After winning the historic double triple with Snetterton, Bradley Ray was expected to maintain momentum in Scotland, but his Knockhill British Superbike weekend’s start was not an easy one.
In fact, leaving it in person to move directly to Q2, Ray continued to take the pole position, but only after the first crash of the season.
From the top spot on the grid, the Raceway Yamaha rider was quickly handed over by rival Kyle Ride.
“I didn’t get a very good start so at that point I had to settle for the race. Kyle was strong at the start of the race. Rory also passed me pretty early. I was happy to sit third.
Front 3 helped me to confirm that #28 could decide on the game plan and be a guaranteed podium on the card.
“We just had to carve the lap at the start of the race and we were getting the fourth gap, so we found that the three on the podium were safe, so we were able to carve the lap and make the move.
Kyle made a mistake and managed to get to Kyle’s underneath. At that point I knew I needed to attack Rory right away – I felt like I had a bit of a good pace, but I made a strong pass to Turn 3 as I couldn’t pass him where I wanted. Then I just got into the rhythm. ”
Through Ray he was able to do his best and run his own pace straight ahead. To that extent, he gave the impression he was punching bags, quickly pulling out a two-second lead on a series of fastest laps in the race.
“Get into the rhythm I knew I could and I worked in practice and tests, so turn off the laps.
For a long time here – 30 laps – I feel a little dizzy at the end, but the bike worked well and I took a little step on the qualifying bike so I felt a little more comfortable. ”
Going forward, the 2022 BSB champions were sure his rival would be one step ahead of the two races on Sunday.
“I think I would expect the same thing tomorrow when it drys, but I think Rory and Kyle will stick to me towards the end of there, make some changes and get a little closer.
But I enjoyed the fight – I enjoyed making passes and being passed – that’s all about the race, but in the end we were able to pass it to the line first for the raceway and Yamaha. ”