Customer service
Puchshop Racing Cup Assen race report
Article and Photos by Motografie.nl
Robin Mak takes first Puchshop Racing Cup victory in Assen
The Puchshop Racing Cup returned to the TT Junior Track in Assen on Saturday, May 9, for the second race day of the season. One month earlier, the opening round had also taken place in Assen. Hugo Satter won both races in the Expi class, Gijs Huisman did the same in the Standard class, and Rens Straver stood on the top step of the podium in the new 50cc Expi class.
Although Race 2 was again held at the TT Junior Track, the riders faced a different layout this time. While the rest of the Netherlands enjoyed a warm and sunny spring day, the sun in Assen quickly disappeared behind the clouds. However, the weather stayed dry throughout the day.
Qualifying at the TT Junior Track
Jannick Vos finished second during the season opener in Assen and arrived determined to claim victory this time. He was the fastest rider in qualifying and pushed the limits, even slightly beyond them.
Hugo Satter set the second-fastest time, while Robin Mak managed to stay ahead of the Minnen family riders and secured third place on the grid.
Race 1
Vos converted his pole position into the lead at the start of the first race. Satter immediately tucked in behind him, while Mak had Thimo Minnen right on his tail.
At the front, Vos maintained a strong pace. He was the only rider lapping in the 45-second range and, after 15 laps, took the checkered flag with a comfortable lead over Satter.
Mak managed to create a gap to Thimo Minnen and finished third. Behind Thimo Minnen, Arie Garstman impressively claimed fifth place ahead of Jordi Minnen.
Wilco Quist and Justin de Bruin followed behind. De Bruin’s machine was already producing a smoke screen halfway through the race, but it managed to keep running until the finish. Jan van Ipenburg suffered ignition problems with his Puch and failed to finish.
Standard class race 1
In the Standard class, Gijs Huisman continued his strong form and took the win. Syl Kooistra finished second, while Mark Hooijmans crossed the line in third place.
50cc Expi class race 1
In the 50cc Expi class, Rens Straver was once again the rider to beat. Chris Weenen finished second on the shared Puch he co-owns with Thomas Carver, while Twan Dekkers completed the podium in third place.
Race 2
In the second race, Vos made another strong start but crashed shortly afterward. He was able to continue, but had to rejoin at the back of the field.
The road to victory seemed clear for Satter, but mechanical problems ruined his chances. His engine lost power, allowing Mak to take over the lead.
With the finish in sight, Satter’s Puch finally gave up completely. Victory went to Mak, while Satter scored no points. Vos, however, fought his way back to ninth place and still collected valuable points.
Thimo Minnen finished second, while Jordi Minnen took third place. Van Ipenburg was once again forced to retire due to ongoing ignition issues, which also caused him to crash.
Standard class race 2
Gijs Huisman claimed another Standard class victory and secured his second consecutive overall win of the season. Syl Kooistra finished second again.
Mark Hooijmans had a difficult second race. He initially failed to get away from the start. After finally getting his machine running, his race ended quickly when his Puch broke down for good. Eric de Jong took advantage and finished third.
50cc Expi class race 2
The Standard class and the 50cc Expi class raced together in one group, separate from the once again well-filled Expi class.
In the 50cc Expi class, Rens Straver was dominant once more, just as he had been during the opening round in Assen. Even though his machine was not running perfectly, Chris Weenen was unable to match his pace.
Weenen finished second again, while Twan Dekkers came home in third place.
Overall results Assen
Expi class
1. Robin Mak - 42 points
2. Thimo Minnen - 33 points
3. Jannick Vos - 32 points
Puch Standard class
1. Gijs Huisman - 50 points
2. Syl Kooistra - 40 points
3. Eric de Jong - 29 points
50cc Expi class
1. Rens Straver - 50 points
2. Chris Weenen - 40 points
3. Twan Dekkers - 32 points
Photos from the Puchshop Racing Cup at Assen
View the full photo album on Facebook by clicking the image below.
Next Puchshop Racing Cup race
The next Puchshop Racing Cup race will take place on Saturday, June 6, at The Landsard in Veldhoven.
