BTC: Sullivan Mounsey wins as Belford crashes out

Sullivan Mounsey wins a wet Race One at Brands Hatch with Evan Belford crashing out.

Evan Belford (City Lifting / RS Racing)  was on pole position, alongside Championship rival, Amanuel Brinton (Kovara Projects / RS Racing). Harley McCabe rounded out the front row with an incredibly wet race in-store.

It was Evan Belford who led the way with Sullivan Mounsey (Wilson Racing / Maddison Media) and Harley McCabe on the attack. Alexandra Rowan had an unbelievable start to the race making his way into the podium positions from 20^th.

Sullivan Mounsey began to bridge a gap at the front of the race, with McCabe in second and Rowan a further four seconds behind. Belford dropped back in the opening stages of the race, dropping to fifth. 

Amanuel Brinton struggled in the opening few laps dropping down to ninth position after starting in second. Brinton previously crashed out in the tricky conditions at Snetterton last round.

Alexander Rowan and Lucas Brown (Amphibian Scaffolding / SP125 Racing)  battled for the final podium place with everyone on the edge of their seats. Rowan would also take the fastest lap of the race on lap seven. 

Brinton and Filip Surowiak (FS75 / FAB Racing) battled for tenth place, with Surowiak gaining confidence in the tricky conditions. Another rider who was gaining confidence was Belford who made his way to the back of Rowan.

Belford’s race would end dramatically with a high side out of the final corner, reducing his Championship lead. With Brinton promoted to eighth, it would reduce his lead to less than 60 points.

Rhys Stephenson had a crash of his own further down the field, damaging his bike severely. Stephenson later reported that he broke his frame, subframe, fairings, and steering damper in the crash.

Brown and Rowan continued to battle into the final lap, with Brown having a small trip to the grass. 

It was a dominant ride from Sullivan Mounsey who crossed the line to take his second race win of the season. Harley McCabe was just 0.187 behind after a near-perfect ride for the young Brit. Alexander Rowan would claim third from Lucas Brown after a nail-biting drag race to the line.

Ollie Walker (VisionTrack Racing Team) finished within the top five and claimed his best result of the season. Julian Correa (Microlise Cresswell Racing Team) was behind after a battle with Alfie Davidson (Banks Racing). Amanuel Brinton rounded out the top eight with the Championship lead closing.

In the Championship Evan Belford’s lead is now down to 54 points from Amanuel Brinton in second. Sullivan Mounsey and Harley McCabe are starting to slowly close in the Championship leader with both riders 57 points down.

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Image credit: British Talent Cup