Gearlink Kawasaki’s Glenn Irwin clinched his second Motorpoint British Supersport victory in emphatic style, conquering the Cadwell Park downpour with great expertise.
The Carrickfergus rider stormed through from the third row of the grid to battle for the lead in the early stages. He took the lead after a move under braking at Park corner, but it wasn’t going to be an easy ride to victory. American James Rispoli piled on the pressure, eventually taking the lead half way through the race.
However, Irwin slipped back past the Team Traction Control rider before the Floridian crashed out at the Hairpin whilst trying to retake the lead.
Irwin then broke clear, posting numerous personal best laps, opening out a 3 second advantage over Billy McConnell. Smiths Triumph’s McConnell was soon being chased down by Appleyard Macadam’s Jake Dixon. The Dover teenager had posted the fastest lap of the race, moving through from eleventh on the grid to third place. A debut British Supersport podium wasn’t to be for Dixon, however, as he crashed out at Coppice.
In the torrential rain, it quickly became a war of attrition. Only eleven riders finished, with Irwin taking the chequered flag ahead of McConnell and teammate Graeme Gowland. Mar-Train Yamaha’s Alistair Seeley failed to finish due to a technical problem, meaning he drops 38 points behind McConnell in the title chase. McConnell extended his lead over Gowland out to eight points.
Profile Triumph’s Luke Stapleford ended in fourth place, losing out to Gowland on the last lap, ahead of Sam Hornsey and Dean Hipwell. Tyco Suzuki’s Taylor Mackenzie finished in seventh, with EVO winner Josh Corner just behind in eighth. Rounding out the top ten was Tim Hastings and Grant Whitaker.
