30 Jun 2017 Urge to race finally gets released, ZIC Superbike 600cc races in the morning - ZIC Superbike 600cc Race 3

The weather seems to be particularly harsh on superbike riders. In the spring race in March the second race was cancelled due to rain. Yesterday (17 June), the first day of the summer race, the rain returned for more trouble. Facing a track that offers no grip, riders and race officials have no choice but to cancel. A chance appears now as the rain stops and a little sunshine is here. A small window has opened for the riders. All the race officials, television crews, team members, riders arrive early at the track to start the race.

This year ZIC Superbike has been promoted to FIM zone international race. Riders from Spain, Italy and Japan are all attracted to come and race here. The entry list has the early shape of a true international race. It has further reinforced the race’s status in China. Internationalizing is a major development direction for this race. Pan Delta has the potential to be an international standard regional race. Veteran rider and commentator Mr. Li Peng-Yu said, “Foreign riders joining the race undoubtedly opens up the local riders eyes. It is very helpful in enhancing their standards.”

Polesitter is #99 Ao Ieong Fu, #82 Japanese rider Ayumu Tanaka and #15 Hu Zhao-Neng are alongside him on row 1. Ao Ieong Fu already took 25 points in the Spring race in the 600cc CL1 class. Yamaha R6 rider Japanese rider Ayumu Tanaka finished third in March and is ranked third with 16 points in 600cc CL1 class. Third on the grid is Hu Zhao-Neng and he leads the CL2 class tables with 25 points.

At 8:30 am, the red lights are off and the race begins! #99 Ao Ieong Fu makes a good start but in the first lap battle, #82 Ayumu Tanaka overtakes him for the lead. He then makes a 1:48.194 fastest lap to open up a gap. He subsequently extends his lead and by lap 4 his lead over the second placed rider has grown to 7 seconds. Korean rider Lim Hogon, who started fourth, has passed CL2 class leader #15 Hu Zhao-Neng for third place. Now the leading trio are all CL1 riders. But CL2 #15 Hu Zhao-Neng then picks up his pace and begins to challenge Lim Hogon for third. With two laps to go, Hu Zhao-Neng finally finds a way past and takes back his third place on the track. Also on the penultimate lap, #19 Wong Yong-Jia loses control and slides off at T14. The marshals show the yellow flag.

Soon the race enters the last lap. The leading order is still the same. #82 Ayumu Tanaka still leads and he wins by more than 8 seconds. #99 Ao Ieong Fu ran a steady race and finishes second. With his win in Spring, he maintains his lead in the title chase. #15 Hu Zhao-Neng is third overall and takes another CL2 class win.. #84 Korean rider Lim Hogon is fourth overall and takes 16 points.

After the race Ayumu Tanaka said he has run an aggressive race this time and is very satisfied with victory. Pole starter Ao Ieong Fu said he is not an experienced wet track racers and to keep second place has not been easy.

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.