Kennedy Takes Maiden Podium In Portugal WSS Race

CIA INSURANCE HONDA’S Jack Kennedy was jubilant after taking his maiden podium finish second place in the eighth round of the World Supersport Championship at Parkalgar in Portugal.

Jack said: “I am so happy with that. Everything was working right and I felt good. Leading the race was a great feeling and then when the rain came out I knew I could get on the podium so I took it very easy.

“Second place is a dream come true and it sets us up well for the break and to come back for a strong end of season. Thank you to CIA Insurance, PTR, Honda, Megabikes, Dawn International and all my sponsors for supporting me, this is the start of things to come.”

Raffaele De Rosa took a well deserved fourth place in the race that was red flagged due to rain, with the results being taken as the riders crossed the line for the 12^th time. Nacho Calero took a confidence building 20^th on his CIA Insurance Honda.

The next round of the Championship is at Jerez in Spain on September 7^th.

CIA Insurance Honda Team Manager Simon Buckmaster said: “It was a fantastic ride by Jack. In my opinion he’s unlocked the door and can go from strength to strength now and show what he and his CIA Insurance Honda are capable of. We will be working hard during the summer break to make sure he has the best bike on the grid when we come back racing.

“Raffaele chose a different rear tyre to Jack and it wasn’t quite so good. Saying that it was a great ride by him to get fourth and his second best result in the class after his podium at the opening round.

“Nacho will be fully fit for Jerez. He has been encouraged by the performance of Jack and Raffaele and wants back in the points for Jerez – a home round for him. He has the ability and the bike to do it and we’ll be pulling out all the stops to achieve that.”