In WSS the Stiggy crew need no introduction, but for 2009 they took the understandable - if still bold - decision to go WSB racing as well. After some good pre-season testing performances and positive qualifying sessions the scene was set for good points scores in Australia. The only problem, of course, is the fact that this year there are seven factory teams, and numerous other far more experienced privateer efforts to beat...Remarkable then that the Stiggy team saw Leon Haslam secure not only an impressive sixth in race one, but a truly landmark third place in race two. Haslam was understandably delighted with the first weekend of work, and particularly with his outstanding second race performance.
"I'm over the moon today for our great result! It's our first time out there racing and to be able to bring home a podium finish is just fantastic! The team and I have made good progress and although we still have more to come, the bike and the team are obviously just great." The big off-season gamble by team owner Johan Stigefelt has already paid off and Stigefelt paid tribute to both his riders, and his entire team. "To finish on the podium in our first ever World Superbike race is fantastic and like a dream come true. This championship is very competitive and this result is tremendous and a great reward for all the hard work the team have put in over the last few months. I feel sorry for Roby today because he was unlucky to get hit two times! We will put that behind us and allow ourselves a little celebration because of Leon's great result."Source:
http://www.worldsbk.com