07 Oct 2014 Pan Delta Autumn Race ZIC Superbike Race 1: Accidents results in two red flags

On 20 Sep 2014, Saturday morning, ZIC Superbikes are already on track ready to use its loud roar to give a wake up call to the still sleepy fans and remind them this is a true motorsport event.

After the Red Bull Drift Battle and Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia races, ZIC Superbike's first race of the weekend begins at 2:00pm.  Benjamin Burke, riding a Kawasaki ZX10R, is on pole position, ahead of Huang Shi-Zhao (Yamaha R1) and Dan Kruger (Kawasaki ZX10R), the other two front row riders.

The grid is bustling as ever just before the race. The gorgeous looking superbikes, cool riders, beautiful race queens and professional crews all help to make the race look very exciting. As the sole top level superbike race series in China, Pan Delta's superbike has attracted manufacturers or dealers of Yamaha, Kawasaki and Ducati to field their own teams. With their support the technical aspects of the race has reached a very high standard.

With the bright midday sun, the track temperature has reached about 50 degrees C. This will enable the tyres to reach their working temperature very quickly. But this may cause them to wear out quickly also. Riders will have to be very careful in making the right balance between wear and endurance.

37 superbikes take off as the signals go off. Benjamin Burke makes a good start and lead into turn 1. Huang Shi-Zhao tries to take the lead but to no avail. Everyone is very careful at this stage. Huang Shi-Zhao continues to shadow Benjamin Burke as they go around the lap. Dan Kruger is also close behind. On lap two, the trio are still running together. No. 77 Yu Chun-Ho has an accident, his bike is left across the track while the rider himself is thrown off onto the grass. As the situation is very dangerous, the race officials immediately decide to stop the race with the red flag.

All the riders return to the grid and await a restart. The stoppage allow the mechanics to make some minor adjustments. At the restart, Dan Kruger makes a fine get away and is ahead of Huang Shi-Zhao. Half a lap on, the two green Kawasakis run 1-2 with the blue Yamaha of Huang Shi-Zhao on the chase. The trio begin to run away with the race. Soon the leading group encounters backmarkers but their order remains the same.

On lap 3, the leading trio are still running nose to tail. Dan Kruger is also very familiar with ZIC and has been a long standing rival of Huang Shi-Zhao. Both know each other well and Huang Shi-Zhao will not find it easy to pass.

Lap 5, Benjamin Burke sets the fastest lap of the race so far with 1:37.844. His ability to do this quick lap suggests that he is already unconcerned with the pressure from the riders behind him, as he does not need to carry out any on track counter measures. But Huang Shi-Zhao is not giving up. 3 laps from the end, he does a 1:37.679 lap to better Burke's time. Can he overtake Dan Kruger and then Benjamin Burke?

With two laps to go, Huang Shi-Zhao dives down the inside line and successfully pass Dan Kruger. This is a great move on a familiar rival. Dan Kruger's racing line is affected by the move and consequently he is a few seconds behind Huang as they cross the line.

Last lap! Just as everyone is anticipating further action at the front, another situation arises. Race officials show the red flag and once again stop the race. As the leaders have completed 75% of the race distance, the race will not restart. Benjamin Burke is declared the race winner, with Huang Shi-Zhao in second place and Dan Kruger in third place.

After the end of the race, Huang Shi-Zhao leads the riders points table with a 11 points lead over Dan Kruger. The series champion will therefore be decided in tomorrow's race 2. Let's find out who will be the champion tomorrow!