A luckless first attempt to run the opening WorldSSP race of the weekend was halted when a multiple rider incident, including collision between another rider and Lucas, saw him run off track, with fluid from his stricken machine spilling onto the track surface. A combination of this and gravel at the first chicane caused the race to be red-flagged, and a clean-up operation to be undertaken by the marshals. Finally, it was a 12-lap opening race, not the planned 19-lap contest.

In Superpole qualifying earlier in the day Mahias had placed 15th, with Huertas fifth.

Mahias was already carrying a leg injury from a crash on Friday, but battled on after his blameless fall in the first attempted start. The experienced Frenchman gritted his teeth and finished 14th in Race One, one place higher than his qualifying position.

Huertas was once again the top Kawasaki race finisher as he continues along his rapid development path in WorldSSP.

There will be one more WorldSSP race at the 4.212km long Most circuit before all the paddock personnel weave their way home for a five weekend-long summer break.

Lucas Mahias, stated: “Today was in part conditioned by the leg injury I sustained yesterday, as this limited me during changes of direction. Qualifying didn’t go well and I had to start a way back on the grid. At Turn One I was pushed off track and crashed. After the red flag, my technicians did really well to fix the bike and allow me to restart. Although it was tough, I was able to reach the points zone. It’s not the kind of result we’re looking for, but it was difficult to do more today. We’ll try again tomorrow in Race Two.”

Tom Booth-Amos (Motozoo ME AIR Racing Kawasaki) scored more WorldSSP and WorldSSP Challenge points with a strong 13th place overall, one position ahead of Mahias.

John McPhee (Vince64 by Puccetti Racing Kawasaki) was 19th in Race One.

Luke Power (Motozoo ME AIR Racing Kawasaki) had to retire because of a technical issue and Yuta Okaya (Prodina Kawasaki Racing) was 25th in his return to race action after suffering a recent injury.

                                                 #NinjaSpirit