Kent’s Bradley Ray secured his Bennetts British Superbike Championship showdown spot at the weekend at Thruxton, with three podium finishes.
In some of the best races we have seen in the BSB for many a year, Ray finished third in races one and two before taking second place in race three.
Race two of the weekend set the tone for a super Sunday as Ray, O’Halloran, and Mackenzie passed, re-passed, out braked, and sliced their way past one another in an absorbing race that any of the three riders could have won.
Ultimately it was O’Halloran who took the spoils as Mackenzie pipped Ray for second by just 0.003s at the line! Starting from Pole Position for the sixth time, it was Brad’s twelfth podium of a fantastic season and his second visit to the podium in as many days.
Race three shaped up for more of the same and the hordes of fans watching trackside and live on Eursport were served up another racing spectacle as the same three riders broke free from the pack to resume battle one final time.
In another incredible advert for the two teams and the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, the three Yamaha R1-mounted protagonists tried every move in their arsenal to get the better of one another in the closing stages, and in another photo finish, it was Mackenzie who took the win ahead of pole position man, Brad Ray by 0.018s with O’Halloran another tenth behind.
That’s thirteen podiums for the season for Brad and his fifth second-place finish from his seventh pole position.
Speaking ahead of the weekend, Ray, said: “It’s been a great weekend and good to be back on the podium again after missing out at Brands Hatch. Thruxton is always difficult as you never really know how good your package is until the final few laps and the RICH Energy OMG Racing Yamaha R1 has been unbelievable all weekend.
“I tried for the top step in all three races but to come away with two thirds and a second was a great feeling. I’m looking forwards to Cadwell Park now which should be a good track for us to go to.”
Images courtesy of Ian Hopgood