AP Kawasaki's Freddie Russo grabbed his first race win of the season at Cadwell Park in the Metzeler National Superstock 600 Championship by just under four seconds while setting the fastest lap - all of which he would like to dedicate to Ben Gautrey who tragically died on Monday.

The Brentwood rider has stood on the podium three times this season and despite suffering two non-scoring rounds and some low points he currently sits third overall in the championship standings.

 “It was a great race, I knew we had the pace before the weekend started as we had a successful test. Qualifying itself didn't go to plan but we managed to get on the front row, a busy circuit prevented me from getting a quick lap in. The race start didn't go to plan, I tried weaving a bit to keep Farmer behind me off the line but that didn't go to plan and ended up getting sucked into the pack going into the first turn," said Russo, reviewing his race with bikesportnews.com

“I made sure I was a bit aggressive and made up three or four places before we made it to Chris Curve. The race plan was to stay calm no matter what happened from the start, which we did, keeping a cool head, making clean sensible passes; me and Keith managed to pull a gap on the others so I happily let him take the lead. He was having a few moments so I knew it was only a matter of time before he made a mistake, although the mistake he did eventually make was not his fault.

“I was over the moon to get my first race win and lap record in one go, but to hear the sad news regarding Ben Gautrey made the result seem very hollow, no one wants to hear news like that, although the news came after the result I'd like to dedicate the win to a fellow rider, always smiling and a pleasure to share the track with. A big thanks to everyone for the part they've played, but right now, my thoughts are with Ben's friends and family."