The 2010 Red Square Kawasaki ZX-10R Masters Cup title is up for grabs after two thrilling races at Zwartkops on Saturday.

Qualifying saw Stark produce a stunning time of 1 min 02.830 to claim pole from McLeod who was making his debut in series and returning from a 4-year sabbatical. Making up the front row were Lightfoot and Jannie Stander (Insane Racing).

 

Race one quickly developed into a three-way contest as Stark, McLeod and Lightfoot broke away from the pack. Stark managed to put a bit of distance between himself and McLeod, but Lightfoot was never more than half a bike length behind as they finished in that order. Stander was a lonely fourth and a Joe Shearer (O’Mage) won a terrific tussle with Richard Carmody (Extreme Motorcycles) and unsponsored Robbie Breakspear to take fifth as the trio were separated by less than half a second. Next was Royden Bennett (Ebersohn Truck & Diesel) followed by Johan le Roux (Avidan) and Simon Bezuidenhout (MechCiv).

 

Race two was restarted after Bezuidenhout crashed awkwardly at the Hairpin on lap two. McLeod then put in a ride that will be remembered for some time to come as he beat Stark by a wheel-length in a race long tussle to complete a fairytale comeback.

 

Third was Lightfoot with Stander taking his customary fourth place as le Roux was a few seconds behind. Breakspear worked hard for sixth as he held off Shearer and Bennett, the trio have fought all the way. The top ten was rounded off by Carmody and Darren Gough on the Buffalo Motorcycles entry.

 

The Red Square Kawasaki ZX-10R Masters Cup moves to Kyalami for the next round on 31 July.