BSB Knockhill Race 3 Results

Skinner Stops the Streak: Local Hero Denies Ray Ninth Straight Win in Dramatic Knockhill Finale

Rory Skinner brought Bradley Ray’s remarkable winning streak to a dramatic close, snatching victory in the final British Superbike Championship (BSB) race of the weekend at Knockhill. Mastering the tricky wet conditions and showing poise under pressure, the Scotsman claimed a hard-fought win that ended Ray’s charge toward a record-breaking ninth straight victory.

It wasn’t straightforward for Skinner, who had to lead the race not once, not twice, but three times, thanks to two red flags that interrupted proceedings while he was out in front. Undeterred, the local favourite kept his head each time the race was restarted, ultimately making the third attempt count in a shortened 16-lap dash to the flag.

His success not only halted Ray’s attempt to surpass Shane Byrne’s 2002 record but also marked Skinner’s second career BSB victory — both of which have now come at his home track in Knockhill. It was also his first triumph aboard the Ducati with the Cheshire Mouldings TAS Racing outfit, underlining his adaptability and confidence in the most challenging of circumstances.

Ray, for his part, could take some solace in finishing second — maintaining a strong hold on the championship lead. With Kyle Ryde only able to manage 11th after being forced to start from the very back due to issues prior to the final restart, Ray’s advantage at the top has ballooned to 52 points after four rounds.

The weather at Knockhill had been testing all weekend, but it saved its worst for last. With clouds looming and the rain arriving in bursts, the final race was always going to be a survival test.

At the original start, Skinner got the better launch and beat polesitter Ray into Turn 1, but a sudden downpour by lap three forced officials to red flag the race. After a brief delay, the riders lined up again — and once more, Skinner was first into Turn 1. This second attempt lasted until lap five, when Blaze Baker lost control exiting Taylor’s Hairpin and left a trail of fuel on the racing line, prompting a second stoppage.

This time, the grid was re-formed based on riders’ positions at the point of the red flag. That saw Skinner promoted to pole — but it was Ray who made the better getaway on the third and final restart, muscling past into Duffus Dip.

Skinner, though, wasn’t done. Showing both grit and familiarity with his home circuit, he sliced up the inside of Ray at McIntyre’s, reclaiming the lead in decisive fashion. From there, the 22-year-old controlled the pace expertly, edging out a gap and riding mistake-free to seal an emotional and emphatic win.

Ray, despite his best efforts to stay with the Ducati ahead, had to concede defeat — ending his impressive eight-race win streak. Still, with another strong haul of points and Ryde’s low finish, Ray extended his championship lead and now sits level with his mentor Shane Byrne on that eight-win run, a feat not matched in over two decades.

Behind the top two, there was celebration in the TAG Racing garage as Fraser Rogers delivered a career-best ride to secure his maiden BSB podium. The third restart played into his hands, as he capitalized on the reshuffled order and managed to hold off a hard-charging Christian Iddon and Max Cook.

Rogers had already equalled his previous best finish with a strong ride in Race 2 and carried that momentum forward, first fending off Cook and then reeling in Iddon. The former Superbike regular had climbed impressively from a lowly grid spot to third, but in the final laps, Rogers pounced — snatching third on lap 11 and defending fiercely to the finish.

Iddon eventually settled for fourth, his best result yet since switching to Kawasaki machinery with AJN Steelstock. Cook, who had looked on course for a top-five finish, was shuffled back to sixth as Storm Stacey came alive in the latter stages to claim fifth.

It was a tough weekend overall for Leon Haslam, who ended the final race in seventh and also dropped behind Skinner in the championship standings, relinquishing third place overall. Andrew Irwin led the Honda charge with a solid ride to eighth.

Scott Redding was one of the stories of the race — climbing from 19th on the grid to finish ninth in just 16 laps. Despite the lack of recent wet weather experience in BSB conditions, the returning 2019 champion impressed once again with his calm and calculated approach.

Charlie Nesbitt rounded out the top ten, while Ryde could do no better than 11th after starting from the back. He pushed hard to make up ground but ran out of time to crack the top ten, a frustrating end to an otherwise promising weekend.

Danny Kent, who had started on the front row in the original grid, faded to 12th in the greasy conditions. Tommy Bridewell also had a forgettable final outing, finishing a distant 13th after scoring a podium in Race 2. Lee Jackson and Luke Hedger completed the points-paying positions.

As the chequered flag fell on a chaotic and rain-hit finale, the momentum was momentarily diverted from Ray’s imperious run — but only just. Skinner’s win was a timely reminder that the championship is far from over, especially with the likes of Redding, Rogers, and Iddon stepping up their game. With more drama surely on the horizon, this season continues to deliver in spades.

Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings:

1. Bradley Ray (Raceways Yamaha) 192
2. Kyle Ryde (OMG Nitrous Competitions Racing Yamaha) 140
3. Rory Skinner (Cheshire Mouldings Ducati) 122
4. Leon Haslam (Moto Rapido Ducati Racing) 122
5. Tommy Bridewell (Honda Racing UK) 101
6. Josh Brookes (DAO Racing Honda) 86
7. Danny Kent (McAMS Racing Yamaha) 77
8. Glenn Irwin (Hager PBM Ducati) 74
9. Storm Stacey (Bathams AJN Racing BMW) 73
10. Christian Iddon (AJN Steelstock Kawasaki) 69