Breakthrough gives Ray fresh confidence

Brad Ray claimed points in both races for the first time in the fifth round of the British Superbikes at Snetterton.

The 20-year-old Lydd youngster was ninth first time out, and 11th in the second race – and was pleased with his weekend’s work.

Ray said: “It was great to be in the points at this level twice.

“Every rider in the class is a top, top rider and I have to learn from them and progress each time I go out there.

“What with the Suzuki being a completely new bike, the FAB racing team are also learning as we go.

“I think we have a good chance to get even better results at Brands Hatch next time and I am looking forward to it.”

Ray started the weekend in free practice with a lap time 2.3 seconds off the quickest time.

He improved, reducing it by final qualifying to be only 1.70 off the time set by last year’s overall winner, Sheppey’s Shane Byrne, putting him 11th on the grid

All the front runners made great starts, with Ray unable to improve his position.

He was forced to work hard to claim consistently fast times over the 16-laps, before eventually improving to ninth.

Ray was in the same grid slot for the second race, which followed a similar pattern, although he was unable to quite match his times from the first.

The next round of the championship takes place on the Grand Prix circuit at Brands on the weekend of July 21-23.

Brad Ray in action at Snetterton