Kyle Ryde made it back to back Bennetts British Superbike titles at Brands Hatch this weekend, finishing ahead of rival Brad Ray.

He took a third, a second and a sixth place in the weekends three races to win the title by 20 points. Ryde is the first champion since Shane Byrne in 2016 and 2017 to defend his title.

Kent’s Brad Ray went into the weekend 30 points behind and he did his best to try and take his second BSB title but fell just a little bit short. 

The opening race of Sunday was raced in dry conditions over twelve laps. Ray from pole got the hole shot and he and Ryde traded places throughout the race, with Ryde getting ahead of Ray with just a few laps to go.

On the penultimate lap Ray was sizing up Ryde for another move, knowing he needed to finish ahead of his rival as had done on Saturday afternoon. However, Scott Redding had not read the script and he moved past Ray and knocked him out of his rhythm. 

Redding then sized Ryde up on the last lap and moved past. Ray was then doing the same, but Ryde went defensive on the last lap and Ray couldn’t out drag him to the line.

The equation was simple going into the final race of the season. Ray needed to finish first or second and Ryde be out of the points or DNF for him to take the title.

For that final race Ryde would start from fourth with Ray ahead of him in second place. 

With Ray heading off into the lead, Ryde settled in behind in wet conditions and stayed in fourth. As riders fell all around them the two championship protagonists would remain upright.

Ray would cross the line in second place, making it three podiums in the final round of the season. Ryde came over the line in sixth to take make it back to back BSB titles.

2026 promises to be a very interesting season, will Ryde make it a hat trick? Or will Ray, Redding, Bridewell and a whole cast of others have something to say about that? 

Speaking as a double BSB champion, Ryde said: “I’m super happy to get another Bennetts BSB championship title under my belt. The feeling is incredible! I only got emotional when I saw Mum and Dad. I could see how much it meant to them. They’ve put in so much time, money, and effort just to get my first one, so to bring home a second title is the cherry on top. This one’s a massive bonus, and any more we get from here are just extra blessings!

“The race itself was tough, even with a 30-point lead, anything could’ve happened out there. Conditions were sketchy, no knee slider, slippery track, riders going down all around, but I stayed calm and trusted my pace. Once Dad waved the pit board and I saw the gap, I could finally breathe.

“Massive thanks to my family, sponsors, and everyone who has backed me from day one. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together. Now it’s time for a holiday before we go again!”

Images courtesy of British Superbike Championship