The last ever Ducati Cup race is won by Curtis Wright

Wildcard Kyjax Racing rider Curtis Wright bettered Saturday’s third place podium with today’s race win at Brands Hatch this morning, the last ever for the Ducati Performance TriOptions Cup.

Wright had built up an impressive lead over the rest of the field in slippery conditions when the Safety Car came out on Lap 4 after Lee Devonport (Team Aramex / ULS) crashed out. The race was then declared after the red flag came out on Lap 7 with Wright taking the win, and Philip Atkinson and Tom Tunstall joining him on the podium in second and third respectively. 

James Kelly (Art of Racing), Matthew Jones (Dragon Racing), and Bob Collins (Team Aramex / ULS) completed the top six finishers.

2022 championship standings
1. David Shoubridge - 308 points
2. Tom Tunstall - 294 points
3. Blaze Baker - 174 points
4. Max Lofthouse - 164 points
5. Adon Davie - 140 points
6. Michael Tustin – 140 points
7. Mark Bridger – 128 points
8. Matthew Jones – 119 points
9. Philip Atkinson – 121 points
10. Bob Collins – 106 points

Curtis Wright (Kyjax Racing #74) – 1st
“It feels so surreal, honestly. I didn’t know what to expect coming into this. I knew what I would like but I never thought I’d be podiuming. Third position in qualifying yesterday was the highlight but manged to pull it off in the race yesterday was really something special. We made a few changes for today, as the bike was moving all over the place, even in a straight line. So, we made a few tweaks here and there, a new wet tyre for this race and setup made it that much easier. And I had a bit mor in the bag if I needed it. I couldn’t believe the gap behind me so when the safety car came out and I looked behind me I was really disappointed but I’m glad to hear that everyone is safe and the rider that went down should be ok.”

Philip Atkinson (Q-Oil Treatments / Unique Motorsport #7) – 2nd
“Yesterday in the wet we had a bit of a suspension issue, and it was a little bit too stiff. So, coming into the turns on the engine braking the bike was a bit unstable, so we had to backwards a bit yesterday. If I had been on full wets, I thought I maybe could have had a podium but today we made some changes, felt real good. I couldn’t get the guy who was at the front, he got me on the first lap. But with the safety car coming out I thought we could probably have a go to try and get the win. But I’m happy with a podium again. I missed a few rounds this year, fresh back from a two-and-a-half-year layoff so a big thanks to all the sponsors, Q-Oil Treatments, Unique Motorsport, all my friends and family who have helped out. Obviously, I’d like to dedicate this second place to Chrissy, he was a long-term friend, and I had some really great battles with him from 2010 to 2014.”

Tom Tunstall (Motorcycle Race Parts #21) – 3rd
“It was a bit crazy that race. I was satisfied with the choice we made, it’s not easy for anyone but I was happy with the choice. Not a fantastic first lap, just trying to build into it really. Basically, got into a good rhythm, pulling onto the back, getting a nice pace. Safety car was helping us in some respects, but we got caught short. It felt like there was a good opportunity there, and there were a couple of people on the wrong tyres maybe, so that was also another opportunity. 

I’m really gutted not to get a win, I think after all this year, and all the effort we’ve put in, I definitely feel like we’re owed one! But I’ve had good fun, so can’t complain. It’s been a good year and I’ve loved riding the V2, it’s a fantastic bike. We’ve got to see what we do next year now.”

Steve Plater, Ducati Performance TriOptions Cup Ambassador
“Sunshine at Brands Hatch for the final ever Ducati Performance TriOptions Cup. A good end really. A red flag, and a couple of riders down and thoughts are with those first and we hope they’re all ok. But it was a good end really. It was a shame Tom Tunstall didn’t get a race win, he’s had so many second places throughout the season and second in the championship but fair play to David Shoubridge, a deserved champion.”