Mixed Fortunes for Macadam Racing at Cadwell Park

This Bank Holiday weekend was the annual Party in the Park, with round seven of the British Supersport Championship taking place at Cadwell Park in Lincolnshire.

The Macadam Racing Team got their weekend off to a strong start with both riders in the mix and securing places in Q2. Luke Stapleford finished combined practice fourth fastest aboard his Triumph Street Triple 765, while teammate Max Wadsworth was 13th.

In Sunday’s qualifying session Stapleford was denied pole position by just 0.004s and secured second place - his best qualifying position since Knockhill. Wadsworth also enjoyed his best qualifying position of the season so far in seventh place.

With the stage set the opening 12-lap Sprint race got underway in glorious conditions at the 2.18-mile circuit, and getting the holeshot was Stapleford who then led the way until the chequered flag to claim his third win of the season. Meanwhile Wadsworth, who has not long returned from arm pump surgery, had a strong race crossing the line seventh.

Today’s conditions were again near-perfect and Stapleford lined up once again on the front row in second place. Again getting the holeshot, another race win was looking promising for the Macadam Racing Team, but a red flag on the fourth lap saw the race restarted, with a shorter 12-lap distance.

As the restart got underway, it was Stapleford again at the front, but unfortunately he ran wide with a suspected technical issue, which the team will investigate further upon returning to the workshop. Having lost four seconds, Stapleford was back in 10th position and it was damage limitation for the remainder of the race to cross the line eighth.

After the restart Wadsworth worked his way up through the pack, and finished as the top Triumph in sixth place, which is his best finish so far this season.

The championship standings see Stapleford remain fourth, where he’s four points behind Jack Kennedy in third, and just 49 points separates the top four championship contenders. The next round takes place at Donington Park on 5-6-7 September.

Luke Stapleford - Macadam Racing Team:

“It’s been a tough weekend, the potential for another win was there today, but it just doesn’t seem to be going our way at the moment. We started off really positive and the win yesterday lifted us all, and after a few difficult rounds we all really needed the lift. It is sometimes how it goes in racing, but it never makes it any easier! All we can do is take the positives from the weekend, we had the pace and the ability to lead and win - we just need some luck on our side!”

Max Wadsworth - Macadam Racing Team:

“It’s been a really positive weekend for me and it’s nice to finally pay the team back for their efforts. It’s not been the easiest coming back from my surgery, but I feel we’ve turned a corner this weekend. It was nice to be up at the sharp end, and to get my best result so far this season. I’m looking forward to Donington Park in just a few weeks’ time, see how we get on and if we can make a few more steps forward.”

RESULTS - BRITISH SUPERSPORT ROUND 7, CADWELL PARK

Race 1:

1. Luke Stapleford (Macadam Triumph Factory Racing)

2. Rhys Irwin (Gearlink Bike Performance 15)

3. Joe Talbot (Binch Pro Ducati)

7. Max Wadsworth (Macadam Triumph Factory Racing)

9. Lee Johnston (SENCAT By Swan Racing Triumph)

Race 2:

1. Joe Talbot (Binch Pro Ducati)

2. Jack Kennedy (Honda Racing UK)

3. Ben Currie (Moto Rapido Ducati)

6. Max Wadsworth (Macadam Triumph Factory Racing)

8. Luke Stapleford (Macadam Triumph Factory Racing)

DNF. Lee Johnston (SENCAT By Swan Racing Triumph)

CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS

1. Ben Currie (253 points)

2. Rhys Irwin (244 points)

3. Jack Kennedy (208 points)

4. Luke Stapleford (204 points)

8. Lee Johnston (103 points)