WILSON MISSES TITLE BY ONE POINT
10th October 2011
WILSON MISSES TITLE BY ONE POINT
Despite taking a win, second and fourth place in the final three races of the Fuchs Silkolene British Supersport championship at Brands Hatch; it was not enough to secure the title for Gearlink Kawasaki rider Ben Wilson who lost out by just one championship point to rival Alastair Seeley. But although Seeley may have won the trophy Wilson has been heralded by the fans as the people’s champion and provided them all with a fantastic display of racing throughout the season.
Going into the final round Wilson (29) from Kirton near Boston trailed Seeley by 14 points and knew he had to win all three races in order to lift the trophy and although a tough challenge Wilson was determined to give it a go and see what unveiled.
The first race was the postponed event from Oulton Park where Ben had qualified on pole. As they got underway on Saturday afternoon it was Wilson who got the hole shot into Paddock Hill but Seeley was in close company and took the lead at Druids on lap two.
Seeley pulled away to establish a small gap at the front but Ben was handed a lifeline when Seeley misjudge a corner and crashed on lap four of 10. That left Ben some six seconds clear in the lead and he went on to take a comfortable victory and 25 championship points.
The championship lead was back in the hands of the Lincolnshire rider who had an 11 point advantage to take into the final two races. But the track was damp on Sunday for the start of race two and Ben made a cautious start in the slippery conditions and was swallowed up in the pack as they rounded the first corner.
He soon recovered and made his way through from eighth to fourth where he stayed to the chequered flag.
Going into the final race Ben held a slender four point advantage over Seeley which meant he had to win the race to be sure of winning the championship. He set off from the head of the second row and was up to second at turn one before taking the lead at Druids a few seconds later. He held the lead until lap four of 12 when he was overtaken by Seeley who went on to take both the race win and the title with Wilson denied the title by just one championship point.
“To say I am disappointed is an understatement,” said Wilson. “I am devastated as I had my heart set on winning the title this year. I managed to get the lead in the last race but made a couple of mistakes and that allowed Seeley to get ahead. Once he got the gap on me it was all over. To be fair the gap didn’t increase but fair play to him, he rode a good race and in the end took the title from under my nose.
“I want to say a big thank you to everyone at Gearlink Kawasaki, all my sponsors, supporters and also my family who have been behind me all season. I am just sorry we couldn’t have brought the title back for them.”
After the last race so many people came to commiserate with Wilson, team managers, riders from his own and also the British Superbike class plus Dr Jonathan Palmer of MSV who runs the series. He spoke to him at length and praised Ben for his professionalism telling him that people all over the world have been excited and impressed by his racing throughout the year. Everyone agrees that Ben is the people’s champion and whatever he decides to do next season he has amassed a huge amount of support which will continue through to the next stage of his racing career.
Despite taking a win, second and fourth place in the final three races of the Fuchs Silkolene British Supersport championship at Brands Hatch; it was not enough to secure the title for Gearlink Kawasaki rider Ben Wilson who lost out by just one championship point to rival Alastair Seeley. But although Seeley may have won the trophy Wilson has been heralded by the fans as the people’s champion and provided them all with a fantastic display of racing throughout the season.
Going into the final round Wilson (29) from Kirton near Boston trailed Seeley by 14 points and knew he had to win all three races in order to lift the trophy and although a tough challenge Wilson was determined to give it a go and see what unveiled.
The first race was the postponed event from Oulton Park where Ben had qualified on pole. As they got underway on Saturday afternoon it was Wilson who got the hole shot into Paddock Hill but Seeley was in close company and took the lead at Druids on lap two.
Seeley pulled away to establish a small gap at the front but Ben was handed a lifeline when Seeley misjudge a corner and crashed on lap four of 10. That left Ben some six seconds clear in the lead and he went on to take a comfortable victory and 25 championship points.
The championship lead was back in the hands of the Lincolnshire rider who had an 11 point advantage to take into the final two races. But the track was damp on Sunday for the start of race two and Ben made a cautious start in the slippery conditions and was swallowed up in the pack as they rounded the first corner.
He soon recovered and made his way through from eighth to fourth where he stayed to the chequered flag.
Going into the final race Ben held a slender four point advantage over Seeley which meant he had to win the race to be sure of winning the championship. He set off from the head of the second row and was up to second at turn one before taking the lead at Druids a few seconds later. He held the lead until lap four of 12 when he was overtaken by Seeley who went on to take both the race win and the title with Wilson denied the title by just one championship point.
“To say I am disappointed is an understatement,” said Wilson. “I am devastated as I had my heart set on winning the title this year. I managed to get the lead in the last race but made a couple of mistakes and that allowed Seeley to get ahead. Once he got the gap on me it was all over. To be fair the gap didn’t increase but fair play to him, he rode a good race and in the end took the title from under my nose.
“I want to say a big thank you to everyone at Gearlink Kawasaki, all my sponsors, supporters and also my family who have been behind me all season. I am just sorry we couldn’t have brought the title back for them.”
After the last race so many people came to commiserate with Wilson, team managers, riders from his own and also the British Superbike class plus Dr Jonathan Palmer of MSV who runs the series. He spoke to him at length and praised Ben for his professionalism telling him that people all over the world have been excited and impressed by his racing throughout the year. Everyone agrees that Ben is the people’s champion and whatever he decides to do next season he has amassed a huge amount of support which will continue through to the next stage of his racing career.
Comments
By Bernard Davies: Commiserations, but brilliant, entertaing performances all year. Moto2 for 2012?
Best of luck, whatever you do
Bernard Davies
Peterborough By chris evans: cant wait to watch you next year whatever you do, keep doing what your doing, your a breath of fresh air, chin up man, the title is yours in my eyes. By Pete: Best championship I think I have ever seen, no need for any of this shootout nonsense and yet it all came down to just one single point. Cheers for providing some of the best racing I have ever seen. You were fast, aggressive & exciting while always staying totally professional. Loads of massive positives to take away from this season, I'm sure doors will open for you now mate. By dave taylor: that was the best championship i have ever seen.ben is the most entertaining rider i have seen all the best ben