Oli Bayliss has taken his first British championship win on his first ever visit to Knockhill after beating former champ Ben Currie in today’s Feature race.
The famous Bayliss name was back on the top step of a British podium for the first time since his dad, Troy, took the British Superbike title in 1999.
The 22-year-old, who had never seen the Scottish track before this weekend, started from Row Two and as fellow Australian Ben Currie hit the front as the lights changed, he got a strong start and by Lap Two was running in third position.
Honda Racing UK’s Jack Kennedy was right on Currie’s rear wheel for the opening laps but Bayliss was keeping a watching brief close behind and on Lap Eight, made the move, passing Kennedy and quickly chasing down Currie.
By Lap 10 he was looking menacing behind Currie and made his move as they headed into the Hairpin. Now ahead, he took control and as they hit backmarkers, appeared to scythe through them with ease.
It was now a two-Aussie race which went all the way to the flag. More backmarkers kept things interesting in the closing laps but both were able to negotiate them easily.
Currie stuck with him all the way but was never able to find anywhere to make a move and eventually the 2023 champ had to settle for second as a delighted Bayliss crossed the line to take victory by 0.399secs.
Kennedy was third, more than four seconds behind as Luke Stapleford finished fourth with Oliver Barr fifth.
Ben Tolliday was the first Cup class rider home with Keo Walker second and Craig Kennelly third, the trio finishing p17, 18 and 19 respectively.
Quattro Group British Supersport Championship, Feature Race result:
1. Oli Bayliss (Triumph Macadam Factory Racing)
2. Ben Currie (McAMS Yamaha) +0.399s
3. Jack Kennedy (Honda Racing UK) +4.799s
4. Luke Stapleford (Scars-Racing Ducati) +5.286s
5. Oliver Barr (Binch Pro Ducati) +12.156s
Championship positions after Round Three:
1. Luke Stapleford 137
2. Ben Currie 130
3. Jack Kennedy 104
4. Dean Harrison 102
5. Oliver Barr 68