Damon Rees gained astounding victory at 2020 Bennetts British SBK Championship Round One at the weekend finishing 2nd in R1 and 3rd in R2 resulting in 3-way tie for the Championship lead with 5 Rounds to go.
Racing at UK’s iconic Donington Park circuit, not only was Damon making first ever race appearance in Britain’s National Supersport 1000 Championship, but along-side Astro JJR team-rider Shane Richardson had waited out many months of uncertainty- whether they were even going to be able to race at all.
With testing sessions completed number of weeks back, Damon was more than ready to take on board what could be described as the 24 year old biggest challenge yet- racing Britain’s leading SBK riders- many of whom have notched number of years racing the National Series.
Yet, those who know Damo, know he’s the dark horse, ready to make his mark- not needing trumpets calling his name, cause- well- Damon delivers top notch performance just fine- all the while supported by great Team, family and friends.
For, making the move to live, breath, train, race in the UK has not just been a dream, Damon and partner, Carl Cox Motorsport, Astro JJR Racing and family back home have actually made it happen. Amazing what opening of doors, to open opportunities to race amongst the best, opens new pathway for a way-talented Kiwi rider.
Early indications on how Damon stacked up against his peers were confirmed at Final Test at Donington Park 2 weeks prior with Damon finishing 7th Overall. Relieved that Damon along with Shane held their own against competitive field, track-time was invaluable fine-tuning settings on their Astro JJR Racing BMW s1000rr bikes.
After Qualifying 4th at Opening Round on Saturday, Damon was rearing to go! ‘P4 with a 1.07.990 
Only 0.3 off the lead pace! I felt fantastic on the bike. I am so happy to see all our hard-work paying off. Bring on Race 1 this afternoon! 
‘
And even hot-as conditions didn’t deter the Kiwi lining up on grid for Race 1. ‘P2 BABY! 
Wow, what an epic race that was. There was a lack of grip for the entire race, but I just held my own and rode solid and it paid off!‘
Race 2 was more unsettling with 2 red flag re-starts to finally get underway at 6.00pm Sunday evening. ‘P3! 
After a long day waiting, we finally got out for Race 2 at 6pm BST! I got off to a solid start, and sat in 2nd for the opening laps. I slowly slipped back and was 6th midway through the race. I wasn’t going to settle for that and knew I had more in me and made a charge in the closing laps, finishing 3rd! I now am in a 3-way lead for the Championship! ‘.
BSB Supersport 1000 Championship standings: Chrissie Rouse, Tom Neave and Damon Rees tied on 36 points.
Round 2 Snetterton 300 August 21-23rd.
Words: Sharon Cox.
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