Boast Plumbing/AOR’s Jonathan Railton scored the opening wins of the Ducati TriOptions 848 Challenge season with a stunning double at Brands Hatch for the opening round of the series.
Railton started the opening race from second on the grid after Marty Nutt secured the opening pole position of the season but got off to a flying start to hold off the Ducati Coventry/JHP rider by just 1.195 seconds at the finish with the experienced Mike Edwards retuning to the podium in third place.
Railton proved he will be a serious title contender by securing the second race win of the weekend in dominant style, holding a 5.489 second advantage over Edwards in race two to lead the standings after the opening round.
“That was really good – the first time I rode the bike in the dry was on Friday and then I was quickest in the first session. The bike has a nice balance of handling and speed and I really enjoy it and riding in this and the Superstock has been easier than I expected and is improving my riding,” said Railton.
“I started the race in second, got away well and got the lead but then Edwards and Nutt came past me. I bided my time and with about five laps to go took Edwards and then chased Nutt down, getting a good run to pass him and then I held him off over the last three laps,” added the Boast Plumbing/Art of Racing backed rider.
“Saturday was good to have some battling but this one was fantastic – the lap record, and one that I really enjoyed, getting away cleanly at the start and not having to get into any battling,” said Railton.
Edwards though remained confident that he can close the gap at the next round of the Championship: “It’s a long year ahead, plenty of races, plenty of points and races to play to your strengths in. I’m in the mood for it.”