BSB-Evo: Splitlath Motorsport Brands Hatch race report

BURNS WINS, KENNAUGH TAKES EVO TITLE LEAD

SPLITLATH Motorsport Aprilia are spraying the champagne this evening after Chris Burns took his maiden Mirror.co.uk BSB-Evo win -- while team-mate Hudson Kennaugh grabbed the championship lead.

At a rain-drenched Brands Hatch, Burns stormed to the win from the back of the grid after the race was stopped halfway through when the heavens opened.

The Newcastle rider had been lying second and Leicester-based Kennaugh fourth as the red-flag came out at the start of Lap 10 of the 18 lap race around the historic Grand Prix circuit. With just a few minutes to get the bikes back to the garage and change the tyres and settings, the pair of Aprilia RSV4 machines were just a few seconds late to get to the grid, forcing them to start from the back.

But at the green light, both riders were on a charge. Burns seared his way through the pack and had made it up to third by the fourth lap. As he began to reel in Steve Brogan and Gary Johnson, Johnson made a move up the inside of Brogan at Graham Hill bend, taking him out and slowing himself up.

This was all Burns needed, as he found himself a solid race pace and charged past, moving up into P1 and staying there unchallenged for the remainder of the race. Up to 15th spot overall, Burns took his final scalp on the last lap when he charged past former series leader Tommy Hill.

"It's been such a long time coming and we've worked hard to hard to get there," said a delighted Burns. "We've had terrible luck, with races being stopped every time I got to the front. Even in the first part of the race I was catching Brogan by two seconds a lap and then it got stopped too.

"At that stage I didn't think we would have such a good race because we had to start at the back, but once I got out there the bike felt amazing and I enjoyed every single lap. I'm thrilled with this result, it's what I've been waiting for all season long."

Kennaugh meanwhile was forced to ride around a few problems with his Aprilia, but still managed to bring his distinctive blue machine home fifth. And after Brogan crashed out and failed to score any points, the South African is now back at the top of the championship.

"It's one of those things, and it was something we can't dwell on," he said. "I am still really happy with our progress and I'm enjoying riding this bike. For me it's all about the championship, and I've picked up a few points here and am now back in the lead. Tomorrow I'll be chasing a couple of wins, it will be a brand new day."

Team Owner John Dimbylow -- who also made his maiden visit to the podium to collect his team trophy -- was delighted by both of his riders results. "What a day. Chris wins his first race and Hudson gets back to the top of the championship --who could ask for more!" he said.

"Chris has worked so hard throughout the season and has had so many knocks that I got to the point where I thought he was the most unlucky man in the world. For him to win the race is fantastic and I'm so pleased for him. Tomorrow we want to be celebrating another two wins -- so expect a Splitlath lock-out on the top two steps of the podium."

Kennaugh now leads the championship on 252 points ahead of Brogan on 245. Burns moves up to seventh.

-source: Splitlath Motorsport pr