Ben Currie held off a charging Joe Talbot to take victory in today’s Supersport sprint.
Drama began even before the race started as rain hit, forcing a ‘wet race’ and the pack headed out in slippery conditions.
Polesitter Rhys Irwin didn’t get the start he’d wanted as defending champ Jack Kennedy flew off the line and into the lead. But Currie also got a flier from the second row and moments later passed Kennedy for the lead.
Currie led the opening laps before Honda Racing UK’s Kennedy found a way back ahead. Behind, Irwin was running in third with Talbot closing in and bringing Lee Johnston with him.
But on Lap Six, Kennedy’s hopes ended in the gravel trap as he crashed at Graham Hill Bend from the lead. Currie was back in charge but now he had Talbot for company.
Talbot was right on his tail and remained there for the final few laps, staying in very close contact and making several attempts to get ahead. However, it wasn’t to be as Currie kept his cool, charging to the line to take victory by 0.044s.
Talbot was second as Johnston crossed the line for third, with Irwin collecting fourth and Ben Luxton fifth.
Ben Tolliday emerged the best of the Cup runners, taking the class win ahead of Keo Walker with Josh Bannister third.
Quattro Group British Supersport Championship, Sprint result:
1. Ben Currie (Moto Rapido Ducati Racing)
2. Joe Talbot (Binch Pro Ducati) +0.044s
3. Lee Johnston (SENCAT by Swan Racing Triumph) +7.711s
4. Rhys Irwin (Performance 15) +8.561s
5. Ben Luxton (CFS Filtration Ducati) +11.895s