
Irwin fourth in Donington British Superbike opener
Glenn Irwin finished fourth in Saturday's opening British Superbike race of the weekend at Donington.The 20-lap event was won by Yamaha rider Brad Ray, with defending champion Kyle Ryde second on a machine provided by the same manufacturer, and Australian two-time BSB champion Josh Brookes third for DAO Racing Honda, their first-ever BSB podium.For Brookes, it was a first rostrum finish in the championship since 2023.Ray was the early leader, before Irwin hit the front, but under pressure from his pursuer, the PBM Ducati rider ran too hot into Melbourne Loop on lap 14 and subsequently fell out of the podium positions.Rory Skinner came home fifth for the Cheshire Mouldings Ducati by TAS Racing team.Andrew Irwin was eighth for Honda Racing, compatriot Scott Swann 12th and Richard Kerr 16th.Ray now leads the standings on 50 points, six points ahead of Glenn Irwin, with Leon Haslam a further two points in arrears.The sprint race and the second feature race will be staged on Sunday.Meanwhile Ben Currie won the Supersport sprint race, with Donegal's Rhys Irwin third, Dubliner and five-time series champion Jack Kennedy fourth and Eugene McManus fifth. Lee Johnston was 12th.
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