The TT Circuit Assen may be world-famous for Superbikes, but on British Superbikes’ Dutch weekend, it was the Supersport class that lit the fuse for pure racing drama. Serving as the heartbeat of the support program, the British Supersport Championship brought intensity, unpredictability, and edge-of-your-seat battles to the cathedral of speed.
Read about the BSB race here
The paddock buzzed with anticipation as fans streamed through the gates on Friday morning. The Dutch crowd alongside the many Brits that made the journey across the channel, passionate and knowledgeable, welcomed the riders with open arms, eager to see how the racing would unfold at this historic venue.
Friday – First Feelings on Track
When the bikes roared into life for free practice, it was Luke Stapleford on the Macadam Triumph who wasted no time setting the benchmark. His 1:39.559 lap wasn’t just quick – it was a statement. The Triumph rider looked at home, carving clean lines through Assen’s sweeping curves while rivals like Jack Kennedy and Rhys Irwin chased tenths of a second.
Saturday – Qualifying Drama
Saturday dawned under bright skies, with the Assen track basking in autumn sunshine. Qualifying often separates the good from the great, and once again it was Stapleford who rose to the occasion. His 1:38.566 lap snatched pole position with authority.
Yet the session wasn’t without its drama. Ducati’s rising stars, Oliver Barr and Eugene McManus, pushed hard, flashing red sectors and keeping the Triumph team honest. Barr’s performance was particularly impressive – wringing speed from his Binch Pro Ducati to claim second on the grid.This was Barr’s best qualifying of the season so far. McManus, ever-consistent, slotted into third, his Ducati looking smooth and composed through Assen’s fast right-handers.
Behind them, the second row was loaded with talent. Ben Currie and Harry Truelove lurked, both eager to exploit any mistake. With the grid set, the stage was set, however the Dutch weather had other plans! Several heavy downpours and thunderstorms would cut the Superbike race short the knock on affect being in the time waiting for a restart the Supersort race was re scheduled ready for a Sunday showdown.
Sunday – Racing in the Cathedral
Assen has a way of delivering the unexpected. The atmosphere on race day was electric – grandstands full, flags waving, and engines howling in unison. The British Supersport grid rolled out knowing every slipstream, every braking zone, every bold move into the chicane could spell glory or heartbreak.
In race 1 Jack Kennedy came out on top with a brilliant pass into the final chicane, making a welcome return to the top step of the podium! This is something he had not managed since the 4th round of the season at Knockhill. Barr got his best result of the season in 2nd inheriting it from Stapleford who touched the green in the final corner and was demoted a position. Special mention to Fenton Seabright making his debut in Supersport in 5th just over half a second away from the win!
In race 2, there was more drama at the final chicane as Luke Stapleford closed down a 3 second lead to Joe Talbot in the closing laps, to perform a perfect pass staying off the green this time and beating Talbot to the win by 0.044 of a second! Oliver Barr completed his best weekend with another podium and Seabright backed up his 5th with a superb 4th in race 2!
For the fans, it was pure theatre – passes into Haarbocht, daring moves through Ramshoek, and the last-lap desperation at the Geert Timmer chicane. It was Supersport racing at its finest, the kind that leaves spectators breathless and riders drained but proud.
Images supplied by Tom Lloyd & Ryan Sandall
