BSB Brands Hatch: Race 2 Redding Returns to Winning Ways as Ryde Takes Race 3 Thriller

Race 2: Redding Clinches First Brands BSB Victory as Ray Crashes from the Lead

Sunday’s racing action at Brands Hatch got off to a dramatic start in the second British Superbike Championship contest, with Scott Redding claiming his first-ever BSB victory at the iconic circuit—a hard-earned triumph following Bradley Ray’s heartbreaking crash from the lead.

Redding, starting from pole thanks to a blistering qualifying and fastest laps in Saturday’s opener, launched strongly. But it was Ray who surged into the lead heading into Paddock Hill Bend, instantly looking like the rider to beat.

The Raceways Yamaha star appeared to be breaking away early on, but Redding—now riding for Hager PBM Ducati—was glued to his tail. A mid-race safety car bunched up the field, and Redding, still adjusting to BSB’s procedural differences after his WorldSBK stint, opted for caution on the restart, choosing not to jump Ray prematurely.

But the pressure was relentless. Lap after lap, Redding shadowed Ray, forcing the 2022 champion into an uncharacteristic mistake on Lap 10. At Westfield, Ray ran wide under pressure, lost the front, and was sent sliding off the bike, bringing an early end to what had looked like a sure win.

With Ray out, Redding inherited a clear track and kept his cool to fend off a resurgent Kyle Ryde, crossing the line just 0.339s ahead to seal his first win since returning to the BSB paddock—and his debut Brands Hatch victory in the series.

Ryde, who had slipped from his front-row grid slot at the start, benefited most from the safety car. The reigning champ regrouped quickly after falling to fifth, carving back through the pack. A bold move on Kent at Paddock Hill Bend saw him secure second place.

Kent, meanwhile, lost ground post-safety car due to fading tyres and a developing brake issue. Despite dropping as low as fifth, the McAMS Yamaha rider dug deep and muscled back past Iddon to take the final podium spot—his first since last year at the same venue, where he secured his only BSB win.

Behind them, Christian Iddon continued his strong form, finishing fourth as the lead Kawasaki for AJN Steelstock, though teammate Max Cook finished just 0.067s behind in a photo finish.

Rory Skinner claimed sixth for Cheshire Mouldings Ducati, followed closely by Andrew Irwin, who rounded out that tight group in seventh for Honda Racing UK.

Eighth went to Lee Jackson, who edged out Leon Haslam—back in competitive form for Moto Rapido Ducati after mechanical woes on Saturday. Josh Brookes rounded out the top ten after rebounding strongly from a morning warm-up crash that briefly red-flagged the session.

Fraser Rogers (TAG Honda) came home in 11th, ahead of rookie standout Scott Swann in 12th. His main rival John McPhee failed to score once again.

Luke Hedger hung onto 13th for Whitecliffe CDH Honda, while Storm Stacey, having endured several engine swaps over the weekend, produced a spirited charge from the back of the grid to grab 14th for Bathams BMW. Billy McConnell picked up the final point in 15th.

Race 3: Ryde Returns to the Top with Gritty Victory in Wet/Dry Thriller

The final race of the weekend saw a third different winner in as many races, with Kyle Ryde edging Danny Kent in a breathless last-lap battle to secure his first win of the 2025 BSB season.

In a race marked by changeable weather and yet another safety car, the Brands Hatch GP layout delivered another classic showdown. Bradley Ray led the early laps from pole, seemingly determined to bounce back from his earlier disappointment. But pressure came thick and fast—from both Ryde and Kent.

Disaster struck on Lap 5 when Lee Jackson crashed at Clearways, prompting a second safety car in as many races. Ray retained the lead through the neutralization, but when racing resumed, it was Kent who pounced first, moving to the front with confidence.

Ryde then followed through with a move at Westfield, as Ray—perhaps more cautious after his earlier fall—opted for discretion. As rain flags began to fly, the race transformed again. The lead group fragmented, with Kent and Ryde adapting best to the slick conditions, leaving Ray and Redding to scrap over the final podium spot.

The duel between Ryde and Kent intensified through the second half of the race. On Lap 13, Ryde muscled his way past Kent at Hawthorns, only for Kent to strike back immediately. The pair continued to swap positions in a gritty, elbows-out contest until Ryde made his move stick.

The reigning champion crossed the line just 0.103s ahead, sealing a gritty and emotional win at the circuit where he sealed the 2024 title. Kent had to settle for second but took solace in another Brands Hatch podium—a venue that clearly suits the #52.

Redding, meanwhile, experienced tyre drop-off after the safety car, coupled with a warning light flashing on his Ducati’s dash. He lost touch with the front pair briefly but dug deep to reclaim third in the closing stages, adding more silverware and earning the “King of Brands” trophy for the most points scored over the weekend.

Ray finished fourth—just missing the podium despite having led all three races at different points.

Christian Iddon was once again in the mix early, but a massive moment in the damp saw him back off slightly to finish fifth. Rory Skinner crossed the line in sixth, some distance ahead of the chasing pack.

Leon Haslam led that next group to seventh, besting Max Cook and top Honda finisher Josh Brookes in eighth and ninth respectively. Fraser Rogers rounded out the top ten again for TAG Honda.

Storm Stacey, having started from a more favorable 13th, finished 11th after a fierce battle with Scott Swann, who once again took top rookie honors in 12th. The final points went to Billy McConnell (13th), Luke Hedger (14th), and Davey Todd, who finally broke into the points with 15th—his first of the season.

Images : Respective Teams