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Ross Connolly, the leader of the R&G Racing Suzuki GSX-R Trophy faced his stiffest competition yet from Mark Cheetham as he stopped Connolly’s winning streak at Donington Park whilst supporting World Superbikes.
It looked like another weekend of domination for the Blackpool rider as he took pole position with a time of 1min 41.483secs. Cheetham was unable to match that and he posted a time of 1min 42.127secs.
Trophy regular, Ross Richards and top novice Duncan Bedwell completed the R&G Racing Suzuki GSX-R Trophy front four.
The first race took place on Saturday 27th June and Cheetham on the Shorrock prepared GSX-R600 worked hard to get the better of Connolly. Connolly broke into the lead from the off leaving Cheetham to chase him down which he did. Cheetham had Richards to contend with first before he could get his head down and go after the race lead.
Once clear of Richards he was able to reel in Connolly and pass him, Connolly fought back but got on the gas too soon and almost highsided. Cheetham came over the line with the win, Connolly second and Richards held onto third place.
The Pole Position award went to Connolly in the form of a £50 voucher for Force Field Body Armour redeemable at Stamford Superbikes. The Fastest Lap award of a Suzuki watch went to Cheetham. The Express Insurance Top Gun Novice award went to Duncan Bedwell and the Relentless Award for most the entertaining rider was given to Cheetham for his superb win.
The next race was a different story with Connolly resuming his usual place at the front and taking the win from Cheetham, leaving Richards in third place once again.
He lead from the off and was never in danger of being headed, while Cheetham has a superb battle with Richards through the race. Duncan Bedwell put in an impressive ride and was closing on Richards as the race progressed, for his efforts he picked up the Express Insurance Top Gun Novice award. Will Sawyer picked up the Relentless Rider of the Day award for his entertaining ride. Connolly once again got the Stamford Superbike fastest lap award and received a Suzuki watch.
Connolly said: “That was better than yesterday. I had plenty of water and an arm massage so it was a lot better. I didn’t prepare well for the race on Saturday so I made sure I did for today. I struggled a lot less but it was slippery out there and someone overheated on the grid so that didn’t help maters. I just kept my head down. The next one is at Anglesey so it will depend on the weather, I have tested there so should be good. Thanks to my sponsors Silkolene, Arata Exhausts, thanks to James of the pit board and to Vicki for the arm massage.”
 Cheetham said: “That was worse than yesterday day I had too much cider last night. I got arm pump half way through and just hit a brick wall which was nasty. I was riding badly too so I was a bit annoyed with myself. Thanks to Julie of the best bacon sarnie in the world ever this morning. I enjoyed the weekend and I wouldn’t change it, I had fun.”
Richards said: “That went ok, I rested my arm last night and didn’t drink. The bike was at 100 degrees and I was going to pull in but I was catching Cheetham. I tried to get him at the loop but didn’t manage it and then the yellow flags were out at Goddards so I couldn’t pass him.”
Paul Facey of R&G Racing said: "It was awesome for the riders in the R&G Racing Suzuki GSX-R Trophy to share the stage with the stars of World Superbike and the action didn't disappoint! It was great to see Mark Cheetham take the win on Saturday and show Ross Connolly that he isn't going to have it his own way. That said Ross was back to his brilliant best on Sunday taking the win once more!"
The eighth and ninth rounds of the R&G Racing Suzuki GSX-R Trophy will take place at Anglesey on the 1st-2nd August.
Championship standings
1. Ross Connolly 145
2. Mark Cheetham 121
3. Ross Richards 92
4. Duncan Bedwell 67
5. Chris Hawkes 63
6. Paul Rogers 56
7. William Sawyer 50
8. Richard Steadman 32
9. Nicky Wilson 32
10. Tim Sayers 32
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