The Elevations of Oulton Park created two typical battles of the bravest in what can only be described as thrilling edge of the seat stuff.

By Ed Lewis.

FP1 -2 & Qualifying:
The Meteorologists got there data wrong as the R&G British Talent Cup paddock awoke on Friday to near perfect conditions, Friday warmed us all up with championship leader Evan Belford (RS Racing) commanding both Free Practice sessions, a massif 0.908 ahead of the rest in what was looking like a one horse race at this stage. The Friday pace was incredible with all top ten riders dipping under the special 1.50.00 pace. Belford’s RS team mate of Amanuel Brinton was equally stunning during his maiden sessions on his very first sighting of Oulton Park just 2.072 behind his team nemesis Belford. Saturday morning qualifying was equally special with Belford this time being pipped at the post by Sullivan Mounsey who at the pinnacle of his 2023 form unofficially obliterating the lap record with an incredible lap of 1.47. 227, Belford in his shadow posted his best time the lap earlier just 0.149 behind Mounsey. Third fastest was the Oulton rookie Brinton who was pure class just 0.820 off the pole setter. If the weather man got his data wrong RS racings team principle Ryan Saxelby certainly used his data to perfection.

Race 1:
Belford set the early pace stretching a lead that had sun kissed Oulton Park crowd thinking would he might consolidate his championship crown but as the saying goes “every talent has cracks.” Mounsey with Microlise Creswell Racing’s Harrison Dessoy in tow mounted a challenge and clawed back the Belford’s advantage by mid race, Brinton whilst holding his own crashed on the famously polished kerbs of Cascades exit. Dessoys American team mate Julian Correa joined the party at the front as did Rookie Ronnie Harris (RS Racing) and Lucas Brown (SP125). Brown took the lead several times with some brave moves on the final turns but didn’t have the speed of his rivals past the chequered flag. Mounsey grabbed the victory by 0.022 with Belford second and Dessoy grabbing the final podium position. Equally as exciting as the result was Ronnie Harris coming over the line in fifth showing his qualifying performance was no fluke. Excellent rides from Filip Surowiak, Alfie Davidson, Clayton Edmonds, Eli Banish, Iwan Jones and Daniel Goodman all of which had a superb race and under the magic 1.50.00 lap time.

Race 2:
Once again the R&G British Talent Cup provided one of the best spectacles of the weekends racing. This event confirmed there’s no shortage of British talent to feed the future MotoGP and BSB grids. Remarkably Amanuel Brinton conquered this physical circuit and took his fourth win of the season after completing just 33 laps of the Cheshire circuit that’s just 89 miles of track time! Oh and did l mention a new lap record? Obviously no team orders in the RS Racing camp. Mounsey gave the Spanish based Brit a good run for his Euros though with a thrilling last lap that will be remembered for a long time. Lucas Brown got a very well deserved third podium position and will be asking his team boss Steve Patrickson for more top speed at the final round in two weeks at Donnington Park. Belford just grabbed fourth from team mate Ronnie Harris, Belford consolidates his championship stake with a strong 37 point lead. Who will have the strongest young head? My head says Belford will have what it takes but my mouth says Mounsey won’t let go too easy. Harrison Mackay rounded off the weekend with a second top 10 finish and 1.47s lap times, the Lincolnshire teenager has really turned his season round.

The Short Shift News panel took some time to agree on the ‘Rider of The Round Award.’ In the end Ronnie Harris edged this one, a fantastic effort that no one saw coming with two strong fifth placings, remember that name. If we could have two winners the prize would go to Alfie Davidson- back with Banks Racing team owner Peter Banks who’s one of the wisest old foxes of the R&G Talent Cup paddock. Welcome back Pete.

Featured Images: Olithephoto