Danny Kent emerged from the opening round of the 2023 British Superbike Championship (BSB) as one of the weekend’s talking points following a competitive debut for his own Lovell Kent Racing team.

The 29-year old kicked off his 2023 campaign on satellite Honda CBR1000RR-R machinery with a ninth, eighth and fifth place brace of results, the latter of which also included a stint in the lead of a British Superbike race for the first time.

Following two injury blighted seasons on the Buildbase Suzuki, Kent has opted to go it alone this year as part of his own Lovell-sponsored Kent Racing team, which is also supporting his brother Kieran Kent in the Junior Superstock Championship.

Embarking on a comprehensive winter testing programme, Kent came to Silverstone feeling well prepared and demonstrated as much by jostling inside the top ten as the best-placed Honda rider throughout the weekend.

Danny Kent a contender for BSB race wins in 2023?

It culminated in a particularly strong show in the third race of the weekend, Kent working his way to the front to lead for several laps before fading tyres late on forced him down to fifth at the flag.

Though disappointed to miss out on a second career BSB podium, the 2015 Moto3 World Champion is confident of more to come.

“I’m very happy with how round one at Silverstone turned out for myself and the LKR team, we worked well all weekend. Any problems I had on the bike were resolved quickly, races one and two we were just missing a little grip, which we managed to sort for race three.

“The team gave me a bike for race three that allowed me to fight at the front and lead my first BSB race. I’m happy with the results, the plan is to grow from there and try and make improvements at each event. Thank you to everyone involved.”

“As a team owner, I’m extremely excited following our first round results," added Team Owner Allen Lovell. "Our team has worked hard over the winter to have a positive start and competitive bike. Danny has shown with his technicians we can be one of the front runners. 

“We know it’s a long season and will take one round at a time. Now we can look forward to Oulton Park!”

Kent holds down eighth position in the points' reckoning heading for Oulton Park - CLICK HERE for the full BSB Championship standings after Round 1 of 11.