Championship leader Kas Beekmans came out on top at the end of a four-way battle for victory in today’s Sportbike race at Thruxton.
The polesitter was one of just a number of riders who spent their fair share of the race up at the front as the lead changed numerous times across the 14 laps.
By the final lap, it was clear it would be a fight for the line between Beekmans, Rhys Stephenson and others, with Fenton Seabright also in the mix on track, although he was hit with a two-second penalty for cutting the course.
Stephenson had led Beekmans into the last lap but the Dutchman soon pounced, making the move and holding it to the line to win by 0.132secs over Stephenson.
Ferre Fleerackers was third, with Casey O’Gorman fourth and Harrison Dessoy fifth.
Pirelli National Sportbike Championship, Race One:
1. Kas Beekmans (VLR/NIWA Racing)
2. Rhys Stephenson (Rocket Racing) +0.132s
3. Ferre Fleerackers (B.art Racing Team) +0.770s
4. Casey O’Gorman (Kove Factory Racing) +0.806s
5. Harrison Dessoy (PHR Performance Triumph) +1.134s