Luke Stapleford held off reigning champion Jack Kennedy to take the opening Sprint win of the year at Oulton Park.
After a strong run in free practice and qualifying, Stapleford was capitalised on his pole to hit the front at the start, with Honda Racing UK’s Kennedy in close pursuit.
This was to be the story of the rest of the 12 laps, as Kennedy kept in close contact, staying on the Macadam Triumph’s rear all the way.
On the penultimate lap, Kennedy made a move and hit the front but was unable to stop his rival coming back past moments later, to retake the lead and power to the line, taking victory by 0.131s, as Eugene McManus finished third on the MMB Racing Ducati.
Ben Currie, who ran in third for a lot of the race, eventually had to settle for fourth as Rhys Irwin crossed the line fifth.
Lewis Jones celebrated the Cup class win, with Ben Tolliday second and Tom Tunstall third.
Quattro Group British Supersport Championship, Sprint Race:
1. Luke Stapleford (Macadam Triumph Racing)
2. Jack Kennedy (Honda Racing UK) +0.131s
3. Eugene McManus (MMB Racing Ducati) +1.590s
4. Ben Currie (Moto Rapido Ducati Racing) +5.891s
5. Rhys Irwin (Performance 15 Suzuki) +7.998s