Bridewell ’ s lead in the standings was dramatically reduced when he crashed out on the opening lap of the first Showdown race at Oulton Park . Despite a fourth- and second-place finish , Ryde ’ s double victory brought him within six points of the defending champion . Glenn Irwin also kept his title hopes alive with a second-place finish and a win .
Ryde took the championship lead after the penultimate round at Donington Park , where he secured two wins and a third place , while Bridewell twice finished second . Irwin remained in contention with a third , first , and fourth place , setting up a season finale showdown between three riders , three teams , and three manufacturers .
Ryde ultimately won the 2024 Bennetts British Superbike Championship following a dramatic double dogfight with defending champion Bridewell in the final two races at Brands Hatch . The OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing rider clinched the title by a single point after a season-ending battle royale that wasn ’ t decided until the title contenders exited the final corner on the last lap .
Entering the final day with a slender one-point advantage after losing ground to Honda Racing UK ’ s Bridewell in the first race , Ryde and Bridewell battled fiercely throughout the second race , trading positions repeatedly – including five times in a single lap . Bridewell claimed the first race win , setting up a ‘ winnertakes-all ’ final race in the Showdown Finale , with Ryde trailing by four points .
Bridewell appeared to carry momentum into the final 20-lap race , leading early on . However , Ryde quickly moved into contention as the race reached its midpoint . Ryde overtook Bridewell and Glenn Irwin , who had surged through the order to lead in the early laps . A tense on-track battle between Bridewell and Irwin allowed Ryde to build a small gap , but the title fight only intensified .
Bridewell set a new all-time lap record at the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit , with a time of 1m24.759s , and quickly closed the gap to Ryde . He reclaimed the lead on lap 12 with a move at Stirlings .
In the closing laps , Ryde repeatedly stole the lead through Hawthorn , but Bridewell responded at Stirlings , keeping the fight alive until the final lap . Bridewell led as the final lap began , but Ryde made a decisive pass at Hawthorn with just three corners left . Ryde successfully defended his lead into Stirlings , leaving Bridewell with only one final chance at Clark Curve . Bridewell attempted to challenge Ryde as they powered towards the finish line , but couldn ’ t complete the move . Ryde crossed the line just 0.296s ahead , securing his first Bennetts BSB title by a single point .
The victory means Ryde has now won the Bennetts British Superbike , Quattro Group British GP2 , Junior Superstock , and British 125cc Championship titles .
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