Rhys Irwin was back on the top step of the podium this afternoon after a win in today’s Supersport Sprint race.
As almost expected, the race was tight and featured several riders running at the front all the way to the flag.
From pole, Gearlink Bike Performance 15’s Irwin got the best start and led the opening lap – but Luke Stapleford hit the front on Lap Two with defending champ Jack Kennedy in hot pursuit.
Kennedy passed Irwin to move P3 a lap later, hitting the front on Lap Six when Stapleford made a mistake and dropped back to fifth.
By now there were eight riders in the leading train, but Irwin was looking quick and eventually made a move for the front on the penultimate lap, with points leader Ben Currie also passing Kennedy’s Honda moments later.
Irwin looked to be in control as the pack rounded the last lap but Currie gave it one last shot as he rode around the outside at Goddards.
He wasn’t able to catch Irwin, who took victory by 0.288secs but was able to hold onto second place, as Kennedy finished third. Joe Talbot was fourth and Dean Harrison fifth.
Keo Walker emerged victorious in the Cup, with Ben Tolliday finishing second and Lewis Jones third.
Quattro Group British Supersport Championship, Sprint result:
1. Rhys Irwin (Gearlink Bike Performance 15)
2. Ben Currie (Moto Rapido Ducati Racing) +0.288s
3. Jack Kennedy (Honda Racing UK) +0.492s
4. Joe Talbot (Binch Pro Ducati) +0.853s
5. Dean Harrison (Honda Racing UK) +1.783s