Round 8 of the 2022 Bennetts British Superbike Championship kicks off at Snetterton this weekend as the battle for the final Showdown places reaches its climax. With RICH Energy OMG Racing Yamaha’s Brad Ray already confirmed in the top eight, the spotlight turns to teammate Kyle Ryde to secure that all-important place in Norfolk.

Ray leads the championship overall after taking his fourth win and eleventh and twelfth podiums of a successful season so far at the previous round at Cadwell Park aboard his Yamaha R1. It was a difficult weekend in Lincolnshire for Kyle Ryde and one he’s determined to put behind him as the championship moves to a circuit the team successfully tested at right at the start of the season and that data will be vital for the Nottinghamshire rider to stake his claim.

Ryde’s season began in tremendous style with podiums and pole positions in each of the first three British Superbike rounds including a fabulous win at Donington Park and it’s that confidence and consistency with his Yamaha R1 that the rider and team will be focused on at Snetterton for the final races of the regular season. Three strong finishes around the 300 layout will go a long way to confirming the youngest-ever 125cc British Champion in the top eight for the first time and a chance to fight for the championship alongside his teammate.

Alongside the superbike pair, both Chloe Jones and Lissy Whitmore will be in action in their respective classes. Chloe takes to the track in Junior Superstock aboard her Yamaha R6 as she looks to put the disappointment of Cadwell Park behind her while Lissy returns to the team after a break in the Junior Supersport championship for the Lincolnshire round. Both riders have ridden the circuit previously but neither has raced there on their current machines.

Brad Ray: “Cadwell Park was a mega weekend but that’s history now as we move on to Snetterton. We had a great test there at the very start of the season and was under a tenth of a second off the fastest time by the end of it in what was our official debut with the Yamaha R1. We’re in a good place and while it’s good to be leading the championship there are still 15 podium credits up for grabs and we’ll work hard to take as many as we can before the Showdown begins.”

Kyle Ryde: “We know what we have to do at Snetterton and we’re looking forward to it. I’ve put Cadwell behind me and we move on to a track I really like and it’s somewhere I’ve had some great results over the years. I’m determined to make the Showdown both for me and the team and we will be doing everything we can to make it happen.”

Chloe Jones: “Cadwell Park was a disaster for me, leaving me incredibly frustrated. I’ve had some good training sessions and all I’m looking forward to now is a strong Snetterton and getting back into the fight for the points, which I know I’m capable of doing. The team has been so good to me after the tough weekend last time out and I want to repay that faith with a really strong result this weekend aboard my RICH Energy OMG Racing Yamaha R6.”

Lissy Whitmore: “I’m excited to be back racing again this weekend after the Junior Supersport class missed Cadwell Park. I’m fairly new to Snetterton and I’m really looking forward to learning it. It’s a long track and one that looks to suit my style so I’m keen to get started on Friday and work hard towards a great weekend of progress.”