Red Bull Rookie Cup - Kent Wins Opening Round

When it came down to the last lap of the Red Bull Rookies Cup, nine riders were in contention. Danny Kent, however, was able to pull away at the last corner to secure the win at the opening round at Jerez.

Kent, 16, who won at the Jerez track last year, beat out Daijiro Hiura for the top spot on the podium. Hiura started the race in the pole position after a stunning qualifying round, and finished today‘s race in second place. Kent was also able to pass up Daniel Ruiz, who came in third.

“I just pushed as hard as I could through the last half a lap and was absolutely as late on the brakes as I could be at the last corner because I knew they would be right on me,” said Kent.

Harry Stafford and Mathew Scholtz were in tight contention for the race win, but a bump with five laps to go sent Stafford to the gravel, and slowed Scholtz considerably.

“It was just one of those racing things,” said Stafford. “I went inside and he didn't see me, half my fault and half his. The pace wasn't fast though, you would try to be smooth and get away but the others would just push past and slow us down.”

Brad Binder had a solid race to claim the fourth place  position. Jake Gagne finishes off the top five.

Race 1 Results

1. Danny Kent (GBR) 30 minutes 25.205 seconds
2. Daijiro Hiura (JPN) +0.156
3. Daniel Ruiz (ESP) +0.294
4. Brad Binder (RSA) +0.749
5. Jacob Gagne (USA) +0.971
6. Florian Alt (GER) +1.174
7. Niccolo Antonelli (ITA) +2.889
8. Mathew Scholtz (RSA) +2.906
9. Alan Techer (FRA) +6.404
10. Kevin Calia (ITA) +8.028