Haslam still reigns supreme

LEON HASLAM proved he is the ‘King of Cadwell Park’ as he doubled up to take his ninth Bennetts British Superbike Championship race win at the circuit.

The JG Speedfit Kawasaki rider scorched to his third double win at the Lincolnshire track after seeing off a hard charge from Jake Dixon in the second race of the day.

But it almost ended in tears for the battling pair, as Dixon tried a last-gasp move and ran wide, ending his chances of stealing the win.

“I knew the attack was coming,” said Haslam after boosting his championship lead. “I got a really bad run on that last lap going onto the back straight and I knew he was going to have a go.

“I tried to squeeze him and go as late as I could and luckily it worked in my favour. It was a really good battle and yeah, I’m over the moon.”

Haslam had already taken the first win of the day after a race-long scrap with polesitter Brad Ray, who finished second ahead of Dixon.

In race two, Haslam held of Dixon’s last-lap challenge by blocking it with his leg and forcing his rival off track.

Ray was able to sneak through as Dixon rejoined, and the top three crossed the line in the same order as they had in race one.

For Dixon, it was a disappointing end but he was happy to secure his place in the Showdown.

“I’ll always have a go and I just got pushed right to the grass and had to let off the brakes because I was going to ram him,” he said.

“It’s a little bit naughty but I’m happy to have a definite spot in the Showdown.” WINNER: Haslam