07 May 2011 CSBK officially on track, one veteran and one youngster lead the way - 2011 CSBK 1st qualifying

On 7th May, the 2011 China Superbike Championship (CSBK) season is officially underway at Audi Zhuhai International Circuit. This is the championship's fifth season. After Audi ZIC's development over the past 4 years, today's CSBK is closer to the market, the end user and more professional. Wuyang-Honda, Loncin and SYM from Chinese Taipei have all joined in, making CSBK the best competition platform for Chinese motorbikes. The race results is going to directly affect market performance.

In the new season, the biggest difference for CSBK has been the change of focus from SS600cc to 150cc. Nationally produced bikes that are familiar to the Chinese public like Wuyang-Honda, Loncin GP150, SYM T1 and XGJ F5 will be battling each other on the circuit. All the manufacturers are keen to avoid defeat on the track as it will likely affect sales. SYM Jiguang Racing, established by Chinese Taipei's SYM, recruited the 2009 and 2010 150cc Open champions Zhou Hang-Kai and Qiu Ming-Xian for its new team, giving it the best guarantee for good results. Loncin Dexi Racing have also made adjustment to its team lineup, bringing in Chinese Taipei's Cai Zheng-You and best rookie Chen Peng-Yuan. As for the Wuyang-Honda sponsored Young Cubs Racing, although entered the competition late in the date, they have set a target for this round, that is to collect data and build a strong working relationship with its riders. They will only look for podium finishes in Ordos in July. 

Chen Peng-Yuan and GP150 needs no run-in

At 1:15 in the afternoon, the 2011 CSBK Zhuhai Round's qualifying session begins. First to appear is the 150cc Open class. Loncin Dexi Racing's young rider Chen Peng-Yuan performs well and sets a 2:22.415 to top the time sheets. SYM Jiguang Racing's trio Qiu Ming-Xian, Zhou Hang-Kai and Qiu Shi-Yi are 2nd to 4th. Wuyang-Honda's riders struggle with their bikes' setup and cannot manage good times, completing laps that are 10 seconds or more behind the leaders. In the middle of the session, Chen Peng-Yuan and his Loncin GP150's grow become more as one and set a 2:21.488. Next up, 2009 champion Zhou Hang-Kai is 1.3 seconds behind.

In the last 5 minutes, all the riders in the pits re-emerge for one last run. But Chen Peng-Yuan's time proves to be unbeatable, SYM Jiguang's champions squad also fail to overcome it. In the end, Loncin Dexi Racing's Chen Peng-Yuan takes pole position in the 1st qualifying session with a 2:21.488 lap. Zhou Hang-Kai finishes second with a 2:22.815. Qiu Shi-Yi and Qiu Ming-Xian finishes in third and fourth places. Chen Peng-Yuan's teammate Cai Zheng-You takes fifth place. Best of Young Cubs Racing is Chen Yuan-Hang with a time of 2:26.211.

Huang Shi-Zhao leads the way

In the SS600cc class, it is a straight fight between Yes! Yamaha Tianjian Racing and Tianyu DTU Racing. Before the race, it is revealed that Huang Shi-Zhao has been kicked out of his own home to live in the team's accommodation. Of course, it is for his own good as his family does not want his new born baby to affect his rest at night. With such support, he is able to focus fully and perform to his best ability.

As the session begins, Huang Shi-Zhao is clearly in good form, taking the top position very quickly with 1:41.775. Huang Zhi-Yu, fighting to be on the podium this weekend, sets a 1:42.927 to take second place, pushing Xiao Jin down to third. In the middle of the session, Huang Shi-Zhao and Huang Zhi-Yu improve their lap times to 1:41.060 and 1:42.302 respectively. Xiao Jin, who aims to win his first 600cc title this year,  responds with a 1:42.117 to squeeze Huang Zhi-Yu down to third place.

In the final stages of the session, all the riders try very hard to improve. In the end, Huang Shi-Zhao finishes on top with a 1:40.854. Teammate Xiao Jin takes second place with a 1:41.636. Huang Zhi-Yu takes third with a 1:42.177.