Jake Lewis is the 2013 PATA European Junior Cup champion after a masterful display in the final race of the season earlier today.
Starting from 14th, the Kiwi was soon in the leading bunch and by the start of lap 2 had eased his way into the lead.
With eight riders bunched together trading places at every given opportunity, Lewis controlled the race with a maturity that far outweighs his 18 years as he responded immediately to any challenge made at the front.
The group behind kept up an intense level of pressure but in the run in to the flag after a race which had a capacity Spanish crowd on their feet it was Lewis was crowned the winner by 0.036s ahead of local hero Augusto Fernandez who claimed second position overall in the championship standings with today’s result.
Britain’s Josh Harland ended his season in the best possible way with a fine ride to 3rd and thus completed the podium.
Italian riders Michael Canducci and Kevin Manfredi were 5th and 6th respectively, while Spanish wildcard Mika Perez claimed an impressive 6th across the line.
James Flitcroft (Great Britain), Javier Orellan (Spain) and Hungarians Peter Sebestyen and Richard Bodis completed the top ten.
Miguel Aranda (Spain), Ilya Mykhalchyk (Ukraine), Sabrina Paiuta (Brazil) and Stefan Hill (Great Britain) completed the point scorers.
Jake Lewis – 2013 Champion: “I can’t believe it. I knew I had to give it my all from the word go and that’s what I did. I’d like to thank everyone that helped me this year, especially my dad as I wouldn’t be here without him.”
With the announcement that the PATA European Junior Cup powered by Honda will once again be a support class to the World Superbike program next year, the scene is set for an equally enthralling season in 2014.
Awesome …thanks for covering one of NZ,s hottest young riders.
As a minor sponsor… this kind of publicity is much appreciated
regards
Merv
KIWISTARS
We should not under value this achievement. To win at this level and this type of racing is tremendous. Just think of all those loony Spaniards and Italians trying to make a name for themselves. Any ideas as to what class is next – Moto 3?. well done Jake.