Jon Kirkham proved his dominance of the inaugural Henderson Yamaha R1 Cup by wrapping up the title with one round to spare with an enigmatic display at Silverstone British Superbikes today.

Kirkham, the dominant force all season with nine pole positions, added his eighth race victory taking the chequered flag just over four seconds from Wilson. The Derby-based rider has led the title chase since day one, never looking in danger of relinquishing the blue Metzeler liveried championship leader's R1.

Ben Wilson rode a gallant race, determined to finish ahead of Kirkham to take the title race to the final round at Brands Hatch. However, Kirkham's pace proved far too hot for the Boston-based rider to be able to mount a decisive challenge for the lead.

Richard Cooper made his return onboard the Co-ordit Racing R1, and from a front row start, ran in third position for the first half of the race. Sam Warren shrugged off the advances of Adrian Coates and set about closing down and passing Kieran Blair on the Unique Racing Yamaha.

With open track ahead to the diminutive figure of Cooper, Warren posted a succession of fast laps to tag onto the rear fairing of the Co-ordit Racing rider, lining up the decisive passing move out of Bridge, sliding the Mission Racing Yamaha into third at Priory.

Meanwhile Coates had tripped himself up in the battle with Warren, demoting his Yamaha YZF-R1 back to 14th place, the veteran Irish racer called upon his years of race experience to elevate himself back into an impressive 6th place as he crossed the line to finish the race.

"I like the sound of Champion, it's got a nice ring to it! Ben gave me a really hard race there, probably the hardest all year. Every time I went into a corner I could hear him, I made a few little mistakes but I managed to hold him off. I've had a great weekend, I had a really good Superstock race too so this has topped off my weekend," said Kirkham.