The 2022 Bennetts British Superbike Championship resumes at Brands Hatch this weekend and the Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha team is refreshed and ready for action. Round five of the hotly contested series takes place around the 2.650-mile GP layout, comprising three left-hand and eight right-hand corners and a current lap record of 1:24.873 set by Josh Brookes in 2017 but on this season’s BSB form, that time is expected to be improved upon across the weekend in the Garden of England.
Championship leader, Brad Ray, arrives at his home circuit holding a 16-point lead over McAMS Yamaha man, Jason O’Halloran. With eight podiums, including three victories to his name already, the Lydd rider is eager to get back out on track.
Brad Ray: “It’s probably the same for everyone, but Knockhill seems an age ago, although after the busy start to the season it’s been nice to regroup and take stock of what we achieved over the first four rounds. It’s already my most successful BSB season to date and we want that to continue until we come back to Brands in October. It’s been a relaxing break with plenty of miles on the cycle including a race up in Derbyshire and spending last weekend at WorldSBK, but the focus is now firmly on this next part of the season to continue the podium run and confirm that showdown place as soon as we can.”
Teammate, Kyle Ryde, sits fifth in the BSB standings and is well positioned for securing his place in the Showdown eight. With a win, three podiums, and a raft of front-row starts it’s been a strong start to 2022 for the Nottinghamshire rider.
Kyle Ryde: “I’ve had a great break since Knockhill with a holiday, a concert, and a day at WorldSBK to support Taz, so the batteries are now fully charged for the Showdown battle. Some of the recent results haven’t been where I wanted them to be but that’s all past now and all attention is on Brands Hatch this weekend. The Yamaha R1 and the team have been mega and I just want to secure that Showdown place before we look any further into the season.”
Chloe Jones continues her maiden year in the Junior Superstock class aboard her Yamaha R6 machine. This weekend will be her first laps of Brand Hatch in two years and her first round there on a 600cc motorcycle.
Chloe Jones: “It’s been far from easy this season as every track is a new track for us on the Junior Superstock Yamaha R6. I’ve really enjoyed the challenge so far and the progress across each weekend has been there for everyone to see. The RICH Energy OMG Racing Yamaha team has been brilliant with all their help and encouragement and I’m excited to get back on my Yamaha R6 on Friday morning.”
Action gets underway at Brands Hatch on Friday morning with Junior Superstock Free Practice for Chloe at 9.00 am and Bennetts British Superbike Free Practice 1 at 1.00 pm.
