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The Bennetts British Superbike Championship has entered a critical phase at the TT Circuit Assen, where the competition for supremacy escalates. Bradley Ray, competing for Raceways Yamaha, demonstrated his skill by finishing atop the free practice times, narrowly outpacing Scott Redding of Hager PBM Ducati. This performance establishes an exhilarating atmosphere for the upcoming races, as the Showdown approaches.
Free Practice Highlights
Ray’s standout lap time was achieved on his final attempt during the second free practice session, giving him a slim margin of just 0.099 seconds over Redding. The competitive nature of the event was highlighted by the fact that the top twelve riders were separated by less than a second. This indicates the intense racing anticipated in the forthcoming Bandero Café Shoot Out Qualifying and the opening race of the Showdown.
Top Performers
Completing the podium was Danny Kent from McAMS Racing Yamaha. He was closely followed by Tommy Bridewell of Honda Racing UK and Leon Haslam, who is renowned for his impressive record at this iconic venue. Bridewell secured fourth place, while Haslam, known for his exceptional achievements, rounded out the top five.
Narrow Margins and Close Competition
The competition was intense, with Charlie Nesbitt narrowly surpassing reigning champion Kyle Ryde by just 0.003 seconds to claim seventh place. Rory Skinner followed closely in eighth position. A thrilling battle unfolded between John McPhee and Max Cook, who were separated by a mere 0.002 seconds, highlighting the razor-thin margins that characterize motorcycle racing.
Championship Standings
As the championship standings intensify, Ryde currently leads with a 28-point advantage over Ray. This sets the scene for an exciting confrontation, as both riders prepare for their inaugural race at Assen. The urgency of the competition is palpable, and the riders are keen to demonstrate their abilities on this iconic circuit.
Bradley Ray’s Insights
In a recent reflection on his racing performance, Ray shared his enthusiasm about returning to Assen. “The atmosphere here is always electric,” he remarked, drawing on his experiences from the World Championship. He added, “I felt comfortable right from the start in FP1. We made several adjustments to the bike since Donington Park, and I’m pleased to feel like my bike again.”
Ray emphasized the significant effort his team has dedicated to preparing for the upcoming Showdown. “Today has been a productive experience, and we’ve addressed some minor issues that had been concerning us. I appreciate Steve and the Raceways team for providing such a robust package as we enter this critical phase,” he stated.
As the riders prepare for the forthcoming races, fans can anticipate intense competition and thrilling moments. The TT Circuit Assen is famous for its demanding layout and rich history, offering an ideal setting for this high-stakes championship showdown.
Looking Ahead
With the Bennetts British Superbike Championship heating up, all attention will be on the riders as they take to the track for the Bandero Café Shoot Out Qualifying. This event will not only determine the grid positions for the opening race but also establish the momentum for the remainder of the championship.
As teams and riders gear up for tomorrow’s events, excitement is palpable, signaling an exhilarating weekend of racing at one of the sport’s most prestigious circuits.