Houwen Owns the Yamaha FZ6 Cup
Queenslanders were treated to a spectacular display of racing last weekend, with the GYTR FZ6 Cup proving to be one of the highlight classes of a double-header event at Ipswich’s Queensland Raceway.
Queenslanders were treated to a spectacular display of racing last weekend, with the GYTR FZ6 Cup proving to be one of the highlight classes of a double-header event at Ipswich’s Queensland Raceway.
Rounds 6 & 7 were watched with much interest from a record crowd at the technical circuit, with cool yet fine conditions allowing the large field of identical Yamaha FZ6 machines to display their potential.The control nature of the class made for some classic duels throughout the weekend, with an air of relaxed camaraderie off-track giving way to grit and steely determination as the beautifully-presented bikes rolled onto the tarmac, riders at the ready.
Friday’s qualifying session proved to be incredibly close between the series standouts, with Jon Cartwright gaining the upper-hand over series points leader and teammate Josh Houwen by the narrowest of margins. Rick Olson and Ewan McClue snared the remaining front row positions for the weekend’s 4 races, ensuring a close run into the fast and bumpy turn 1.
Saturday’s opener was a classic, with Houwen and Cartwright duelling at incredible pace before the pole man relinquished the advantage, and a number of positions, to the young Queenslander.McClue and Olson moved up a spot, to grab second and third respectively. Houwen was on fire in the day’s second and final stoush, dropping into the 1-minute 17-second bracket at mid-race distance and taking the win by almost 4 seconds over Cartwright.Olson was a consistent third again, followed home closely by local rider Beau McKenzie.
The first of Sunday’s two 7-lap sprints saw the Weldalloy-backed teammates locked in battle again, and while Cartwright laid down a spectacular race lap of 1.16.809, it wasn’t enough to knock Houwen off his perch. Third once again went to the consistent Olson, who had held off McKenzie in a carbon copy of the close duel they enjoyed on Saturday afternoon.It was a case of de ja vu for the lead bunch during the day’s final race, with Houwen making it 4 from 4, but pushed all the way to the line by his teammate.
In fact, placings for races 1 and 2 for round 7 of the GYTR FZ6 Cup were identical from 1st to 7th, with each rider replicating their morning race results in the setting sun at Queensland Raceway. Houwen’s perfect run of results sees him over 100 points clear of the consistent Keith Greentree, with McKenzie climbing to third as a result of a strong weekend.
There is a maximum of 51 points available at the Eastern Creek final, meaning Houwen will be the inaugural champion of the popular class regardless of his results in Sydney. “We’ve had so many people out here supporting us, both myself and Jon, all the Queenslanders and especially Weldalloy and the Anchor Race Team, these are the guys that allow us to race and its been great to put on a show for them this weekend,” said Houwen.
“It’s a big weight off my shoulders to come away with the points advantage here, I’ve been consistent at each round, taking the holeshot each time and qualifying well, and to win every race of the season so far is something I never would have imagined heading into the year. I’m looking to have some more fun at Eastern Creek and I’m sure Jon, among other racers, will be right there once again.”
Teammates and mates off-track, the gloves were off when the green flag was waved, and Cartwright conceded he just couldn’t find a way around Houwen despite his best attempts.“I felt good in the last race, I felt as though I’d just go for it but just couldn’t find a way around Josh. My hat must go off to him, he’s a good rider and really deserves the win,” said Cartwright.“It will make for some great TV!” he Cartwright. “We put a number of passes on each other and it was very tight for most of the weekend. Thanks to the crowd and supporters who have made their way out here today and all the guys that are constantly behind us.”
Consistency was the name of the game for New South Welshman Olson, with 4 straight podiums boosting his championship charge.He now sits 6th, with 186 points to his name.“I wasn’t too sure where I’d place this weekend, I was struggling in practice and qualifying to learn the track, but once we got the bike to a good comfortable setup we were good to go,” said Olson. “To finish in the top 3 for every race in the weekend is a real bonus, it’s a pretty demanding place to ride and braking is everything,” he explained.
GYTR FZ6 Cup officials are excited by the level of momentum the class is gaining, and have been inundated with requests for details of the 2007 season. Interested road racers are encouraged to point their web browsers to www.yamaha-motor.com.au/fz6cup for all the latest information, with new features appearing in the coming weeks.
The final round of the one-make championship will be held at Eastern Creek will be held from August 17-19.
Round 7 Results. (Sunday)
1. Josh HOUWEN, 50
2. Jon CARTWRIGHT, 40
3. Rick OLSON, 36
4. Beau McKENZIE, 34
5. Keith GREENTREE, 32
6. Jack FOX, 30
7. Ewan McCLUE, 28
8. Peter WARD, 25
9. Jeff WARE, 23
10. Danny MOULTON, 22
Round 6 Results (Saturday)
1. Josh HOUWEN, 50
2. Rick OLSON, 36
3. Beau McKENZIE, 33
4. Keith GREENTREE, 33
5. Jack FOX, 30
6. Jon CARTWRIGHT, 29
7. Jeff WARE, 25
8. Rohan FROST, 25
9. Joel STAFFORD, 25
10. Jake MAGEE, 21
Championship Standings.
1. Josh HOUWEN, 337.5
2. Keith GREENTREE, 229
3. Beau McKENZIE, 203
4. Jack FOX, 201
5. Ewan McCLUE, 197.5
6. Rick OLSON, 186
7. Chris KNOX, 166
8. Joel STAFFORD, 135.5
9. Rohan FROST, 132
10. Peter WARD, 124
