It’s been an up and down season so far for Tommy Bridewell in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, a good round followed by a not-so-good round and that trend continued at Donington Park where he took his first win of the year in fine fashion.
The Oxford Products Racing Ducati rider dominated proceedings in the final race of the weekend. His choice of intermediate tyres perfect for the conditions for his fifth career BSB win, and his first since winning at the same venue 12 months ago.
It came fresh from a relatively disappointing weekend at Thruxton where he only managed a best finish of tenth but when he’s been firing this season, he’s been firing on all cylinders and that’s why he’s occupying a comfortable Showdown position in fifth overall.
“You can’t force the issue in racing and if it’s not right on a particular weekend, it’s better to accept that and push harder when you know you can,” he said afterwards.
“The way the competition is in BSB, if you push hard when things aren’t going your way, you end up crashing. Knockhill’s not my favourite track to be honest, nor is Thruxton, so I took what points I could there whereas Oulton, Brands and here at Donington have been good for us and I’ve scored well.”
Oulton and Brands saw him pick up a brace of podiums at each and although two fifth’s were the outcome in the first two races at Donington, he more than made amends in the final race.
“I wasn’t quite where I needed to be in the first two races and I didn’t quite hit the nail on the head with the way I wanted the bike to feel but we worked hard and continued. And in the final race, the bike was awesome, absolutely awesome.”
“It was a last minute decision to go to the intermediates as I’ve never ever run them in my career before, so to go front and rear was a gamble for me. I’m really chuffed for everyone involved with the team and it’s nice to see the big girl back on the top steps!”
The series now heads to Cadwell, a venue that’s been a happy hunting ground for Bridewell in the past and the venue for his first ever career BSB win back in 2014. With 13 podium credits to his name, now would be a good time to take another victory at the scenic Lincolnshire circuit and bridge the gap to runaway leader Jason O’Halloran.
