The Bennetts British Superbike Championship's highly anticipated Round 4 at Knockhill Racing Circuit, delivered a captivating mix of dominant performances and dramatic upsets, with Bradley Ray extending his championship lead and Rory Skinner securing a popular home victory.
The challenging Scottish circuit, known for its undulating layout and technical sections, provided the perfect backdrop for intense competition across all three BSB races.
Race 1: Ray Continues His Reign
Bradley Ray on the Raceways Yamaha showcased his formidable form from the outset, securing a commanding victory in Saturday's opening race. Ray was relentless in his pursuit of victory, holding off strong challenges from Kyle Ryde (OMG Nitrous Competitions Racing Yamaha) and local hero Rory Skinner (Cheshire Mouldings Ducati). Ray's win further cemented his championship lead, demonstrating his consistent pace and race management. Scott Redding, making a return to BSB, and Tommy Bridewell rounded out the top five, signalling their intentions for the weekend.
Race 2: Ray Defies the Wet and Equals Record
Sunday's second race saw conditions turn tricky with intermittent rain, but it did little to deter Bradley Ray. The Raceways Yamaha rider delivered a masterful wet-weather performance, carving through the spray to claim his second win of the weekend. This victory marked his eighth consecutive BSB win, equalling the long-standing record set by Shane 'Shakey' Byrne in 2003. Rory Skinner once again showed strong form in the challenging conditions, securing second place, followed by Tommy Bridewell (Honda Racing UK) who put in a strong ride for third. Kyle Ryde, a key championship contender, struggled for pace in the wet, finishing lower down the order, which allowed Ray to significantly stretch his advantage in the standings.
Race 3: Skinner Triumphs in Thrilling Finale, Halting Ray's Streak
The final BSB race of the weekend proved to be the most dramatic. Restarted twice due to the worsening climatic conditions and track contamination, it was Rory Skinner who ultimately emerged victorious. The Scottish rider, on his Cheshire Mouldings Ducati, delivered a sensational performance in front of his home crowd, breaking Bradley Ray's bid for a record-breaking ninth consecutive win. Skinner, who had shown strong pace throughout the weekend, took an emotional win, with Ray finishing a commendable second in the challenging conditions. The biggest surprise of Race 3 came from Fraser Rogers (TAG Honda), who rode exceptionally well to secure a well-deserved maiden BSB podium finish, rounding out a memorable weekend at Knockhill.
Championship Implications
After four rounds, Bradley Ray maintains a strong grip on the championship lead, significantly extending his points advantage over Kyle Ryde. Rory Skinner's impressive performance at his home circuit, culminating in a race win and multiple podiums, has propelled him further up the standings, now tied for third with Leon Haslam. The Knockhill round has certainly set the stage for an exciting continuation of the 2025 Bennetts British Superbike Championship.
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