Damian Cudlin scores first major title after a tough six years in Europe
Taree’s Damian Cudlin has claimed his first major International title in Europe, securing the 2010 IDM Supersport Championship in Hockenheim on the weekend.
After more than 6 years of racing in Europe, and most of the world, the long awaited title finally fell to the Aussie who held onto his championship lead against fiercest rival Michi Ranseder at the final round. However it didn’t come easy and as the anticipated showdown enthralled all who witnessed it, no one could have predicted the drama that played out in front of them.
Heading into the event with a 16 point advantage over Ranseder, Cudlin was determined not to settle for minimum requirements in Saturday’s opening race, favouring to wrap up the title early if the situation proved possible.
Blasting to an early lead thanks to a blinding start, Ranseder lead proceedings for the opening half of the 19 lap race as Cudlin moved from 3rd to 2nd ahead of local hero Kevin Wahr.
Soon Cudlin set his sights on Ranseder and began to close the gap, increasing the pace with a controlling accuracy. With 3 laps to go, Cudlin was right on Ranseder’s tail and it became obvious that a last lap showdown was imminent.
As Ranseder entered the hairpin defensively for the final time, Cudlin swooped from the outside and made a text book pass into the following left hander, taking the Austrian by complete surprise.
As he stretched his advantage on his strongest part of the race track, Cudlin headed into the stadium section clearly in front and just 3 corners from certain victory.
What happened next shocked the thousands of people in the Sachs curve grandstand, as Ranseder collided with Cudlin from behind, sending the championship leader into the air fence.
Remaining on his motorcycle to finish the race, Ranseder was booed and heckled by the boisterous crowd as race officials immediately began reviewing the video and photographic evidence from the incident.
Ranseder was found to be guilty of “unsportsman like behaviour” and was excluded from the results to the relief of the angry crowd of Cudlin supporters.
Having seen his possible 21 point advantage stolen from him at the last moment, Cudlin remained 16 points in front of Ranseder heading into the final race on Sunday. “I knew I didn’t have to win on Saturday to win the title, but I didn’t want to leave anything to chance on Sunday and while I was in such a strong position I decided to go for the win.” Cudlin explained after Saturday’s race.
“I’ve raced hard but clean with Ranseder all year, and I did the same in the race. I timed my run perfectly and the race was over; it was mine. Thousands of people saw what happened next and I don’t really have to say anymore than that. I’m just thankful that the race officials acted so professionally and I wasn’t seriously hurt in the crash.”
The air was thick on Sunday as Ranseder still held a chance of stealing the #1 plate in the final race, with Cudlin having to finish 6th or better to claim the title. Having rebuilt the bike overnight, Cudlin’s team and crowds of supporters watched anxiously as the race got underway.
They needn’t have worried. While Ranseder ran away at the front, Cudlin rode a calculating race, staying safe and out of trouble to cross the line in 4th position to be crowned IDM Supersport Champion.
“Winning the championship feels great and it’s a huge relief to know it’s finally over and the title is ours.” Cudlin said after Sunday’s race. “There have been a lot of people who’ve worked bloody hard for this championship and I feel great for them too, as they deserve this as much as I do. I want to also thank my wife who’s been battling away with me over all these years. This is one of the toughest sports on earth and it’s been really hard at times, but the moments like these make all the crap suddenly seem worth it.”
Cudlin will now turn his attention to his World Endurance Championship commitments with the BMP Elf BMW Team, who will be chasing their first WEC win in Qatar in November.