30 Jun 2017 World class competition (ZIC Superbike 1000cc class Race 3)

Under the circumstances where China’s big capacity motorbike market is developing very well, international motorbike brands are looking favourably at the China market. Yamaha, Ducati, BMW, Kawasaki have all increased their commitment to the ZIC Superbike race, bringing with them international standard riders to race against Chinese riders. The riders will be able to exchange notes and learn more about riding from each other. This will not only enhance the level of competition but will also help ZIC Superbike race to develop in a good way.

The front two rows are occupied by foreign riders, the two top Chinese riders Huang Shi-Zhao and Li Zheng-Peng are in seventh and eighth positions on the grid, at the front of Open B class. In the best competition platform of Chinese superbike racing, Chinese and foreign riders race against each other and take the competition to another level.

At 9:50 on 18 June, the ZIC Superbike 1000cc class riders, who have been suppressing their urges to race, are finally let loose on the track. Their prayers for the rain to stop has been answered. There is even a little sunshine coming through. The track is half dry and half wet, some riders choose to take the risk and use dry tyres.

After the warm up lap, the race starts. #8 Ducati rider Alessandro Valia has been unable to change tyres in time and has to start from the pit lane. Therefore there is a gap in the middle of the front row.

There is a nice surprise on the first lap, #9 Huang Shi-Zhao riding his Yamaha R1 overtakes two riders, including Australian Alexander Cudlin, to get up to fifth place. #26 Li Zheng-Peng is also up to sixt, ahead of Cudlin. The duo are performing well in their Open B class. Pole position rider Broc Parkes, on is BMW S1000, is enjoying a massive lead, on lap 3 he is already 10 seconds ahead of his compatriot #520 Daniel Falzon. The battle for second place is fought among four riders, all within one second of each other. #9 Huang Shi-Zhao begins to pressure Open A rider #520 Daniel Falzon, finally with 2 laps remaining, he finds an opportunity and passes him. In front of him now is #71 Kawasaki rider Shinjo Masahiro. But Li Zheng-Peng slides down the order and is in 8th place. On the last lap, #23 BMW S1000 rider Broc Parkes wins by a massive 23 seconds. From second to fifth the gap is not big, #80 Alexander Cudlin finishes second, #71 Shinjo Masahiro is third, #9 Huang Shi-Zhao takes fourth overall with #520 Daniel Falzon taking fifth place.

Australian rider, race winner Broc Parkes said he really enjoyed racing here. Yesterday’s downpour and oil made racing on the track very dangerous. It was a very wise decision by the race organizers to postpone the race to today. The conditions today allow him to use dry tyres. Huang Shi-Zhao said he also chose dry tyres for the race. Although the half wet half dry condition is hard to adapt to, racing against so many international riders and taking second in class is very satisfactory. Though speed wise there is room for improvement.

After this race, Open A Class Annapurna Racing #23 Broc Parkes moves up to the top of the points standing. In Open B class, Angel Poyatos finishes third in class and takes home 16 points. Huang Shi-Zhao takes another 20 points from this race.

Unfortunately, afterwards Zhuhai weather office hoists the yellow rain storm warning. A huge downpour meant race 4 had to be cancelled yet again. For the Pan Delta Superbike fans, the regret of March happened again. We can only hope for better weather in September.