EMS Racing stormed to a brilliant third place finish at the second round of the 2005 European Superstock Championship held at Monza this weekend. Riding the EMS Racing Suzuki GSXR-1000 Craig Coxhell stunned the factory supported teams and riders to catch and pass the championship regulars and came close to winning the race.

After qualifying in sixth place, Craig and the team were confident of a good result as each time he went out on track he improved his lap time and in the race it was no different. From the second row of the grid, Craig fired the EMS Racing Suzuki GSXR-1000 off the line and slotted into fifth position for the opening five laps before catching and passing factory Suzuki rider, Ricardo Chiarello for fourth spot.

With six laps of the historic 5.793KM circuit remaining Craig was over a second behind Yamaha Germany rider Didier Van Keyemeulen but within two laps he’d caught and passed the Belgian and was into third place. With clear track in front of him, Craig set about reeling in the leaders Kenan Sofuoglu (Yamaha Germany) and Massimo Roccoli (Lorenzini by Leoni). As each lap passed Craig got closer and by the end of the penultimate lap he was on the back wheel of Roccoli and immediately mounted a challenge for the lead. Going into the first turn he looked like he could take the lead but was unable to squeeze through and with only one lap remaining he ran out of time to take the victory.

“I got a good start and went for the inside line into the first corner just to stay clear of all the other traffic. In the first couple of laps I just settled into it to see what was going on and then I started to build my pace and began catching the guys in front so I got my head down and went for it. On the last lap I was going to pass them into the first corner because I knew I was faster than them there and through the back section but Kenan (Sofuoglu) shut the door pretty hard and there was no way through. I nearly got second on the line, and I think one more lap and I would have had them and got the win.” explained Craig.

“The bike was really good and the team worked well. It’s been a good weekend all round and now we’re going back to the UK for the Silverstone race. I’ve ridden at Silverstone when I raced in British Superbikes last year, but I’ve not ridden on the International circuit, so I’ve still got some learning to do but at least I know half of it.” he continued.

The third round of the prestigious European Superstock Championship takes place at Silverstone in the UK on 27th to 29th May 2005. Craig and the team have some knowledge of the circuit and will be going all out for another podium result.