17 Jun 2018 The fastest way to learn is to hold one’s own rhythm and then challenge oneself | Speed Hero 600cc & 1000cc Race 4
In recent years, Speed Hero superbike race has developed quickly, it has become an FIM zonal international race and attracts a number of topline international riders to come and participate. Today it is the 600cc & 1000cc Race 4. For 600cc riders, this is a learning opportunity, for the 1000cc riders, dealing with some slower superbikes is not an easy challenge.
At 1 p.m. on 17 June, Speed Hero Race 4 officially begins. A total of 32 superbikes are entered. The weather is very hot today but that is nothing compared with the passion of the spectators and riders. #8 Alessandro Valia of CER Ducati HK racing is on pole position, second on the grid is #9 Huang Shi-Zhao, third is #7 Shinjo Masahiro from Japan, hopefully his bike will not be affected by the electrical system.
On lap 1, everybody quickly go into T1, #9 does not start very well and #7 takes the lead. #8 Alessandro Valia takes the lead and sets a 1:38.340 fastest lap. The new Ducati Panigale V4 appears to perform very well. #7 and #9 follow closely. On lap 4, #9 enters the main straight and pulls alongside #7 and overtakes him on the inside. On lap 7, the front trio begin to lap the backmarkers and the marshals show their blue flags with increasing frequency to warn the backmarkers to give way. On the last 3 laps, #7 and #9 continue to fight with each other, pushing the limits of their bikes. Finally #9 overtakes #7 as they enter the last corner.
In the end, CER Ducati HK racing #8 Alessandro Valia wins the race overall. #9 Huang Shi-Zhao takes second place from #7 Shinjo Masahiro by a slight margin. Open A class third place and fourth overall goes to Dan Kruger from Canada. Open B class second place and third place go to Shaanxi Tianshi Racing’s Ma Sai and CER Ducati HK racing’s Simon Kwan respectively. In the 600cc class, #26 Li Zheng-Peng takes CL1 class win while CL2 class is won by #17 Lin Zhi-Fei.
After the race, CER Ducati HK Racing’s #8 Alessandro Valia said, “Although the weather was very hot, I am very satisfied with the performances of both the bike and myself. I will aim to win the next race as well.” Second placed Huang Shi-Zhao said, “It was a difficult race today. I was down in 5th place at one stage. I was able to calm myself and got on with it. I took my chances to overtake and the battle with Shinjo Masahiro was great fun. The wear on my brakes is still a great concern. Today is Father’s Day and I wish everyone a happy Father’s Day. To finish second overall and win Open B class is the greatest present for me. I will share my happiness with my son.”