Brands Hatch BSB: Lowes lifts the crown as Brookes completes the triple

Alex Lowes has won his first ever British title, taking the MCE British Superbike crown after a masterclass in wet weather riding to hold off main championship rival Shane Byrne, as Josh Brookes completed a three for three win streak at Brands Hatch.

With both riders hampered by race two crashes, they had all the work to do, with Lowes starting from ninth and Byrne back in 22nd. However, by the end of lap five, a stunning ride by Byrne had left him in fourth behind Lowes.

However, with Josh Brookes getting the holeshot from pole, he had already pulled out a six second lead over second place man Jon Kirkham, and was able to romp to the flag to complete his triple victory.

With the battle for the championship coming down to the winner of the fight for second after Kirkham had a big slide and dropped out of contention, it was Byrne who initially got the advantage. The local rider passed Lowes on lap six and was able to hold the lead until close to the end.

However, Lowes was able to muscle through, and although Byrne initially maintained contact with him, a big slide at Druids on the last lap effectively ended any chance of catching the 23 year old.

Tommy Bridewell, who had initially looked like challenging the pair in the closing stages before dropping back when they upped their pace, was fourth, ahead of Milwaukee Yamaha teammate James Ellison.

The Buildbase BMW pair of Kirkham and James Westmoreland ended the season strongly in sixth and seventh, while the top ten was decided by a close battle between Josh Waters, Chris Walker and and Dan Linfoot.