WSBK: Close Group Vies for Win in Race 1 at Assen

The results of Race 1 at Assen may not be a huge surprise for race fans, but the racing that took place to get those results surely was. The first race of World Superbike’s stop in mayonnaise country saw some strong showings from hometown favorites, and some disappointments from WSBK greats. This trend in the 2010 season seems to be the norm this year, which means great racing for WSBK fans. With five racers vying for the win and only a handful of laps to go, you’ll be disappointed if you didn’t catch this race and its conclusion.

Riding on the Ten Kate HANNspree Honda, Johnny Rea took Race 1 with a comfy one second lead. Don’t let the lap times fool you though, Rea was under pressure from a bevy of riders up-until the last few laps, which saw at one point five riders with a possible step on the podium. The only trace of this contention can be seen in the half second spread that covers second through fourth place.

With Ten Kate Honda calling Holland home, and their facility a short trip away from Assen, it shouldn’t be surprising that Rea walked away as Race 1’s winner. It also shouldn’t be surprising that former Ten Kate rider (not to mention former WSBK Champion) James Toseland finished the race second. The pair have obviously lapped around Assen numerous times, and were able to figure out the newly re-done Ruskenhoek chicane quicker than the rest of the pack.

Strong racing was seen from the likes of Leon Camier & Carlos Checa, both of whom having come out of the woodwork this season to be formidable riders. Camier is often overshadowed by his more successful teammate Max Biaggi, who also had a fairly good day with a 6th place finish in Race 1, but has been consistently finishing strong this season. Checa on the otherhand is finding new life in his aging career, and has been the Ducati to beat at all the WSBK stops this season. The accomplished rider is not only showing the younger kids a few new tricks, but he’s also leaving many to wonder what’s going on in the Xerox Ducati camp (Haga 10th, Fabrizio 13th in Race 1).

Another strong outing came from Troy Corser, who did the BMW squad proud this weekend, leading the race at one point. Corser would finish Race 1 sixth, but definitively proved that the BMW could be made competitive in the series, after just finishing its rookie season.

With Leon Haslam finishing a disappointing 11th place, it would seem a new points leader would be crowned at Assen, but only time can tell.

World Superbike Highlights from Race 1 at Assen, Netherlands:

Results from Race 1 of World Superbike at Assen, Netherlands: