MMB Racing riders Eugene McManus and Harry Truelove stepped onto the world stage this weekend with a wildcard entry in Round 7 of the FIM World Supersport Championship at Donington Park. The pair, who usually compete in the British Supersport Championship aboard their Ducati Panigale V2 machines, seized the chance to test themselves against some of the fastest Supersport riders in the world. Under clear skies and sunshine—a stark contrast to the torrential rain they faced last weekend at Knockhill—the team gained valuable insight and experience that will serve them well as they return to national competition.
The 4.0km Donington Park circuit, familiar to both riders, provided a strong base for adapting to the pace and intensity of the World Supersport grid. In Friday morning’s free practice, McManus and Truelove completed 18 and 19 laps respectively, steadily building confidence. However, Superpole qualifying proved dramatic: just three minutes into the session, a collision behind McManus caused another rider to strike his bike, and Truelove, following closely behind, had no room to avoid the aftermath. Both MMB riders stayed upright, whilst the other two involved crashed out. After a red flag, the session restarted a little later and qualifying resumed.
McManus posted a best lap of 1:30.966, placing him 25th on the grid, while Truelove secured 30th with a 1:31.952. Saturday morning’s warm-up saw McManus clock a 1:31.646 (25th) and Truelove a 1:32.105 (31st).
In Race 1, run over 19 laps (76 kilometres), McManus was narrowly beaten to 21st on the final lap, finishing 22nd with a best time of 1:31.477. Truelove moved forward from 28th on the grid to finish a solid 25th, setting a fastest lap of 1:32.122. On Sunday, the good weather continued. Both riders set their fastest times of the weekend during the morning warm-up, with McManus stopping the clock at 1:30.490 (20th) and Truelove improving to 1:31.349 (27th). The second 19-lap race took place later in the day. McManus got off to a strong start, gaining three places, before settling into a rhythm and finishing 23rd, improving his race lap time to 1:31.165. Truelove, starting once again from 30th, climbed to 27th in the final stages, holding that position to the flag with a best lap of 1:31.961.
The wildcard weekend provided both riders with valuable race mileage and more experience of competing at an international level—an ideal benchmark as they prepare for Round 5 of the British Supersport Championship at Brands Hatch on 25–27 July.
Eugene said, “It was a great experience to be back on the World Supersport grid and race with guys who are setting the benchmark internationally. The pace was intense from the first session, and we had to adapt quickly. I’ve done a few wildcards over the years, and each time I learn something new, which will definitely help me push harder in the British Championship. A massive thanks to the team for all their hard work this weekend and, of course, all our loyal sponsors.”
Harry said, “It’s always a pleasure to get to come to World Supersport and ride with the best I the world. We had a few things we wanted to try this weekend and nowhere better than a scorching Donington. The results definitely don’t reflect the effort from both myself and the team, and I’m excited to get to Brands and use what we’ve learned this weekend!”
Words: Jeremy Ryan
Photos: Michael Wincott
