Danny Kent dominated Friday’s practice sessions, leading both UK superbike runs and kicking off the Thruxton weekend with a strong performance. Although it was surprising to see the MCAMS rider settle for eighth in qualifying while casually sitting in the pits without his helmet, Kent seemed confident in his race pace after the day’s efforts.
Throughout the opening 20-lap race, Kent skillfully navigated the unpredictable and competitive environment, managing to stay ahead amidst frequent lead changes. He described the race as challenging due to the high temperatures and Thruxton’s tendency to throw curveballs, but he was pleased to secure another podium for the MCAMS team. Kent focused on getting to the front quickly and controlling the race, even though he spent some time trailing other riders early on.
Kent is eager to analyze the data from this initial outing to make precise adjustments to his Yamaha bike ahead of Sunday’s races. He emphasized the importance of completing 20 laps to gather information that will help improve his performance in the upcoming contests.
Looking ahead, #52 hopes to replicate last year’s success at Thruxton by finishing on the podium again, particularly aiming to be competitive in the sprint and Race 3. He noted the potential to improve lap times based on data analysis from earlier races, expressing confidence in further enhancing his pace.
Fan Take: Danny Kent’s strong showing at Thruxton signals a promising season for both him and MCAMS Yamaha, offering fans exciting, closely contested races ahead. His ability to adapt and improve throughout the weekend highlights the evolving strategy and technology that continue to push superbike racing to new levels.