Rory Skinner secured a front-row start at his home track during the British Superbike Championship’s fourth round at Knockhill, a position he has frequently earned in past visits. The Scottish racer, riding for Cheshire’s Molding Ducati, appeared comfortable in the early stages until Bradley Ray made a strong but fair move to overtake him, allowing rival Kyle Ride to pass simultaneously. Skinner shared his thoughts after the race, expressing satisfaction with starting on the front row and finishing on the podium at his home circuit.
Skinner acknowledged that leading the race, though briefly, was a positive experience, and he respected Brad’s aggressive but fair move, describing it as “friction” without complaints. He’s no stranger to success at Knockhill, having set the 2022 lap record and winning a race last season as a Kawasaki rider. Now adapting to the Ducati, this early podium signifies considerable progress.
Although Skinner faced grip challenges that disrupted his rhythm and struggled to keep pace with Kyle and Brad, he remains optimistic. With this being only the first 30-lap race on the Ducati, he sees plenty of opportunity to learn and improve for upcoming races. Reflecting on his recent performances, including podium finishes at Donington Park and Snetterton, Skinner expressed confidence and comfort on the bike, pushing hard without overextending.
He finished by indicating his ambition to win again at Knockhill, affirming his focus and eagerness, while appreciating the strong fan support at the event.
Fan Take: Rory Skinner’s steady climb with Ducati signals a promising shift in the British Superbike scene, showcasing a rider adapting quickly and challenging the frontrunners. His continued growth and competitiveness could bring exciting battles and elevate the sport’s appeal to fans eager for thrilling homegrown talent.
