With local ace Sheridan Morais replacing Makoto Tamada who was out injured with a broken wrist following his Monza accident, and Broc Parkes still carrying the legacy of a shoulder injury after a testing crash in the UK, it was all the more creditable that the team recorded their best points haul of the season

Aboard the www.supercasino.com, Vent Axia and Kick Energy-backed Kawasaki World Superbike Racing Team Ninja ZX-10Rs, Morais impressively qualified on row three in 11th place with 27-year-old Australian Parkes battling against the odds to post 17th fastest time and in the opening 24-lap race, Morais held a top ten spot for much of the race before grip problems relegated him to 13th at the flag, two places in front of the crocked Parkes who battled his way up from 20th to 15th at the flag to claim the last point.

Race two saw neither rider get good starts but both managed to hang in the leading bunch and as Morais impressively climbed the leaderboard to record an 11th place finish, Parkes bravely posted 14th place at the end of the race to make it four points scoring rides in four races at the South African track.

32-year-old Japanese rider Tamada is expected to also miss the next race at Miller Motorsports Park near Salt Lake City in the USA and if so, his replacement will be announced in due course.

Broc Parkes:

"This was a difficult weekend after a top ten at Monza. I struggled on the bike and with myself as I'm physically not as fit as I would like and this track is a lot harder on your body than Monza. In race two I had good pace but my injuries let me down towards the end and I couldn't push any harder. All in all I knew this was going to be a tough weekend but we came away with some points for the team which I'm happy about. I could have taken the easy road and sat out these last two races to fully recover but we've been lucky that we've managed to score points in all races. I'm happy we've got a two week break before Miller so I can regain some strength and keep up the momentum of getting points and top ten finishes."

Sheridan Morais:

"At the start of the week, I was lining up to ride a wild card 600 at Kyalami so it's been a big shock and a dream come true to have now ridden the factory Kawasaki World Superbike. I've ridden in Europe before but riding for this team, on this bike was something else. I didn't really know what to expect from my results but from Friday onwards I felt really good on the bike and was blown away by the speed, the brakes and overall feeling. Both myself and the team were really happy to have been up there in qualifying. I was aiming for the top ten in the races but had to settle just outside of this but overall I'm delighted to have had this opportunity at this level. I'd like to thank the team for making me feel so welcome and for this fantastic experience."

Paul Risbridger, Team Manager:

"We came here not really knowing what to expect as Broc was not fully fit so I'm delighted to say it's been a really strong weekend for the team. Sheridan stepped in for Makoto and was on the pace from Friday morning onwards and didn't put a foot wrong all weekend. He did a fantastic job, made no mistakes and showed good pace in every session. In race one, he faded in the later part of the race with rear grip but we were particular pleased with race two. We made some small changes after race one and Sheridan lapped very competitively with a very worthy eleventh place. Broc also did a great job this weekend considering his fitness levels. He had good pace early but his injuries showed in the later part of the race so it was a bonus for him to bring home some points. This race result is the best for the season to date and shows we have a good base programme to move onto Miller."

The next round of the Hannspree World Superbike Championship takes place in two weekends time (May 30/31st) at Miller in the USA. (www.worldsbk.com)


RESULTS - RACE ONE


13. Sheridan Morais (Kawasaki WSB) - 3 points
15. Broc Parkes (Kawasaki WSB) - 1 point


1. N. Haga (Ducati Xerox Team)
2. M. Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox Team)
3. B. Spies (Yamaha WSB)
4. J. Rea (Ten Kate Honda)
5. M. Biaggi (Aprilia Racing)
6. C. Checa (Ten Kate Honda)
7. S. Nakano (Aprilia Racing)
8. Y. Kagayama (Suzuki Alstare BRUX)
9. S. Byrne (Sterilgarda Ducati)
10. T. Sykes (Yamaha WSB)


RESULTS - RACE TWO


11. Sheridan Morais (Kawasaki WSB) - 5 points
14. Broc Parkes (Kawasaki WSB) - 2 points


1. N. Haga (Ducati Xerox Team)
2. M. Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox Team)
3. J. Rea (Ten Kate Honda)
4. L. Haslam (Stiggy Racing Honda)
5. M. Biaggi (Aprilia Racing)
6. C. Checa (Ten Kate Honda)
7. S. Nakano (Aprilia Racing)
8. Y. Kagayama (Suzuki Alstare BRUX)
9. T. Sykes (Yamaha WSB)
10. J. Smrz (Guandalini Racing)