
BTC: Sullivan Mounsey wins at Silverstone with Belford crashing out
Sullivan Mounsey wins Race One at Silverstone and reduces the Championship gap.
It was tricky conditions for all riders in Race One with Evan Belford (City Lifting / RS Racing) getting the holeshot into turn one. Just a handful of corners later it was Sullivan Mounsey (Wilson Racing / Maddison Media) who fought back.
Amanuel Brinton (Kovara Projects / RS Racing) dropped one position and was now down to third at the start of the race. Julian Correa (Microlise Creswell Racing) had a cracking start to his race, jumping up the order to fourth. Lucas Brown (Amphibian Scaffolding / SP125 Racing) was behind and looking to attack early on.
At the front, it was an incredible pace from Mounsey and Belford stretching a gap of over two seconds after half a lap. Heading into the lap to it was over four seconds, showing the dominance of the front two.
An incredible battle for third position eventually broke out with Brown taking third before Brinton would reclaim the position. Fans had a spectacular show in store with the rain beginning to pour once again.
Evan Belford eventually took the race lead on lap two, with two riders showing their cards early on. Although Belford was leading the Championship, he was riding relaxed and was pushing on the #52 machine.
Harley McCabe (McCabe Racing) eventually made his way inside of the top five, after struggling at the start.
There was drama at the front at Copse Corner with Mounsey overtaking Belford on the exit and clipping his front wheel. Both riders stayed on with the battle continuing at the front and a new fastest lap from Mounsey.
Further, down the field, Ronnie Harris (Kovara Projects / RS Racing) entered the top 15 in his first weekend on the Silverstone GP circuit. Harris was in a great battle with Eli Banish (VisionTrack Racing Team) and Charlie Barnes (Talentum Motorsport by Azure Notions).
Julian Correa would be the rider now in third position before being swiftly overtaken by Lucas Brown. Brinton would soon be the rider in third with Harley McCabe beginning to make up ground on this group.
Julian Correa was the first of the front riders to crash out, losing the front in the tricky conditions. The American race swiftly came to an end and will be hoping for redemption in Race Two.
The Championship leader and the race leader, Evan Belford crashed out of the race after losing the front. Belford slid across the grass with four laps to go as he continued to battle with Mounsey.
Just moments after Sullivan Mounsey had a huge moment after losing the rear and almost losing the chance to see the chequered flag. With now a 20-second lead Mounsey began to try and bring it home.
Harley McCabe closed in the gap on Brinton and Brown with the podium positions looking to go down to the wire.
It was Sullivan Mounsey who crossed the line to take his third race win of the season, showing that ‘Smooth Sully’ was back. Mounsey has also closed the Championship gap to just 41 points.
Harley McCabe managed to pip both Brown and Brinton for second position on the final lap, ending a great race. Lucas Brown ended in third and rounded out the podium, battling Brinton to the line.
Rhys Stephenson rounded out the top five after battling the whole race with Filip Surowiak. Ollie Walker ended his race in seventh, with Ryan Frost rounding out the top eight in Race One.
Image credit: British Talent Cup