The British Superbike Championship’s visit to Donington Park concluded with a commanding third victory of the weekend for Bradley Ray, who held off late pressure from Glenn Irwin to complete the hat-trick.
Starting from fourth on the grid, Ray launched off the line with precision, seizing the lead into Turn 1. Pole-sitter Rory Skinner slotted in behind him in the early stages.
Irwin, running in third, began to lose ground as Ray settled into a consistent rhythm at the front. But on lap nine, the PBM Ducati rider began to close the gap significantly.
Irwin attempted a decisive move at the Foggy Esses—the same location where a similar move failed in Saturday’s sprint—but again found himself too far back and was forced to back out, costing him crucial time.
Unfazed, Irwin responded with a record-breaking lap on the penultimate lap (lap 19 of 20) to mount one final challenge. But Ray was rock-solid in defense through both the Foggy Esses and Melbourne Loop, securing a clean sweep at Donington for Yamaha.
Irwin gave everything he had and came home second, while the battle for third intensified in the final laps. Skinner managed to pull clear of Leon Haslam, finishing nearly a second ahead to claim the final podium spot. It marked his first podium since his Knockhill victory last season, and his first since joining Cheshire Mouldings Ducati—a team and machine he’s still adapting to.
Haslam settled for fourth aboard the Moto Rapido Ducati.
At his home circuit, reigning champion Kyle Ryde pushed the limits trying to stay in touch with the leaders and was handed a long-lap penalty for exceeding track limits. Fortunately, his advantage over the chasing group was enough that he served the penalty and still rejoined the race in fifth.
Josh Brookes, once again slow to start, found his rhythm mid-race and overtook both John McPhee and Danny Kent to finish sixth for DAO Racing. He was also the top-finishing Honda rider, capping off a strong weekend for the team.
Tommy Bridewell followed in seventh, showing grit and determination despite his Honda Racing UK machine not being at its best throughout the weekend.
Danny Kent, nursing injuries from earlier crashes, held on for eighth for McAMS Yamaha.
Christian Iddon, riding for AJN Steelstock Kawasaki, came close to breaking into the group but had to settle for ninth, once again leading teammate Max Cook, who rounded out the top ten.
Andrew Irwin, still recovering from a shoulder injury, brought his bike home in 11th, while McPhee—who had been as high as sixth—faded to 12th but was still the top rookie in Race 3 for MasterMac Honda.
Charlie Nesbitt delivered an impressive ride, coming through from the back of the grid to finish 13th. Rookie Scott Swann scored points in 14th for Send My Bag Racing by IWR Honda, ahead of Fraser Rogers who claimed the final point for TAG Honda in 15th.
Just two other riders completed the race: Peter Hickman and Luke Hedger.
Crashes, Injuries, and Retirements
Race 3 was attrition-heavy, with numerous retirements throughout.
Blaze Baker was the first to exit, pulling off with a technical issue. Shortly afterward, Richard Kerr, Storm Stacey, and Jaimie van Sikkelerus also retired from the race.
Billy McConnell and Lee Jackson managed to reach lap 17 before being forced out.
Aprilia’s replacement rider Tom Sykes, along with Jamie Davis and Davey Todd, didn’t make the grid for the final outing.
Championship Standings After Donington
After taking the maximum 86 points across all three races on the Grand Prix layout, Bradley Ray now leads the championship.
Glenn Irwin remains his closest challenger, trailing by 12 points with a total of 74. Kyle Ryde is third on 66, with Leon Haslam just one point behind in fourth on 65.
Rory Skinner climbs to fifth overall with 47 points, improving with each race of the weekend. Josh Brookes sits just behind on 44.
John McPhee solidifies his status as the top rookie, now in 13th place with 19 points. Scott Swann follows with 15 points.
