Donegal Motorcycle Racer Rhys Irwin was once again the star of the show as the British Superstock 600 championship returned to Donington Park today.
Riding his Irwin Racing, Mondello Park supported Yamaha the teenager took his third pole position of the season and followed it up with the second victory of his impressive rookie season.
The fifth event of the shortened British Championship season proved to be one of the toughest for the riders in the Superstock 600 Championship as the weather upset the normal weekend timetable. Saturday’s qualifying session was abandoned due to torrential rain so the times from Friday’s combined practice sessions would be used to form the grid for Sunday’s one and only race.
Happily for Rhys he had been quickly up to speed in Friday’s opening session, the only dry one of the weekend, where he was quickest by almost half a second, so he therefore secured pole position for the third time from six races.
Having had a full day off on Saturday, the Superstock 600 riders were faced with tricky, wet but drying, conditions, when they took to the track for Sundays race. Tyre choice would be very important and would play a big part in the race results. Having chosen to start the race on Dry weather tyres the Kilmacrennan rider initially dropped to second place and then to fourth allowing the race and championship leader to open up a four second gap at the front of the field.
From half distance Rhys’ tyre choice came good as he upped his pace and moved through into second place before quickly closing on the leader. Running the fastest laps of the race the Irish rider easily moved into the lead with two laps to go and then began to build a gap. Getting quicker on each lap Rhys managed the gap to second place as he completed a very mature and impressive performance. The young Irish racers second win of the year moved him into joint second in the championship and kept alive his chances of lifting the 2020 Superstock 600 title.
“That was another brilliant weekend” said Rhys after Sunday’s race. “I was delighted to take pole again and then even happier when I was able to turn it into my second win in my rookie season. The weather made it very difficult for everyone from the riders to the BSB organisers so it was great to get out and race today and to come from behind to take the win. I’m really happy with the way things are going and I cant wait for the finale in two weeks time when I’ll go to Brands Hatch still in with a shout of taking the title. Thanks to all the team and my sponsors, especially Dad, Wes and Arnie who gave me a great bike and helped me make the right tyre choice to be able to take the win today.
Rhys Irwin will return to action for a final British Championship double header at Brands Hatch in two weeks time.
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