Metro rocket
By TMX Archives on 4th Feb 15
In 2014 Elliott Banks-Browne celebrated his 24th birthday on the top step of an arenacross podium and 364 days later he marked the eve of his quarter century by doing it again.
This time around it was at Newcastle's Metro Radio Arena where EBB (Geartec Suzuki) raced to victory and after a series that has so far seen him struggle to convert his speed into solid results everything finally clicked into place.
"We changed a lot of stuff before Birmingham and I think it showed because I was much more comfortable,” he said.
"I could have challenged for a win there but just had some bad luck but I knew I could turn it around in Newcastle.”
EBB had gone into the first corner in Birmingham's Main Event alongside series leader Thomas Ramette (SR75 Molson Suzuki) before falling and the pair were neck and neck into the opening turn at Newcastle.
This time, however, he stayed upright and seized his chance to show off his searing pace, opening up a gap of more than three-and-a-half seconds over the 12-lap race.
"Everything went my way but I made it easier for myself by getting out of the gate,” he said. "I went into the first corner side-by-side with Ramette and Pellegrini and then me and Pellegrini jumped into the rhythm section together and nearly came together but from there I was able to make a break.
"After that I never looked back and was able to ride my own race and stay loose and relaxed. On the last lap I honestly thought they were right behind me but when I looked back I was like, ‘where are they?'.
"It's a big relief for the team to get a win because it's been a tough season so far – my best finish before Newcastle was sixth and that's not where I should be.
"I'm feeling confident for Glasgow. I'm working with the bike a lot better and every time I ride it I'm getting to know it more.”
Angelo Pellegrini (Oakleaf Honda) had won the second night in Belfast before being off the pace in Birmingham.
But he was back up to speed in the North East and snatched a lonely second, more than four seconds clear of Cyrille Coulon (SR75 Molson Kawasaki) who showed his customary couilles to ride through the pain of an injured ankle.
FOR FULL REPORT AND PICTURES SEE TMX NEWS, FERUARY 5, 2015 (ISSUE 1957)
