Leon Haslam Seizes Sprint Race Victory at Oulton Park

The 2025 British Superbike Championship brought more thrills to Bank Holiday Monday with the season’s first sprint race at Oulton Park. Leon Haslam emerged as the star of the day, claiming a hard-fought victory after reeling in and overtaking early race leader Bradley Ray.

Familiar Faces at the Front in Morning Warm-Up

Monday morning began under overcast skies, with Bradley Ray setting the pace in the warm-up session. Glenn Irwin and Leon Haslam followed closely behind, mirroring their performances from Sunday’s Race One. The grid for Race Two maintained a similar lineup, with Ray on pole after his dominant display in the previous outing.

Ray Leads Early, but Haslam Strikes Back

Ray got another lightning start aboard his Raceways Yamaha, attempting to repeat his runaway success from the day before. However, Haslam, riding the Moto Rapido Ducati, had clearly done his homework overnight. Determined not to let Ray escape, Haslam methodically closed the gap, even setting a blistering new lap record of 1m 32.817s—faster than Ray’s own pole time.

By lap five, Haslam made his move. In a precise and clinical pass at Turn One (Old Hall), the 41-year-old veteran slipped up the inside of Ray to take the lead.

Final-Lap Drama Adds to Haslam’s Glory

Once in front, Haslam managed a nearly flawless race—until the final lap. A moment of drama at Island Bend saw the Ducati man briefly off-line and out of his seat as he wrestled the bike through the gears. Despite the scare, he quickly recovered and held his line defensively, clinging on to secure his first British Superbike win since his title-winning campaign in 2018.

Irwin’s Late Charge Pays Off with Second Place

While Haslam celebrated, the battle behind him intensified. Bradley Ray initially held second but had to fend off a charging Glenn Irwin. The Hager PBM Ducati rider started on the front row but got bogged down off the line, finding himself stuck in the chasing group.

Irwin wasn’t content to settle. He pushed hard to break free from the pack and closed in rapidly on the leaders. With Haslam making a slight error and Ray experiencing a moment of his own just beforehand, Irwin capitalized through Lodge Corner and surged into second.

Ray, visibly frustrated, had to settle for third and the final podium spot.

Stacey Shines Again, Ryde Rallies Late

Just behind the front-runners, the fight for fourth unfolded. Bathams AJN Racing’s Storm Stacey made another strong impression, having launched off the line from fourth on the grid to slot in directly behind Ray during the opening stages. His BMW looked sharp, and he led the second group for much of the race.

However, reigning champion Kyle Ryde managed to claw his way forward in the final laps. Still dialing in his OMG Yamaha, Ryde timed his push well, edging ahead of Stacey to claim fourth, leaving Stacey to take a commendable fifth place.

Consistent Efforts from Kent and Nesbitt

McAMS Yamaha’s Danny Kent took sixth, riding a consistent and controlled race to stay clear of the chaos around him. Charlie Nesbitt followed closely in seventh, once again showing strong pace as the top-finishing Honda rider for the MasterMac squad.

Iddon Bounces Back, Jackson and Bridewell Close Behind

After retiring from Sunday’s race, Christian Iddon bounced back on Monday with a solid ride to eighth—the top Kawasaki finisher—for the AJN Steelstock team. He was chased home by DAO Racing Honda’s Lee Jackson in ninth, with Honda UK’s Tommy Bridewell right on their heels in tenth.

Bridewell continued to describe the weekend as one of “damage limitation,” but his consistent points haul should prove valuable over the long season.

Skinner Bests Cook in Ducati-Kawasaki Duel

Cheshire Mouldings Ducati rider Rory Skinner took eleventh after a spirited battle with Max Cook, who finished twelfth aboard the Green Kawasaki. The two were locked together for much of the race, with Skinner finally prevailing in the closing laps.

Brookes and Rookie Duo Round Out the Points

Veteran Josh Brookes added more points to his tally with a 13th-place finish for DAO Racing Honda. Behind him, the fight for top rookie honors continued to unfold. Scott Swann edged out fellow newcomer John McPhee to take 14th for Send My Bag Racing IWR Honda. McPhee, riding for MasterMac Honda, completed the points in 15th.