BTC: Strudwick takes victory in opening round

Thomas Strudwick has taken victory in the first ever race of the new British Talent Cup series, edging ahead in tricky conditions to finish in front of Josh Whatley and Fenton Seabright at Donington Park.

The British championship front-runner was an early battler for the lead with polesitter Max Cook, but a crash for Cook left him clear at the front, eventually taking victory from 12-year-old Whatley by five seconds. Seabright had a drama-filled race of his own after mechanical problems on the warm-up lap, starting the race from pit lane before riding through the pack to the final podium spot.

Brian Hart was fourth, demoted by Seabright in the closing laps, ahead of Charlie Aktins, Cameron Horsman, Scott Swann and Storm Stacey. Lewis Paterson was ninth ahead of pre-season favourite Rory Skinner, after a crash on the sighting lap also saw the Scottish racer starting from pit lane.

The second race of the weekend will kick off tomorrow’s proceedings at Donington, scheduled to go at 1115 and live on YouTube.