BSB Donington Park round 10

Images by RPW Photography

27 - 29 September 2024

Mathematically 10 riders could still win the British SuperBikes championship coming into the penultimate round at Donington Park. Our top notch spectator photographer was trackside to see who would still be in contention as the sun set on the final race of the weekend. RPW Photography went on Saturday capturing the action from the view point of the paying spectator from behind the safety wire, on what was to be a bright September day.

BSB Qualifying 

Kyle Ryde is starting to believe that he can go all the way in this year’s BSB Championship, as he has found a format that works for qualifying. As any motorsports fan knows being on the front row doesn’t guarantee a result but it does give you the advantage going into the first corner and the control of the race. It also gives the rider on P1 the psychological advantage over the rest of the grid by throwing the gauntlet down and saying, “I’m the fastest, come and get me”.

Ryde most certainly did throw the gauntlet down last weekend and has been making a growing statement of intent to take Bridewells crown at the previous few rounds.

The last three qualifying sessions have gone well for Ryde, second at Cadwell, first at Oulton and now first at Donington. For me Kyle Ryde now has that psychological advantage in the championship showdown run in by converting those front row qualifying sessions into podium results.

Here at Donington Ryde has historically done well, with the OMG Grilla Racing Yamaha R1 beneath him its a great package that can certainty challenge for the 2024 BSB crown. 

BSB Race 1

After making a great start from pole Kyle Ryde was leading into the first corner at Redgate and headed off with a clear track in-front of him. For the rest of the race nothing changed for Ryde, Tommy Bridewell made his way from P5 to challenge Ryde but nothing came of it. #2 Glen Irwin started in P6 and finished well behind the leading two of Ryde and Bridewell to take the last podium place. 

Not the most exciting BSB race I have ever watched but it did keep the championship ticking over nicely. The top three in the Championship were all on the podium and are now looking to be the main title contenders. Tommy Bridewell is now three points ahead of Ryde after the first race with Irwin 47 points adrift. 

BSB Donington Park Race 1 Results

BSB Race 2

Race two kept the championship battle well and truly alive, all three title contenders lead the race at one point or another. Bridewell was on pole but Irwin was determined to get as many points as possible, as was Ryde. Irwin eventually took the checkered flag in first place taking a few points from Bridewell in second and Ryde in third. 

What was great to see in race 2 was the commitment and speed of former Moto3 champion #52 Danny Kent. He has had a miserable season with more than few visits to the kitty litter this year, some his own fault but has had more than his fair share of misfortune disrupting his season. Danny brought home the McAMSRacing Yamaha in a strong fourth place.

BSB Donington Park Race 2 Results

BSB Race 3

Tommy started well in race 3 and was looking to lead the way for the chasing pack however, Glen Irwin tipped in ahead of him at Redgate. Tommy then slowly went backwards as rider after rider made short work of him. His team mate Andrew Irwin was behind him all the way round, this is unusual for him as he will make a move as soon as he can, a bit of protection for his team mate maybe?

Ryde wanted this one bad and tried to make a break for it but couldn’t really get any distance between him and the following riders. Danny Kent looked like he was going to throw a spanner in the championship works as he challenged Ryde for the lead but the race was red flagged and stopped early. Ryde first, Kent second and Ryan Vickers third to make it an all Yamaha podium.

The red flag was caused by Billy McConnel who had a bit of an odd low side at the Melbourne loop. His bike took out Christian Iddon whose bike went across the track leaving Jason O'Halloran nowhere to go, hitting Iddons sliding bike and catapulting him over the handlebars.

O'Halloran injured his shoulder and Iddon sustained a serious foot injury requiring surgery and won’t be at the final round. O'Halloran is the same boat with surgery required, O'Halloran also announced that he would be retiring from BSB and not be competing in the BSB 2025 season and would announce his plans soon. 

Now only three riders can win the championship going into the final round and realistically it’s only two. On form Ryde now has a slim advantage, being four points ahead of Bridewell in second. In third Glen Irwin has probably left himself too much of a mountain to climb being 42 points adrift of Bridewell.

But with 35 points for a win and three races it could still be all to play for and you can never dismiss Bridewell, its going to be a great final three races.

BSB Donington Park Race 3 Results

SuperStock 

Another rider doing well in qualifying is #74 Davey Todd who was on pole for the first SuperStock race, a high sided at Redgate on the first lap to had the red flags flying on race one. The re-start would be a reduced race from 12 to 10 laps. Todd lead the restart but Luke Mossey was on it at Donington and soon passed Todd to take the lead and hold it to the flag. 

SuperStock Donington Park Race 1 Results

Race two was much closer, #12 Mossey dived into Redgate to take the lead and again held it with Todd eventually 0.315secs behind at the flag. #45 Scott Swann third, #19 Joe Talbot fourth and #65 Josh Owens fifth

Luke Mossey doing the double at Donington had no real effect on the SuperStock Championship. With Davey Todd registering two second places to keep he has kept his title hopes alive, he is now 11 points ahead of Joe Talbot going into the final races of the year. 

SuperStock Donington Park Race 2 Results

SuperSport

The SuperSport tile will be decided at the last round as well after Jack Kennedy opened up a 21 point lead after the two races at Donington. Title rival #8 Luke Stapleford crashed out while leading in the first race to boost #4 Kennedys chances of another championship crown. Kennedy came in first, reigning champion #1 Ben Currie second and #2 TJ Toms third.

In a thrilling feature race Stapleford on the Macadam Triumph Racing came through to take the win, Kennedy second, Currie third. All of the title contenders lead at some point but its Kennedy who leads the championship by 21 points ahead Currie who is 1 point ahead of Stapleford going into the final round. 

British Talent Cup

Congratulations to Lucas Brown for securing the 2024 R&G British Talent Cup championship at Donington Park. Brown has also been selected to move MotoGP™ into the Red Bull MotoGP™ Rookies Cup next season. Let's hope Brown can attract the sponsorship to continue his journey on the Road to MotoGP™.