BSB: Haslam beats Dixon to extend series lead

Leon Haslam became another step closer to clinching his first ever Bennetts British Superbike title with a commanding victory in Assen.

As summer begins to fade and Autumn arrives, the dwindling temperatures led to the JG Speedfit Kawasaki star spending most of the weekend at Assen working on his pace with the harder Pirelli rear tyre and that paid off come race day as he was able to get the better of long-time race leader Tarran Mackenzie to extend his championship advantage.

Having opted for the softer tyre, rookie Mackenzie bolted out of the blocks at the start to lead an impressive 16 laps before Haslam managed to cement a pass as his harder rubber came into its own in the later stages of the race.

It didn’t all go Haslam’s way with title rival Jake Dixon, also on the hard rear, putting up a fight towards the end of the race. However, the RAF Regular and Reserves rider wouldn’t be close enough to make a pass on the final lap, losing a crucial five points in the title fight.

Mackenzie crossed the line third to take another podium for the McAMS Yamaha team.

Peter Hickman returned to form to fight for the rostrum throughout the race, but a missed gear at turn one in the closing stages thwarted his chances leaving him to cross the line fourth.

Glenn Irwin took fifth for Be Wiser Ducati with Tommy Bridewell an impressive sixth after his fast off in FP3.

Jason O’Halloran crossed the line seventh for Honda Racing ahead of Christian Iddon, while Josh Brookes and James Ellison rounded out the top ten.

Haslam’s victory sees him now 36 points ahead of Jake Dixon in the title fight with four races remaining.