BSB: 'Ray always had it in him' says Buildbase Suzuki boss

Buildbase Suzuki boss Stuart Hicken has said he believes young gun Bradley Ray has what it takes to fight for the 2018 Bennetts British Superbike Championship after a dominant double at Donington Park this weekend.

Ray stormed to his debut victory after holding off the vastly more experienced Shane Byrne and James Ellison in Sunday’s opening race before doing it all again 24 hours later, leading from lights to flag in Monday’s drying conditions.

Hicken, who says he tried to sign Ray a few years ago before finally securing his signature last year, was elated with the team’s recent success as they continue to make progress with the all-new Suzuki GSX-R.

“He’s always had that in him,” he told MCN. “His talent has never been disputed by anyone. We tried to sign him three years ago, but he decided to go a different way, but thank the lord he saw the light!

“We expected the win to come this early this season because he threatened to do it at the end of last year and was unlucky in a few races.

“The place to go from here is to try and win the championship. That’s what it’s all about and he’s very capable of doing it. He will need a big slice of luck, like everyone does in this game, but he’s capable of winning a championship and he’s got the right head on his shoulders to do it.”