Milwaukee Yamaha’s James Ellison celebrated a race win on his return to the MCE British Superbike Championship at the Brands Hatch season opener, bouncing back from a disappointing opening race whilst Josh Waters scored a top ten finish.

In the first race Ellison suffered a dramatic start as he had a problem with his visor and was forced to start the warm up lap from pitlane. He lined up in his original grid position, but was given a ride through penalty for not starting at the back of the grid. However in race two Ellison made amends and stormed to the front of the pack and despite coming under pressure from race one winner Shane Byrne claimed the victory. Australian Waters had his first taste of MCE BSB racing today, claiming a tenth place in the first race, but had a tough second outing and had to settle for fourteenth place.


Ellison said:

“It was great to bounce back in the second one from the schoolboy error in the first race as it was really disappointing. It is bittersweet as we didn’t show what we were capable of in the first one as I could do the times consistently but knew we had to get a good start and step up. I was a bit surprised at the pace we were all able to run and I knew Shakey was behind me. I could hear him behind me and I am a bit surprised I got away with it in the end, but I definitely heard the close call going into Surteees! I had a bit of a moment at Graham Hill Bend and I thought that was going to be enough for Shakey to try and make a move but we were lucky and held onto it. I really enjoyed being out the front with the other guys and full credit to the Milwaukee Yamaha team as we have had an impressive start to the season.”

Waters said:

“It has been a bit of a tough one for me but I also think that I have learnt a lot this weekend and it is good for me to get these races under my belt. I didn’t qualify well and that made it really difficult for race one. I was able to move up the order and then I was happier in race two as I was in the battle for ninth place and try and push a bit harder. I need to congratulate the rest of the team and also James for the win in the second race as that shows what everyone in our garage is capable of and we want to come back stronger at Thruxton.”

Milwaukee Yamaha team owner Shaun Muir concluded:

“After the disappointment of the first race for James to comeback with such a hot and consistent pace was something that was truly impressive so all credit to him. He got his just rewards in that second one. Josh meanwhile had his first taste of how tough this Championship is and we know he can progress throughout the season. I need to complement them both on their attitudes this weekend and for our first round as Milwaukee Yamaha we have rewarded all of our partners with hopefully the first of many wins this year.”

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