Northpoint Ekerold Honda continued the competitive form from last season by finishing in second and fifth positions at the British Supersport Championship season opener. Cal Crutchlow spent much of the race battling with eventual winner Stuart Easton around the 1.226 mile Brands Hatch Indy circuit in the dry but relatively overcast conditions. Starting from second position on the grid the 20 year old led in the early stages but finished in second position when the race was red-flagged after 22 laps with a faller on the Cooper Straight. This was a strong performance and showed that Crutchlow is continuing the excellent form that he showed towards the end of the last season.

Reigning Champion Leon Camier continued his quest to learn more about the Pirelli shod Honda CBR 600RR. Camier gained a couple of places from his seventh place grid position at the start and climbed up to third behind teammate Crutchlow at one point. After a tight five bike battle for 4 th place the 19 year old had to settle for fifth in his home event.

Cal Crutchlow said; “I'm very pleased to have finished second today. We have been quick all weekend even though weather conditions have been very mixed and tyre choices were difficult. I'm feeling very confident with the bike; the team have worked hard and I can only thank them for that. To be in this position at the first race is very promising and I'm looking forward building on this start at Donington Park which is one of my favourite tracks.”

Leon Camier said; “It was important to get a solid start to the season and my first race with the team. My strategy of taking the harder Pirelli tyre was thwarted when the race was stopped early but 11 points is important in my championship defence. I'm looking forward to Donington as I've gained a lot of information having ridden the bike here in race conditions for the first time.”

Race Manager Simon Buckmaster said; “We're pleased with today's results. Cal had a good solid ride and can now go to Donington with great confidence aiming for that number one podium spot. Leon is gaining experience on the bike with every lap and the team are working hard to find the optimum settings for him. Both riders have been impressive today given the unstable weather conditions; they've both got themselves in the points and having gathered a large amount of data from this meeting I am confident of developing the bike further for the next round.”

Northpoint Ekerold Honda's next outing is at the British Supersport round at the Donington Park Circuit on the 9 th April.