Knockhill Supersport race one report - Honda Racing UK
Arriving in Scotland following a successful previous round at Donington Park, where the team secured second and third-place finishes, both riders were looking to maintain their strong early-season form around the challenging 1.27-mile circuit.
Multiple Supersport champion Kennedy qualified third after another strong qualifying session, a crash near the end of the session doing little to dampen Kennedy’s resolve while teammate Harrison secured fourth on the grid. The pair immediately established themselves in the battle at the front of the field as the lights went out for the 20-lap encounter.
Kennedy took the holeshot with a pitch perfect start, after a lap he settled into second place behind Ben Currie. With his trademark wheel to wheel style, Jack looked as threatening as he always does. With the fastest lap of the race logged on lap seven, Jack and the CBR600RR unfortunately parted company on the brakes on the way into the final uphill hairpin turn.
Meanwhile, Harrison continued to build momentum in his first full-season Quattro British Supersport Championship campaign. Fresh from his recent successes at the Isle of Man TT races, Dean delivered another strong performance aboard the Honda Racing UK CBR600RR. Flying the flag for the team, Dean closed from fourth place, taking tenths of a second at will in the first half of the circuit. With a pass looking likely, Dean had a challenging moment on the brakes into the final hairpin, dropping back to sixth position. Harrison's excellent ride back to fifth place before the flag gave fans a glimpse of what’s to come as the championship develops.
Jack Kennedy will start tomorrow’s 26 lap feature race in pole position, Dean Harrison from the third row in seventh position.
Jack Kennedy
I got what felt like my best start this year so far and settled into a comfortable pace quickly. It’s a challenging lap at Knockhill, the bike typically has to deal with multiple inputs everywhere and there’s always lots to manage. I set the fastest lap of the race on lap seven but then went down on the brakes on the way into the final turn. It’s massively disappointing for me and for the team. I sat trackside for a few laps and could see how hard Dean was working into the same hairpin, he did a great job taking fifth place across the line. We’ll refocus and go again from pole tomorrow.
Dean Harrison
I had a grandstand seat for Jack’s start and felt like I got my head down early too. We were running well, but I was forced to defend and gave up a place that cost me time I wanted spend closing the gap to the podium. I ran wide on the way into the final hairpin and left myself with a job on to get back to fifth. It’s hard to think where we can find more from the CBR600RR round this track but if we can we will. We’ll be ready for the race tomorrow and I’ll give it everything.
Race Result
Jack Kennedy (Honda Racing UK Honda CBR600RR) – DNF
Dean Harrison (Honda Racing UK Honda CBR600RR) – Fifth
Championship Standings
Jack Kennedy – 4th – 84
Dean Harrison – 3rd – 88
Honda Racing UK returns to action at Knockhill tomorrow for the next Quattro British Supersport Championship race as Kennedy and Harrison continue their challenge for championship honours.
