Swan Yamaha's Tommy Hill has taken the win in today's third and final British Superbike race at Brands Hatch, running away from John Hopkins to cross the line four seconds ahead of the American while Shane Byrne fended off Michael Laverty for the final podium spot.
Hill led from the off and only had Hopkins for company for a majority of the 20 lapper while Byrne had to ride a faultless race to keep Laverty behind him. The Irishman was only two-tenths in arrears when he saw the chequered flag but just couldn't find a way past the two-time champion.
Michael Rutter was in a scrap with Gary Mason for the first half of the race but yesterday's podium man just couldn't live with his pace. Ryuichi Kiyonari, however, was able to lap at the same pace as the leaders to come through onto the back wheel of Rutter. The four-time Suzuka winner just couldn't find a way past the veteran so had to settle for sixth.
Mason stayed ahead of the PBM World Superbike Kawasaki of Joan Lascorz with Peter Hickman and Jon Kirkham rounding out the top ten. Graeme Gowland was the first Evo rider home in 11th with Broc Parkes in 12th. James Ellison came through to 13th with James Westmoreland, who was in the mix for sixth early on, slipped to 14th and Chris Walker completes the top ten.
Glen Richards was the second Evo rider home in 17th overall while team-mate Jake Zemke made it an all WFR Honda Evo podium. Josh Brookes retired with a blown engine on lap five and Ian Lowry crashed out two laps previously.
Championship points:
Shane Byrne 255
John Hopkins 231
Tommy Hill 210
Michael Laverty 163
Josh Brookes 146
Ryuichi Kiyonari 135
