7 August 2017 Jason Kenny puts in strong performance in Team Green Cup

This weekend, six-time Olympic gold medallist Jason Kenny competed in the Kawasaki Team Green Cup race at Oulton Park as a wildcard. 
Lining up on the grid with over 30 competitors - aged from 13 to over 50 - motorcycle racing rookie Jason put in a strong performance on the Kawasaki Ninja 300 machine against experienced riders.
 
The Manchester born rider qualified in 16th place, despite only completing two laps due to crashing out of the session, placing him on row six of the starting grid for race one.
 
Jason finished in 14th place in race one, seventh in the Senior class with a fastest time of 2:07.570, this finishing time promoted him to row five for the start of race two where he finished 16th overall and ninth in the Senior class.
 
Over the course of the weekend, Jason improved his lap time by nearly two seconds. Reducing it from 2:08.320 in qualifying to 2:07.530 in race one and then 2:06.557 in race two.
 
Speaking following the race, Jason said: “I had such a good weekend, I really enjoyed it. It was a bit of a shame in qualifying as I just ran out of track - it was all fine though and no harm done as I just brushed myself down. I was following advice I was given prior to the weekend of ‘If someone else can get round the corner that fast, then so can you.’ - which I can now say is not strictly true!
 
“I was looking to get stuck in as I wanted to do my best and have the most fun I could. I spent the sessions getting used to the bike and ended up a lot of faster than I was at the beginning of the weekend. The paddock was a brilliant place to be. Everyone was extremely friendly and helpful. I nipped to the garage next door a few times to check about tyre pressures - and was pleased as people were happy to share information and knowledge, which is nice. Everyone was there to enjoy themselves - and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.” 
 
Kawasaki Motors UK Racing Co-ordinator, Ross Burridge, said: “It was a fantastic performance by Jason, especially given that it’s his first time out on track competitively aboard a powered two-wheeler. He was racing against youngsters - and seniors - who have been aboard these bikes for a while. It was great to see him try his hand at motorcycle racing and I’m sure that we’ll see him doing it again in the future.”
 
The Team Green Junior Cup, run by the British Motorcycle Racing Club, is currently in its sixth season and has grown racing talents including 2015 National Superstock 600 Champion, Mason Law. Originally starting as a series for 13-18 year olds, due to popular demand the senior cup was introduced in 2016 meaning that racers of any age can take part.
 
For more information about the Team Green Cup, visit: www.bemsee.net or to find out more about the Kawasaki range, visit: www.kawasaki.co.uk

Photo: John Manclark (Kent Bad Boyz Photography)