Nürburgring: Smits takes the double, Schrötter postpones title decider

The Euro Moto Superbike riders had to wait until just before 4 pm before they were allowed back on the track for Race 2. Twan Smits from Team Apreco had come under massive pressure from GERT56 rider Marcel Schrötter in Race 1, but still managed to secure victory. Separated only by Lukas Tulovic, the pair took their places on the front row of the grid again for Race 2. For Tulovic, the second race marked his first real challenge for the championship title. He went into the race with a 37.5-point lead. However, Schrötter – second in the standings – was determined to spoil his party and postpone the title decision until the finale at Hockenheim.

Fab Four put on a good show

After the start, Smits stayed on the inside, whilst Tulovic tried to get round on the outside. Schrötter and Reiterberger had to work their magic in the field to ensure they didn’t lose touch with the leaders in the opening metres. After two laps, the leading quartet had settled into position, leaving the chasing pack led by Jan-Ole Jähnig a second behind. Things weren’t going well at all for Toni Finsterbusch, who stumbled in the early stages and found himself at the back of the field.

Smits managed to pull slightly clear of Tulovic, Schrötter and Reiterberger, but the Dutchman couldn’t breathe a sigh of relief just yet. The chasing trio joined forces and didn’t waste time with unnecessary manoeuvres. But Smits really put his foot down on his Yamaha, souped up with all the Concession parts, and was able to extend his lead metre by metre. Tulovic came under increasing pressure from Schrötter. Reiterberger wasn’t quite as quick after the first third of the race and settled into fourth place.

Smits gewinnt zwei Mal

Foto: Thorsten Horn

A battle right down to the last metre

At the halfway point, Tulovic and Schrötter in particular were the dominant forces. Even if that played into the Dutchman’s hands in terms of his victory ambitions. At the start of the tenth of 18 laps, Schrötter squeezed past Tulovic with a bold late braking manoeuvre. Reiterberger sensed his chance and worked his way back up to the duo. Meanwhile, Finsterbusch had made it back into the top ten, but still had a massive six seconds to make up on Kevin Orgis.

Reiterberger made up time particularly in the first sector and, with just five laps to go, Schrötter, Tulovic and Reiterberger were running wheel-to-wheel. Four seconds ahead, Smits was doing his thing and eased off the throttle slightly. On lap 14, the Ducati rider reclaimed second place and Schrötter found himself up against Reiterberger. A battle between the Bavarians was only a matter of time. Before that could happen, Schrötter was suddenly back within striking distance of Tulovic. At the start of the final lap, Schrötter executed a successful braking manoeuvre; Tulovic was forced to give way and ultimately finished third,

A one-two for Twan Smits. Second place for Marcel Schrötter and third for Lukas Tulovic. Markus Reiterberger finished fourth. This meant the championship would be decided at the season finale at the Hockenheimring.

Siegerehrung Lauf 2

Foto: Thorsten Horn