Race 2 at Laguna Seca saw Eugene Laverty bring home the first WorldSBK podium for Milwaukee Aprilia with a thrilling ride to third place. The result was Eugene’s first podium in the championship since 2014, and further proof of the progress the team has made towards the front of the field in 2018.
After a strong ride to P4 in Race 1 Eugene lined up in pole position for Race 2. At lights out he got away well, maintaining his lead and pulling away as the pack behind chased. He faced little challenge for the first quarter of the race, maintaining his gap over Van der Mark and setting the pace.
Despite a strong defensive display he was eventually caught and passed by Race 1 winner Rea on lap 8, but kept him honest and continued to lap quickly. Davies then closed in and faced a tough fight from Eugene, ultimately passing him for P2 on lap 17. From there Eugene was able to ride consistently and hold position, taking the chequered flag in emphatic style to record a thoroughly well-deserved maiden podium result for the team.
With Race 2 rounding off a highly positive weekend for the team they now head back to Europe fired up for Round 9 in Italy at the Misano circuit, a successful circuit for them in 2017.
Round 9 of the WorldSBK championship takes place at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli in Italy, 6-8 July.
Eugene Laverty #50
“That was a great race and result, it was reminiscent for me of Phillip Island where we were strong. The first three laps went to plan today, I just aimed to be careful and try to extend the lead. When this bike has good grip it’s exceptional, so I had to ride at 90% for the first stint and then began pushing in the later stages. I handled my rhythm well and got passed by Johnny [Rea] and the Chaz, but I felt comfortable and I knew I could hold off the guys behind, and then I dropped the hammer for the last few laps to secure third. It’s been a great weekend in general, yesterday was encouraging and then today was even better, and it’s nice to get that monkey off my back.”