Rhys Irwin is the 2025 Supersport champion after crossing the line third in today’s final showdown – as Ben Currie took the race win.
As rain lashed the track, the pack were all on their guard as the race got underway, with 2023 champ Currie taking the lead at the start with a quick getaway as Irwin slotted into second.
Outgoing champion Jack Kennedy got into third place, but was down to fourth by Lap Three after being passed by a charging Joe Talbot. The top four remained the same for the first half of the race until Lap Seven, when Talbot found his way past Irwin and into second place.
Kennedy also found a way around the Gearlink Bike Performance 15 rider but fourth was still enough to keep Irwin at the top of the points.
On Lap Nine, Talbot hit the front just before the Safety Car headed out for a second time, backing the pack up behind him and got away well when it headed back to the pits.
But Currie was snapping at his heels and made a move later in the lap, hitting the front as an unlucky Talbot got caught out and crashed out of the race.
Kennedy was now back into second place and behind, Eunan McGlinchy was on a charge, passing Irwin for third on the penultimate lap before also crashing out as the pack dealt with backmarkers.
Kennedy was now on Currie’s tail but wasn’t close enough and had to settle for second as the Moto Rapido Ducati rider took victory. Irwin crossed the line in a comfortable third place to seal the deal and take his first British title
“I so badly wanted to win this championship for everyone at Gearlink,” he said. I can’t believe after all these years I’ve managed to win it for them.
“We lost two brilliant people this year sadly, Shane Richardson and Owen Jenner. Shane was my team-mate and I hope he’s looking down and he’s proud. This is my life’s work and I’m so happy.”
TJ Toms was fourth rider home as Lee Johnston rounded out the top five, while in the Cup class, Stephan Thomas took the spoils ahead of Josh Bannister and Keo Walker.
Quattro Group British Supersport Championship: Final race:
1. Ben Currie (Moto Rapido Ducati Racing)
2. Jack Kennedy (Honda Racing UK) +0.554s
3. Rhys Irwin (Gearlink Bike Performance 15) +3.768s
4. TJ Toms (G&S Racing Kawasaki) +6.382s
5. Lee Johnston (SENCAT by Swan Racing Triumph) +7.263s
Championship positions:
1. Rhys Irwin 415 (Champion)
2. Ben Currie 411
3. Jack Kennedy 390
4. Luke Stapleford 330
5. Joe Talbot 300