Damon Hill left with ‘goosebumps’ after ‘exciting’ conclusion to British Superbike Championship finale
Kyle Ryde clinched his first British Superbike Championship title in a thrilling fashion at Brands Hatch on Sunday, edging out Tommy Bridewell by just one point in an exhilarating end to the season. The 27-year-old English rider emerged victorious in the third and final race of the weekend, crossing the finish line 0.296 seconds ahead of Bridewell after a sensational overtake on the last lap.
Throughout the gripping 20-lap race, the championship lead exchanged hands multiple times, setting the stage for a nail-biting battle between Ryde and Bridewell in the closing two laps. Despite the intense competition, it was Ryde who ultimately secured the win, claiming his maiden British Superbike title. The dramatic finale caught the attention of 1996 Formula 1 world champion Damon Hill, who lauded both riders for their performance.
Reflecting on the race on Twitter, Hill shared a viral video of the final laps, expressing, “I was Champion of Brands in 1984. Gives me goosebumps watching these guys. Thrilling is not a strong enough word. It’s beautiful to watch too. Such commitment and skill, not to mention humongous cojones!” Hill’s colleague at Sky Sports F1, Karun Chandhok, also chimed in, describing the race as “awesome.”
Bridewell, the defending champion from the previous year, narrowly missed out on retaining his title, finishing as the runner-up behind Ryde. The Yamaha Racing rider accumulated 487 points, just one point ahead of Honda Racing’s Bridewell, while Northern Irish racer Glenn Irwin secured the third spot in the standings.
The British Superbike Championship finale at Brands Hatch provided fans with a spectacle to remember, with Ryde’s last-lap heroics sealing his place in the history books. The intense battle between Ryde and Bridewell showcased the determination and skill of the riders, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats throughout the thrilling encounter.