Beau McKenzie wins 2008 FZ6 Cup
Beau McKenzie has won the 2008 FZ6 Cup
Queenslander Beau McKenzie has won the 2008 FZ6 Cup title amongst an incident-packed series of races, while veteran racer Keith Greentree wrapped up his GTYR FZ6 Cup campaign with an impressive round victory on the weekend.. The final showdown in the popular one-make class was held at Sydney’s Eastern Creek Raceway, with soaring temperatures greeting competitors and spectators.The championship contenders set the pace early in practice, with that same form carrying right through to Saturday’s opening 7-lap race.
Race 1 was won by Rick Olson, who had entered the round as one of six riders still in a mathematical battle for the title. Zack Thackeray was second over the line, followed by Beau McKenzie. Points leader Brendant Watson was fourth, ahead of Keith Greentree. The contenders were out in front again in what looked to be a similar race for the podium in Sunday’s opening stoush.
The leaderboard changed dramatically on lap 4, with the four top-placed riders from race 1 hitting the deck in amongst a five-bike incident. Although uninjured, it hurt the frontrunners in terms of points, and ensured a big job from crew to prepare for the final race. Greentree took full advantage of the skirmish, weaving his way through to take the chequered flag. Gavin Hainsworth secured second, with Chris Knox in third.
The weekend’s final race proved crucial in deciding the 2008 champion, with Thackeray taking first place but more significantly, McKenzie getting the job done for second. A DNF from championship rival sealed the deal for the Queenslander, who took the trophy with his haul of 321 points. Watson was second on 303 points, with Olson close behind on 297. Thackeray’s charge in the second half of the season put him into fourth place with 296, and weekend winner Keith Greentree rounded out the top 5.
McKenzie said he was excited to be named champion after seven tough and highly-competitive rounds of racing. “It’s a real honour to take the title today, there’s a lot of A-class riders within the FZ6 Cup series and I’m proud to have come out on top,” said McKenzie. “I’ve enjoyed myself this year and thank all the riders for their camaraderie; that’s what makes this series so special.”
“There’s a lot of people behind the scenes who made this championship possible, my crew, family and friends, and those that were there to help us when thing were tough. This is definitely a great proving ground for future champions in the premier class, these are names you will definitely see in the coming years.”
Meanwhile Keith Greentree, who announced his retirement after 2 seasons of FZ6 Cup racing, was rapt to finish things off with a win. “There was some great racing out there today, it really reflected how close and competitive the season has been,” said Greentree.
“After two seasons in the FZ6 Cup its time for me to call it a day, however I look forward to seeing a whole new generation of racers discovering the benefits of the class in the coming years. It’s a great place to start and I encourage young people thinking about giving road racing a go to step forward and enter.”
Final Championship Standings
1. Beau McKENZIE (QLD), 321
2. Brendan WATSON (NSW), 303
3. Rick OLSON (NSW), 297
4. Zach THACKERAY (NSW), 296
5. Keith GREENTREE (NSW), 293
6. Adam DAWES (SA), 286
7. Gavin HAINSWORTH (NSW), 243
8. Chris KNOX (NSW), 239
9. Duncan MIDDLETON (NSW), 202
10. Rennie SCAYSBROOK (NSW), 193
