Saturday 30 May 2015

BSB: The top level

The 2015 British Superbike grid has the greatest depth of talent seen for many years and has possibly it's strongest line-up ever. There are over eight well-funded teams running at least two strong riders each along with numerous other high quality smaller teams with riders which are proven at national level.

However, looking at the early part of the season we can see that the very top level riders are still the same as they have been in recent years. None of the new riders have yet been able to raise their level that little bit extra to get to the very top. The familiar names of James Ellison, Shane Byrne, Josh Brookes and Stuart Easton head the championship and already all four look likely to take their place in the season ending top six showdown. Josh Brookes further underlined this at the recent Snetterton test by topping the timesheets and smashing his old lap record.

It is in the final two showdown spots where the real battle lies; with more riders having a genuine chance of getting into the showdown than in any year since the showdown system was introduced. They are currently filled by Tommy Bridewell and Jason O'Halloran with three times former champion, Ryuichi Kiyonari not yet featuring in the top six, something he will surely be looking to put right in the next few rounds of the championship.

Congratulations to Kyle Ryde who wildcarded at the Donington Park World Supersport race and finished in third place on the podium after lining up in second place on the grid! The seventeen year old from the midlands is clearly a fantastic talent and has a bright future ahead of him. He currently lies second in the British Supersport Championship after winning the National Superstock 600 championship last year.

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