News Article
OMRRA Round #4 - June 21, 2009
FNB Racing
Published: June 23, 2009
Justin Watkins:
6th - 600 Supersport
6th - 600 Superbike
Tamer Kekhia:
DNS - 600 Supersport
DNS - 600 Superbike
FNB Racing riders Justin Watkins and Tamer Kekhia were really looking forward to round #4 of the championship so they could continue with the development of their Kawasaki ZX-6R machines. The practice day before the event went well, the bikes were running good, Justin's bike seemed to be handling a little better and they felt good about the weekend, the only issue was questionable weather forecast. Sunday morning the team arrived to grey and overcast conditions and preped the bikes for battle. During the morning warm-up, Tamer's motor seized at the end of the front straightaway. He pulled in the clutch but it caused him to high-side at an estimated 100+ mph. Tamer was transported to Legacy Emanual Hospital with a concussion, broken right collar bone and broken right elbow. During his crash, a rider following Tamer lost control and crashed following Tamer. His bike hit Tamer in the head, causing the concussion and broken collar bone. Tamer is very lucky to be able to walk away from this crash. After a few days at the hospital, Tamer was released and is resting at home.
After Tamer's crash, Justin went out and carried the flag for the team by contesting for the win in 600 Supersport. Just as the race started rain started to fall on 1/2 of the track, turns 1-4 were wet and 5-9 were dry for the most part. Justin does well in these conditions and in full rain events, his only worry was the shiny new rubber that was mounted to his bike. He was really wishing he had used tires on, but headed out to do battle. He raced for the win, he led for a few turns, was in 2nd for a few laps. The top 6 riders were fighting for positions and were swapping positions every lap in the infield. On the final lap, Justin Lowitz who led almost every lap was swallowed up in a great last lap battle by the rest of the pack. The top 6 riders caught a group of back markers on the final lap going into turn 1 and there was about 11 riders trying to fit in turn 1 at the same time. It was sketchy conditions for the riders, in the end Justin ended up at the back of the lead pack finishing a solid 6th place.
The team wishes Tamer a speedy recovery, but the injuries and damage to the engine will likely bring Tamer's season to a pre-mature end since OMRRA has cancelled the last round in October, leaving the last round in August.
We would like to thank all our sponsors for their support they have given us in 2009: Pro Caliber Motorsports, SDS Performance, Cascade Track Time, KFG-Dunlop Tires, Miller Paint and Graphics, Arai Helmets, Spiegler Performance, Supermoto Engineering, SBS Brake Pads by Parts Unlimited, Leo Vince Exhausts, GP Suspension, Constructors Racing Group, Woodcraft, GPR Stabilizers, Vortex Racing Products, AFAM Sprockets, Maxima Racing Oils, Dynojet Performance, EDR Performance, K&N Filters, Lockhart Phillips USA, Attack Performance, Chicken Hawk Racing, Motion Pro Tools, Sidi Boots, RK Racing Chains, RB Components, Ultimate Floor Systems and Echo Alley Web Development.
For more information on OMRRA and current results and standings, please visit www.omrra.com
