With Haslam streaking away out front and Kiyo just nursing it home, Harris' rear gunner role was bringing him under attack from Rea who, if the rumours are to be believed, is also strongly tipped to steal the Yorkshireman's seat next year. Within a lap the Irishman was through, though any attack on future team-mate Kiyonari would be checked by the third red flag of the day following an accident involving sixth-placed Hill at the bottom of Graham Hill Bend.
Happily the Virgin Mobile Yamaha ace escaped with only a broken rib and split tongue, leaving second-placed Kiyonari to celebrate after sealing the highly-coveted British Superbike title at the third time of asking by the slimmest advantage of just eight points.
Haslam ran out the race winner by almost nine seconds in the end, with Rea completing the podium in third – and with it clinching fourth in the championship by a narrow four point margin – ahead of Harris, Laverty, James Haydon, Billy McConnell, Rutter, Glen Richards and Ben Wilson.
“Obviously I am disappointed with the first race and the red flag,” Haslam said afterwards, left to rue the crash while leading at
Silverstone two weeks earlier that had arguably cost him the crown. “I did what I had to do in the second race though and won. I am disappointed for the fans and the team because they have been awesome this year.”
“You can't put it down to just one race though,” he added magnanimously. “It's about the whole championship and Kiyo deserved it. He has been on-form all year. I've had a good season and we'll have it next year.”
“It has not been a nice day for me,” a crestfallen Lavilla added. “In the first race I had some contact with Harris which took out my front brake lever – there was nothing I could do. It was a fast crash and left me in pain for the second race.
“I then wanted to go out and do my best for the team but unfortunately I had some engine problems. I am gutted, but these things happen sometimes – that's racing, it was just pure bad luck. GSE are an unbelievable team with great sponsors in Airwaves and I really want to thank everybody.”
BSB race results (2) – Brands Hatch:
1. Leon Haslam
2. Ryuichi Kiyonari
3. Johnny Rea
4. Karl Harris
5. Michael Laverty
6. James Haydon
7. Billy McConnell
8. Michael Rutter
9. Glen Richards
10. Ben Wilson
