‘Positive steps’ forward sees Kent take first British Superbike podium
Buildbase Suzuki rider Danny Kent has claimed a first ever British Superbike podium in race three at Thruxton.
The former Moto3 world champion was an unlikely podium challenger before the weekend began, having scored just 16 points in the opening three rounds - a total he matched with third place alone.
Instead, Kent’s podium was built through a consistent race one and two as he finished in the top ten both times.
The damp conditions of race three saw Kent choose an intermediate rear tyre which paid off as he reeled in Peter Hickman and Tarran Mackenzie who were battling for the lead early on with full wets.
If not for losing time at the beginning of the race, Kent could have challenged for the win as he rapidly closed in on eventual winner Jason O’Halloran and Danny Buchan.
Speaking after the weekend, Kent said: "I’m really happy with the podium, and really the whole weekend, and it’s great to be able to repay the team for all of the hard work they’ve been putting in.
"I enjoyed Thruxton when I last came here and I made it through to Q2 then, so I was hopeful of going well, coming back on a better package, and I felt good from the first dry session.
"We also made positive steps and Brands Hatch even though the results weren’t there, so we were confident coming into the weekend.
"In that last race I got into third and was able to click off some fast laps and was catching the two in front, and the gap to Danny [Buchan] starting the last lap was under a second.
"But I thought, at that point, with a couple of seconds behind me, to just take the guaranteed podium. It would have been very easy to make a mistake, in those conditions, especially."
Next up for Kent is Donington Park, which should be one of the more favorable circuits for the 27 year-old due to its Grand Prix style.
"Donington next should suit me and the bike, confidence is high after getting the podium, I’m already looking forward to getting going," added Kent.
