BSB Mondello: Young Guns Lead The Way

The youngsters showed the old hands how to win at Mondello Park, Ireland, with victories for Leon Haslam and Johnny Rea.
In race 1, Haslam's Ducati led from lights to flag, beating off a challenge from Shakey Byrne. The last podium spot was taken by Haslam's team-mate Greg Lavilla, who had fought through from a lowly 3rd row start. Tyre troubles dropped pole-sitter Johnny Rea to 4th place.
Race 2 was won by Johnny Rea. It was the young Ulsterman's first British Superbike win, and comes shortly after the first victory of his road race career at the Suzuka 300km, a warm up event for the Suzuka 8 hour race. This is the perfect way to prepare for Rea's first shot at MotoGP. He will ride at Donington for grumpy legend Kenny Roberts Senior's team.
Shakey Byrne took another 2nd place, again in front of Gregorio Lavilla, with Haslam relegated to 4th.
There was a grim reminder of the danger that our heroes subject themselves to when British Supersport rider Guy Sanders was hurt, and later died of his injuries. I can only offer my sympathy to his friends and family.