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Brad Ray was relieved to come away with a point as he kicked off his 2024 WorldSBK Championship with a bruising weekend at Phillip Island hindered by two race day crashes.
The 2022 British Superbike Champion is at the start of his second season in WorldSBK with Motoxracing Yamha but was making his very first visit to Phillip Island, the only rider on the grid to do so.
As such, after using the pre-event one-day test to get acclimated to the venue, Ray eyed up a points’ paying finish during the weekend’s three races but would almost come away empty handed after crashing during Race 1 and the Superpole Race.
“Race 1 was tough. I started really well but already on lap one, through turn three, I had to close the throttle to avoid contact, and lost three positions. Then during lap six another rider then hit me, and I crashed.
“Luckily I was able to get back up and continue with the race, but was lying in last position. After the tyre change my pace was really strong though, and without the crash I’m sure I could have scored points.
“The Superpole Race didn’t start well. Although I made a good start, I then crashed at turn six. I finished the race but didn’t score a good result of course.”
However, Ray fought back in Race 2, capitalising on a strong start during the restarted encounter to briefly run inside the top ten. Though tyre wear issues would see him slip back down the order, Ray would cling onto a satisfactory 15th for a single point,
In Race 2 I started strong but soon found myself dealing with premature front tyre wear that forced me to slow down and lose positions as a result.
“I was able to reach the points zone anyway, and that makes for a positive weekend overall.
“ I’m pleased with the path we’re on and confident as we look ahead to the next round in Catalunya. I want to thank the whole team for their hard work.”
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