The Bennetts British Superbike Championship season is reaching crunch point, and this weekend’s (5-7 September) four races at Donington Park could go a long way towards settling this year’s title battle.
Raceways Yamaha’s Bradley Ray may have stolen a march on his rivals during his series comeback, with 10 wins from the first 12 races, but Nitrous Competitions Racing Yamaha’s reigning champion Kyle Ryde kept him firmly within sight, and has turned the tables to lead the standings by two points heading into his local round.
Ryde has eight podiums from the last nine races, including four wins, with his podium treble last time out at Cadwell Park, including his latest victory, being the catalyst to propel him back to the top of the standings.
But with four races to look forward to around the Grand Prix layout this weekend, including three on the main Sunday raceday, the whole battle could well change again, and Ray took a treble win at the venue earlier in the year. This is also the final round of the main Bennetts BSB season, before the Showdown phase kicks in, so every point is crucial.
With the top two almost inseparable at the top and the grid full of star riders, there’s plenty more to get excited about, with Ryde’s fellow local man Leon Haslam (Moto Rapido Ducati Racing) rising to third in the standings at Cadwell Park, just ahead of Danny Kent (McAMS Racing Yamaha), who is enjoying his best Bennetts BSB season to date.
With the top-three riders all being series champions, fellow title holders Tommy Bridewell (Honda Racing UK), Josh Brookes (DAO Racing Honda) and returnee Scott Redding (Hager PBM Ducati) are all out to prove they’re still amongst the class of the field, and should be right up there too.
Rory Skinner (Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki), AJN Steelstock Kawasaki teammates Christian Iddon and Max Cook and Honda Racing UK’s Andrew Irwin are all riders to watch too, as is Glenn Irwin, who has made a mid-season switch to join Ryde at Nitrous Competitions Racing Yamaha.
As well as the quadruple header of headline Bennetts BSB races, there’s loads more to get excited about, with a jam-packed schedule of races at one of the country’s most celebrated motorcycle racing venues.
The Quattro Group British Supersport Championship is as thrilling as ever with next to nothing separating Ben Currie and Rhys Irwin. In addition, there’s the rising stars of the R&G British Talent Cup and AJN Steelstock Kawasaki British Superteens, frenzied drama from the Pirelli National Superstock and National Sportbike Championships, and the heaving line-up from the ROKiT OFF BMW F 900 R Cup.
The paddock will be open all weekend, allowing spectators to meet the stars of the show throughout, and there’s a free of charge pit walk on Sunday at 11.25. With big screens in the most popular viewing areas, fans will miss none of the action, and there’s evening entertainment including live music in Garage 39 on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Main raceday tickets are still available in advance priced at £35 for adults, with further savings on offer for teenagers aged 13-15 and free entry all weekend for children under-13. Tickets are available in advance until 4pm on Wednesday (3 September), after which they’ll be available at gate prices upon arrival at the venue from Friday. For more information and to book, click here.