Scot takes an impressive win as Cook and Strudwick duel it out to the line for second
Rory Skinner has taken his third win of the season in the British Talent Cup, storming Silverstone from pole and able to hold off Thomas Strudwick and Max Cook to cross the line half a second clear. The two fighting to complete the podium were in a much closer battle, however – separated by just 0.031 by the flag, in favour of Cook.
Off the line it was Strudwick who, after blasting round to the grid on the Warm Up lap first, took the holeshot from Skinner – but there began the duel that characterised much of the race. Able to pull away from those chasing despite the stunning battle, only Cook could keep the pace with the lead duo as the number 5 began to reel them in and took over at the front of the chasing pack.
Meanwhile, the duel for fourth was Scott Swann vs Storm Stacey and there were some more incredible moves in that fight, but the two really paid the price. The gap to those chasing went down and down as they battled it out, with Cameron Horsman and Scott Ogden then seeming to suddenly appear on the scene – pouncing quickly to make it a four-way battle.
As the final lap dawned, it looked like there could be some serious fireworks. But Skinner kept cool under pressure, able to pull the pin to perfection and defend a half-second lead as the corners ticked down. The Scot crossed the line in just enough breathing space for his third win of the season, with Cook having attacked Strudwick and the points leader then left to make a last corner lunge – but to no avail. Cook took P2 as he just stayed ahead, taking 20 points to move up into third overall. Strudwick’s third is enough to see him retain the lead, but it’s now by only four points over Skinner…
Swann won the battle for fourth against Stacey by a tenth, with Horsman equally close for a P6 finish. Scott Ogden took seventh, in close company but not quite close enough. Next over the line were Jack Nixon and Irishman Rhys Irwin, who took eighth and ninth, with Charlie Atkins winning a close battle to complete the top ten as he pipped Brian Hart.
That’s it from a sunny Saturday race – against the odds – and there’s now even more to play for on Sunday at Silverstone. The Cup lead could change if Skinner can do the double, but what will the grid have for him in Race 2? Find out from 16:00 (GMT +1).
