BTC: Harrison Dessoy wins opening race thriller

Harrison Dessoy wins a thrilling opening R&G British Talent Cup race at Silverstone.

The R&G British Talent Cup returns this season, with the opening round being held at the Silverstone National Circuit. Over 30 riders have entered this year’s championship, with both new and returning riders, including past champions.

Before the race started the biggest news story was that Johnny Garness would start the race from the back of the grid after not stopping in park ferme after qualifying. Amanuel Brinton qualified on pole position, setting a time of 1:01.193.

As the race got underway it was Sullivan Mounsey who led the way from pole man, Amanuel Brinton. Evan Belford was in fourth and battled with Rhys Stephenson and Harrison Dessoy. Mounsey had a huge moment on lap three, running into the gravel at Luffield, and dropped down the order.

Johnny Garness had a strong start to his race and was inside the top 10 after the opening five laps. Garness set the fastest lap of the race and made his way into ninth place after just five laps.

Filip Surowiak had a battle further down the field with Julian Correa and fought for 10th position. Meanwhile, at the front, it was Rhys Stephenson and Harrison Dessoy battling for the lead.

Lucas Brown was inside the top five after eight laps in the first race of the season, showing his pace early on. 

Garness battles his way through the field

Garness quickly made his way into the top five in the race, after 10 laps and was the first VisionTrack rider. Mounsey would battle with the reigning Champion and set the fastest lap in the process.

Dessoy, Brinton and Belford continued to trade positions at the front of the race, with nobody able to break away. The front group were still completely glued to each other, with the top 10 in the group.

Ollie Walker now held the fastest lap of the race, and was just outside the lap record, as he battled for sixth position. Mounsey dropped down the order on lap 14 as he ran wide on the exit of Copse.

Garness made his way into the podium positions, fighting his way through the extremely talented pack.

Rhys Stephenson had a huge moment on the exit of Becketts, with his bike veering into the track, and collecting Mounsey. This crash resulted in a broken wrist for Stephenson who will miss race two on Sunday. Sullivan Mounsey jumped of his bike before it hit the wall, with both riders’ races coming to an end.

The red flag would come out with Harrison Dessoy leading at the line, meaning he would win the race. The Microlise Cresswell Racing rider was joined on the podium by his race one rival, Amanuel Brinton. After starting the race from 32nd on the grid, the reigning Champion finished in third position.

Teams and riders will not have to wait long to race, with another 22-lap race on Sunday at 11:35GMT.

Image credit: British Talent Cup