There was plenty for lime green enthusiast to shout about with lap record qualifying times from Shane Byrne in the Superbike class and an equally stunning performance from Stock 1000 rider, Danny Buchan, whose course record was good enough to put him on the third row in terms of time on the Superbike grid let alone pole in Superstock.
Saddest outcome from a blistering qualifying session was the news that despite his best intentions GBmoto Kawasaki rider, James Ellison, would not take part in racing activities. Tenth in first qualifying, Ellison’s recovery was tested to the full and both he and team decided that discretion was the better part of valour as he reluctantly left Chris Walker as sole GBmoto pilot.
Traditionally one of the largest crowds of the season, the inclement weather brought rider skill and tenacity to the fore as Superbike race one was flagged away. Byrne – who always rides with head and heart – was among the lead riders across a race that witnessed increasing rain to such a point that it was eventually red flagged. Despite leading for the majority of the race, Byrne was relegated to second spot as the event was counted back to the previous lap and Bridewell found himself the winner by the smallest of margins.
In terms of winners, a previous Kawasaki victor at Cadwell in BSB, Chris Walker, continued his popular 2014 run of results with yet another podium in third place thus netting further valuable podium credits counting towards the season end “showdown”. Although unlucky in terms of a straight race win, Byrne extended his points tally over rivals Kiyonari and Brooks, both of whom failed to finish.
There was no respite for race two – in fact the rain worsened. With podium credits at the front of his mind, Shakey held station behind eventual winner Peter Hickman while again his rivals were less than fortunate. Brookes – who fell on the warm up lap – was black flagged for his indiscretion while Kiyonari’s bad luck continued with a thigh thumping crash which winded him but left the Japanese former BSB Champ largely unharmed.
Another runner up spot for Byrne was not the only Kawasaki highlight. A returning Gary Mason placed in fourth on his Tsingtao Kawasaki while Kirkham, Richards, Walker and Wilson were also in the top ten.
Danny Buchan somewhat predictably made good on his stellar qualifying with a dominant win in the Stock 1000 race along with a fastest lap. His sixth race win of the year at his favourite circuit, Buchan underlined the essential performance qualities of the Ninja brand R that celebrates three decades of sales this year. Now with a 48 point lead in the Superstock Championship, the popular Essex rider now has an even greater focus on overall success in advance of the next round at Donington Park in September.
Pushing recent disappointments to the back of their minds, the Gearlink team had good reason to celebrate thanks to Irishman, Glenn Irwin. Streaking away at the start of the Supersport race he was never bested and delivered a display of wet weather riding that many a veteran would do well to take note of. With a plume of spray from his tyres he crossed the line an emphatic winner to take fourth place in the Championship much to the delight of Michael and Norma de Bidaph, the twin driving forces of the tightly knit New Forest based team.
In Junior Superstock, the news was not so universally good with conditions getting the better of Mason Law who was leading as he fell unhurt cresting Cadwell's famous “mountain”. His disappointment though was contrasted by strong result for the Be Wiser Kawasaki duo of Joe Collier and Nick Anderson who both rode well to finish on the podium.
For Kawasaki Racing Coordinator, Ross Burridge, there is much to look forward to at future rounds thanks to points progress at Cadwell:
"The weekend started off with bad news as James Ellison was forced to sit out the meeting after working so hard to get back from his recent injury. I was gutted for him especially as so much effort went into his comeback. However, I am sure he will be back fighting at Donington Park in two weeks’ time.
On race day it was a different story as two second places from Shakey and a win apiece from Glenn and Danny certainly brightened our spirits! Danny is riding phenomenally well this year and it's a pleasure to watch him. Finally, with Shakey now having a significant podium credits lead – and Chris Walker also in the top six – it’s all to play for with only four rounds remaining."