Local Pattaya teenager Ben Fortt, whose parents run the Caddyshack Pub in town, was entered in the 1000cc superbike rookie class at Bira Circuit last weekend, with Ben being the only local participant in the race among riders from all around the Kingdom, and one team even from as far away as Japan.
Ben managed to put in some impressive lap times on his GSXR Suzuki during qualifying and started the race in second position on the grid. Taking pole was a Kawasaki team, with the BMW and Honda teams lining up in third and fourth respectively.
Ben Fortt, centre, celebrates his win in the 1000cc superbike rookie class event at Bira Circuit, Sunday, May 29.
As the lights changed to green, Ben got the best start possible and led into the first bend, closely followed by the BMW and Kawasaki riders. The Pattaya youngster handled the pressure admirably and steadily increased his lead over his rivals, eventually taking the chequered flag by a large margin over the second placed BMW.
Ben had a large following of family and friends at Bira to watch him race, including his team sponsor CEA, and he received a loud round of applause as he stepped onto the podium to collect his well deserved trophy.
Fortt rides his GSXR Suzuki on his way to victory.
