BSS: Kennedy crowned winner of disputed Snetterton race

Jack Kennedy has been declared the winner of Snetterton’s Dickies British Supersport Feature race after a decision was taken to dock rival Andrew Irwin one position for overtaking under yellow flags.

Irwin and Kennedy fought until the bitter end of the intense race three weeks ago, but with Gearlink Kawasaki’s Irwin making the race winning overtake under yellow flag conditions, Kennedy has been crowned winner after a race direction hearing at Brands Hatch.

The reason no decision was made until now was that while the Tempus MV Agusta team lodged a protest at Snetterton, Irwin had already left the circuit and therefore could not participate in any investigatory hearing.

Instead, the riders and their teams faced the agonising three week wait before heading to Brands Hatch to find out who would get the 25 points.

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In the hearing both riders and representatives from each of their teams viewed evidence including video footage, still images and marshal witness accounts. The TV broadcast was inconclusive, but it is understood spectator mobile phone footage played a key role in deciding the outcome.

The decision was taken to drop Irwin one position, moving Kennedy up to second in the overall result but first in the Supersport category with the race won by the Moto2-spec machine of Alastair Seeley.

Irwin does have the right to appeal the decision within 30 minutes after receiving the sanction, at this stage it is not known whether he has taken that option since the notice of sanction was issued.

Kennedy’s victory marks the first for MV Agusta in the British Supersport class. The now absent Tarran Mackenzie continues to lead the championship with Appleyard Macadams Keith Farmer five points behind in second. 

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