Kent’s Bradley Ray increased his Bennett’s British Superbike Championship lead with three podium finishes at Donington Park at the weekend.

A third place in Saturday’s sprint race and a brace of second places in the longer Sunday races means he heads to Knockill in mid June with a 28 point advantage over nearest challenger Jason O’Halloran.

Kyle Ryde was to take the win on Saturday afternoon having battled Ray for most of the race. Along with O’Halloran and Lee Jackson.

Ray looked to have the pace all weekend but couldn’t hold on at the end of the race.

Race two saw Ray, Ryde and O’Halloran battle it out, and when Ryde crashed out it was left to Ray and O’Halloran to Duke it out for the win. Ultimately though the O’Show had slightly more pace and Ray settled for another haul of points and podium credits.

Race three went much the same way for Ray, the changes he made between race two and three meant that he had the pace to stay with the O’Show right to the last lap, but in the end it was another second place finish.

Speaking after the weekend, Ray said: “That’s been another good weekend. I can’t complain about another three podium finishes, that’s eight in nine so the consistency is there and that’s exactly what we want at this stage of the season.

“Jason had a little bit more than me this weekend, but the RICH Energy OMG Racing Yamaha was exceptional as always so a huge thanks to my team for that. We have a break now while the boys head to the TT so we’ll reflect on the opening three rounds and then look forward to Knockhill.”

Images courtesy of Ian Hopgood Photography