Kent’s Ethan Sparks had a remarkable weekend in the latest round of the R&G British Talent Cup, taking a pole position and maiden race wins.
It is all the more impressive considering this was the first time that the 14-year-old from Maidstone has ever ridden around his local circuit of Brands Hatch.
Coupled with the changeable weather conditions and the iconic GP circuit, it shows that the Kovaro Projects/RS Racing rider has a bright future in bike racing.
Ethan took the win by 4.907s in a reduced-distance Race one, which was red-flagged due to adverse conditions. Sparks finished ahead of teammate Jack Dunabie, who finished as runner-up after an incredible four-way fight for second place. Meanwhile, Filip Surowiak earned a crucial third position, snatching back the title lead.
From pole, Sparks stormed into the lead on the run to Turn one, with Surowiak forced to get his elbows out from the start, maintaining third position. Surowiak sat behind Harrison Mackay on the opening lap before a move on Lap 2.
Sparks built a comfortable gap, soon growing it to one second and then later three seconds – adapting to the tricky conditions.
With rain in the air, every lap counted as Mackay reclaimed second position, demoting Surowiak into Dunabie’s grasp. Frost continued to edge closer, maximising clear track ahead, sitting a further second behind the podium duel – closing in every lap. It was a spectacular display for the Brands Hatch fans as a three-way battle became four on Lap 9. Surowiak, Dunabie and Mackay were the key contenders for second position, trading places on Lap 11 before a red flag was brought out – declaring Race 1 a result.
Sparks’ dominant win set the tone for the remainder of the weekend, crossing the line 4.907s clear in the red-flagged race one.
Sparks doubled up at Brands Hatch, clinching his second victory of the season on Sunday. The #62 had to fight hard for the win, fending off teammate Harrison Mackay by just 0.251s. It was another strong ride from Mackay, who spent Race 2 inside the podium battle, grabbing further championship points. Elsewhere, Jack Dunabie took the final spot on the podium, crossing the line in third a further 0.965s behind Mackay. It was the perfect end to the weekend for the Kovara Projects / RS Racing squad, who made it a podium lockout!
It was a good launch from Mackay, but it would be Sparks who led the field on the run out of Turn 1. Ryan Frost got his elbows out on the opening lap, launching into third position following a sixth place start in Race 2.
Everything would be decided in the closing stages of the race, with dark clouds in the sky once more. Sparks continued his reign at the front ahead of Mackay before the red flag was brought out. Race two was declared a result, with rain ending play at the end of Lap ten – awarding Sparks the win!
Images courtesy of Jade Goodison Photography