17 Jun 2013 Pan Delta ZIC Superbike Race 1: Last minute scare

At 14:00 on 15 June, 2013 Pan Delta Super Racing Festival (Summer Race) officially begins with its first race: ZIC Superbike. As the leading motorcycle race series in China, the race has been a part of Pan Delta since its inception and it is wildly popular among the fans.

After a downpour in the morning, the weather dries up as the race draws near. Although the 37 motorcycles of this race still have to face a wet track. Pole position goes to Huang Shi-Zhao who did a 1:47.505 in wet qualifying. His arch rival Dan Kruger is about one second behind in second place. Huang's teammate Li Zheng-Peng is third with 1:49.915.

The red lights go off and the race begins. Huang Shi-Zhao makes a good start and quickly moves into the lead. At turn 4, no. 12 Hao Xiao-Qiang loses control and falls off, fortunately his speed is low and he is unhurt.

Dan Kruger accelerates at turn 4 and moves past Li Zheng-Peng. At the end of lap 1, Huang Shi-Zhao leads by 2 second from Dan Kruger while Li Zheng-Peng is a further 6 seconds behind. It appears that Li Zheng-Peng is not as accustomed to racing on a wet track as the leading duo.

On lap 4, an accident happens as no. 16 He Ji-Meng runs out of track and ends up in the gravel. If this had happened in the streets, He would have hit a wall. But at a proper race track he simply runs out into the sand trap and retires from the race safely.

On lap 7, Huang's lead is extended to 3 seconds from Dan. At turn 9, no. 77 makes a mistake and runs on the grass. He is able to rejoin the race.

Huang Shi-Zhao continues his unrelenting progress at the front, passing backmarkers as he goes. Today is his wet weather riding practise. Dan Kruger still runs second while Li Zheng-Peng is 44 seconds behind.

On lap 8, no. 37 suddenly falls off on the main straight not far from turn 14. The bike lies on middle of the track while the rider crawls away into safety. With bikes coming forward at racing speeds, the situation is very dangerous. The race officials wisely decides to stop the race with the red flag and the bikes slow down. In the end, the race counts to 8 laps and Huang Shi-Zhao is the winner, Dan Kruger second and Li Zheng-Peng is third.