Rhys Irwin is back at the top of the Supersport championship after beating Luke Stapleford to today’s Feature race win at Donington Park.
It was busy 14 laps where the lead changed several times and less than a second separated the top four as Irwin celebrated a double win.
Moto Rapido Ducati Racing’s Ben Currie – who had led the points into the weekend – was fastest off the line to lead, controlling the first half of the race from the front.
But behind, Irwin had been enjoying a charge through after starting on Row Three and was up to fourth position by the fourth lap with a move on Joe Talbot. He quickly caught polesitter Lee Johnson, passing him on Lap Seven to move into third and fixed his eyes on the leaders.
Defending champion Jack Kennedy was up front ahead of Currie, but they swapped places on Lap Nine and a lap later, Irwin flew past Kennedy into P2 and then moments later scythed up the inside of Currie at the Loop.
Currie seemed to lose pace as he quickly fell back into the clutches of Stapleford, who was also on a charge, passing Kennedy on Lap 11. But the Honda Racing UK rider was having none of it and came straight back past Stapleford a lap later before passing Irwin.
But Kennedy’s time at the front lasted just a lap before Irwin came back, quickly followed by Stapleford – who then shot up the inside of Irwin at the Loop to go P1.
The Macadam Triumph Racing rider led the pack into the final lap but Irwin wasn’t done yet and found his way back past. From there he was able to hold the lead to take his second win of the weekend.
Stapleford was second, just 0.189s clear of Kennedy as Eugene McManus took fourth and Currie had to settle for fifth. In the Cup class, Ben Tolliday took the honours with Keo Walker second and Josh Bannister third.
Quattro Group British Supersport Championship, Feature race result:
1. Rhys Irwin (Gearlink Bike Performance 15)
2. Luke Stapleford (Macadam Triumph Racing) +0.386s
3. Jack Kennedy (Honda Racing UK) +0.575s
4. Eugene McManus (MMB Racing Ducati) +0.859s
5. Ben Currie (Moto Rapido Ducati Racing) +1.438s
Championship positions after Round Eight:
1. Rhys Irwin 294
2. Ben Currie 291
3. Jack Kennedy 248
4. Luke Stapleford 240
5. Joe Talbot 231