Bradley Perrie took a dramatic win in the opening Quattro Group British Supersport race at Knockhill as long-time leader Kyle Smith crashed out on the final lap. It was Smith who scorched away from pole, extending his lead over the opening laps to a dominant 1.7s, with Perie and Jack Kennedy maintaining positions behind him.
As the race reached the half way stage, Perie, Kennedy and a fast-charging Lee Johnston had closed the lead down to just 0.5s. A tense game of cat and mouse followed, with the gap holding at a steady few tenths. Responding over the final laps, Smith was able to extend his lead up to 0.6s but disaster struck on the final lap when he crashed out of the lead.
This left Perie to take the win, and the Championship lead, ahead of Kennedy and Johnston. Ben Currie was fourth, with Charlie Nesbitt the first GP2 machine in fifth ahead of Perrin and Scott.
Quattro Group British Supersport Championship, Knockhill, Sprint Race
1. Bradley Perie (Appleyard Macadam Yamaha)
2. Jack Kennedy (HEL Performance/Bournemouth Kawasaki) +0.548s
3. Lee Johnston (Ashcourt Racing Yamaha) +1.231s
4. Ben Currie (Gearlink Kawasaki) +6.209s
5. Charlie Nesbitt (RS Racing/Kovara Projects Kalex) +9.278s
Quattro Group British Supersport Standings
1. Bradley Perie (Appleyard Macadam Yamaha) 70
2. Jack Kennedy (HEL Performance/Bournemouth Kawasaki) 65
3. Lee Johnston (Ashcourt Racing Yamaha) 45
4. Ben Currie (Gearlink Kawasaki) 42
5. Harry Truelove (Truelove Brothers Racing Yamaha) 30