage on the brakes as Ellison experienced severe chattering when hard on the anchors for the corners. Any handling problems under braking make life particularly difficult through the three stop – start Monza chicanes.The pair will get a chance to fight over that championship lead in two weeks time, this time at Ellison’s home circuit – the next round is at Donington Park in England.
European Superstock, Monza, Italy.Final qualifying timesPosition Rider Country Manufacturer Race Time1 Walter Tortoroglio ITA Suzuki 20’57.3732 James Ellison GB Suzuki 21’00.7973 Marty Nutt GB Suzuki 21’15.8614 Benny Jerzenbeck GER Suzuki 21’17.7495 Dario Tosolini ITA Ducati 21’17.842Championship Standings after 2 of 9 roundsPosition Rider Country Manufacturer Points1 Walter Tortoroglio ITA Suzuki 452 James Ellison GB Suzuki 453 Lorenzo Alfonsi ITA Ducati 264 Marty Nutt GB Suzuki 225 Benny Jerzenbeck GER Suzuki 22
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