Well known Pattaya superbike professional Ben Fortt was in action at Bira International Circuit on Sunday, May 11, taking on most of the country’s top riders in the Pirelli Academy Race Day. Ben was riding his well prepared Honda CBR 1000 Fireblade in a race that featured several types of bikes, from BMW to Ducati, Suzuki, Kawasaki and even an Aprillia.
Ben started 10th on the grid, looking ahead at 9 quality bikes in front of him, and he knew it was always going to be a tough task to make the podium, let alone a win the race.
Ben Fortt, all smiles after taking first place on Pirelli Academy Race Day at the Bira International Circuit in Pattaya, Sunday, May 11.
Fortunately Ben managed to get one of his best starts for a while and cruised up to 5th place on turn one. As the laps went by he began picking off opponents one by one and on lap 8 of 10 he was up challenging the leader, then, in a great out-braking maneuver he showed his track opponent a clean pair of heals to race to the chequered flag and take a well earned victory.
After the race Ben was elated with his achievement, commenting: “I really felt good throughout the race and I was getting plenty of grip so I just pushed a little harder and got my just reward. I even broke my personal best lap time with a 1.04.6.
“The team had given me such a good set up on the bike it made the race so much easier for me so I owe my victory to all my pit crew. Also I would like to say a big thank you to my friends and supporters who cheered me on. I could not do this without all their help.”
