Reigning champion Kyle Ryde launched his 2026 British Superbike Championship campaign in perfect fashion, securing victory in the opening race at Oulton Park.
The defending champion delivered a measured and decisive performance to take the win for Nitrous Coin Nitrous Competitions Racing, fending off a strong challenge from fellow former champions Bradley Ray and Leon Haslam, who completed a high-quality, all-champions podium.
Fast Start from Ray Sets Early Pace
The race burst into life immediately as Bradley Ray made a lightning getaway aboard his McAMS Yamaha machine. He led the field into the opening corners, with Leon Haslam and Storm Stacey close behind.
Ryde, meanwhile, made a more measured start from the second row, settling into fourth position as the field charged through the opening lap on the narrow and technical Oulton Park circuit—one of the most demanding tracks on the calendar due to its tight layout and limited overtaking opportunities.
Haslam Hits the Front Before Ryde Strikes Back
By the second lap, Haslam wasted no time asserting himself, making a clean move at Old Hall corner to take the lead. The experienced rider looked comfortable out front, but Ryde was already beginning to build momentum behind.
On lap four, the reigning champion made his move. Braking late into Old Hall, Ryde executed a decisive overtake on Haslam to claim the lead—one he would not relinquish for the remainder of the race.
From that moment on, Ryde focused on consistency and race management, key traits that defined his championship-winning campaign the previous season.
Intense Battle for the Podium Positions
While Ryde edged clear at the front, the fight behind him was anything but settled. Bradley Ray and Leon Haslamengaged in a fierce contest for second place.
Ray made an aggressive move at Knickerbrook on lap eight to move ahead, but Haslam responded a few laps later with a well-timed overtake at Lodge corner. The veteran then held firm under sustained pressure to secure second place at the chequered flag.
Adding to the drama, Storm Stacey remained within striking distance throughout the closing stages. The Bathams AJN Racing Ducati rider pushed hard but ultimately fell just short of a podium finish, crossing the line in fourth.
Midfield Battles Highlight Depth of Competition
Further back, the midfield provided plenty of action. Scott Redding delivered a strong ride for Hager PBM Racing Team, making a decisive last-lap move at Hislop’s to snatch fifth position.
Max Cook impressed on his debut with the AJN Steelstock Bimota squad, showing strong pace and composure to secure sixth place after battling closely with Redding throughout the race.
The fight for seventh was equally tight, with Rory Skinner holding off a determined challenge from returning rider Ryan Vickers.
Behind them, Christian Iddon added further points to his tally in ninth, while rookie Joe Talbot made an impressive first appearance, finishing tenth and emerging as the leading newcomer.
Oulton Park: A Circuit That Rewards Precision
The opening round once again demonstrated why Oulton Park remains one of the most challenging venues in British motorsport. Its flowing sections, elevation changes, and narrow racing line make overtaking difficult, placing a premium on qualifying position and racecraft.
Ryde’s ability to time his move perfectly and then control the race from the front underlines his growing maturity as a championship contender.
Champion Lays Down Early Marker
With victory in the opening race, Kyle Ryde has immediately positioned himself as the rider to beat in the 2026 season. However, the close competition from Bradley Ray and Leon Haslam suggests the title fight is set to be as competitive as ever.
The presence of emerging talents like Storm Stacey and Max Cook further adds to the unpredictability of the championship.
| British Superbikes Oulton Park Round 1 Race 1 Result | |||||
| Pos | Rider | Nat. | BSB Team | Superbike | Timing |
| 1 | Kyle Ryde | GBR | Nitrous Competitions Racing | Ducati Panigale V4 R | WIN |
| 2 | Leon Haslam | GBR | Moto Rapido Ducati | Ducati Panigale V4 R | 5.180 |
| 3 | Bradley Ray | GBR | McAMS Yamaha | Yamaha R1 | 5.316 |
| 4 | Storm Stacey | GBR | AJN Bathams Racing | Ducati Panigale V4 R | 5.531 |
| 5 | Scott Redding | GBR | PBM Racing Team | Ducati Panigale V4 R | 6.903 |
| 6 | Max Cook | GBR | AJN Steelstock Bimota | Bimota KB998 | 7.412 |
| 7 | Rory Skinner | GBR | Cheshire Mouldings Yamaha | Yamaha R1 | 13.739 |
| 8 | Ryan Vickers | GBR | Honda Racing UK | Honda CBR1000RR-R | 13.805 |
| 9 | Christian Iddon | GBR | Sencat by Swan Racing | Yamaha R1 | 14.341 |
| 10 | Joe Talbot | GBR | AJN Steelstock Bimota | Bimota KB998 | 15.989 |
| 11 | Lee Jackson | GBR | DAO Racing Honda | Honda CBR1000RR-R | 20.608 |
| 12 | Glenn Irwin | GBR | Nitrous Competitions Racing | Ducati Panigale V4 R | 22.356 |
| 13 | Josh Brookes | AUS | DAO Racing Honda | Honda CBR1000RR-R | 22.400 |
| 14 | Fraser Rogers | GBR | TAG Racing | Honda CBR1000RR-R | 24.683 |
| 15 | Jason O’Halloran | AUS | Honda Racing UK | Honda CBR1000RR-R | 28.303 |
| 16 | Danny Kent | GBR | Cheshire Mouldings Yamaha | Yamaha R1 | 28.545 |
| 17 | Andrew Irwin | GBR | MET FonaCAB Ducati | Ducati Panigale V4 R | 32.037 |
| 18 | Ilya Mikhalchik | UKR | Team IWR | BMW M1000 RR | 33.355 |
| 19 | Rhys Irwin | IRL | MasterMac Honda | Honda CBR1000RR-R | 38.643 |
| 20 | Peter Hickman | GBR | 8Ten Racing BMW Motorrad | BMW M1000 RR | 52.643 |
| 21 | Richard Kerr | IRL | SM Racing | Honda CBR1000RR-R | 1:01.162 |
| DNF | Charlie Nesbitt | GBR | TAG Racing | Honda CBR1000RR-R | DNF |
| DNF | Eugene McManus | IRL | MasterMac Honda | Honda CBR1000RR-R | DNF |
| DNF | Luke Hedger | GBR | Whitecliffe CDH Racing | Honda CBR1000RR-R | DNF |
Early Signs of a Classic Season Ahead
The opening race at Oulton Park delivered exactly what fans expect from the British Superbike Championship—close racing, bold overtakes, and intense rivalries.
Ryde may have drawn first blood, but with multiple former champions and rising stars all showing competitive pace, the 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most fiercely contested in recent years.
