News 2004
Wren romps to Virgin Mobile Yamaha R6 Cup Championship glory
30/08/2004
London racer Richard Wren was crowned Virgin Mobile Yamaha R6 Cup Champion at Cadwell Park today (30 August) and claimed his place in the 2005 Virgin Mobile Samsung Yamaha British Superbike team.
The 22-year-old racer stormed to an emphatic victory at the demanding Lincolnshire track. starting from third on the grid Wren got the hole-shot and led from start to finish, seeing off his nearest rivals Ollie Bridewell and James Hiller in the 12-lap race.
Wren, who a year ago was racing in MRO 600 class, was ecstatic with his Championship victory and beamed “I really can’t believe it. I have been concentrating on this for so long and now I have done it. I came here this weekend to lead from the front, no matter what. I had to finish nine points ahead of Bridewell and Hillier. My pit crew kept me informed who was where and, when I saw that I had one person on the board to worry about - after Hillier crashed out – I knew I could do it. I was careful not to push it too much. I had a bit of a moment at the Hairpin when I changed down two gears instead of one and I hit the kerb. I had a quick look behind me and saw that Glynn was a little way behind and I knew I could do it. Amazing - it’s a dream come true. I certainly will be celebrating this evening.”
While Wren celebrated Gareth Glynn and Mark Pollock also congratulated their new Champion as they made their way to the rostrum in second and third places respectively.
Glynn who had started from the front row in fourth had a lot of work to do in the 12-lap race. Despite getting a good start and establishing himself in fourth place, he soon went wide and fell back to seventh. The determined rider fought back finishing in an impressive second.
Glynn commented: “I know I can win a race, I have the pace but I think I tend to be a little impatient at the beginning and that is when I make mistakes. I just need to settle down a bit and string a good race together. I am really happy for Richard and now I will do my utmost to win in final two races of the season.”
Pollock was equally delighted at Wren’s achievement and commented: “There is no one better to have won the series, he is a good mate and I am really pleased with him and, I am sure there will be a fine bit of partying in his motor home tonight.”
Series organiser Rob McElnea joined in the celebrations, as he and 2003 R6 Cup Champion, Tommy Hill, presented Wren with a taste of next year – a Virgin Mobile Samsung Yamaha R1 race bike.
McElnea commented: “Everyone here is delighted to have seen Richard win. I am sure he will make an excellent member of the super bike team. He has performed superbly this year and like Tommy is a true winner – having scored points in every race this year. We are all delighted for him and look forward to racing with him next year.”
Ollie Bridewell finished in fourth and is now a strong contender for claiming the runners up place.
The next round of the Virgin Mobile Yamaha R6 Cup takes place on 12 September.
Points After Round Ten
R Wren 171, O Bridewell 128, J Hillier 115, G Glynn 99, A Jenkinson 95, C Cummins 95, G Sanders 89, J B Lee 87, M Pollock 69, V Cox 68, K Bryce 58, D Bray 52, J Edmeades 47, M Niblett 41, B McFeeley 32, I Lowry 28, P Newell 27, B Collins 24, R Hodgson 23, S Gardner 13, A Lovett 10, S Conway 8, L Chisnall 5, L Lambert 4, B Castleton 2, P Houghton 2, T Capper 1, A Brown 1, L Plastow 1.
