2022 - R11: Brands Hatch
The traditional end of season finale at Brands Hatch, and Brad entered the weekend with a very healthy lead, needing only a 7th place or better in Race 1 to take the title.
Although his local track, the UK's very own "Cathedral of Motorcycle Racing" hasn't been a great hunting ground for Brad, as he's never had a podium here.
However, Race 1 gave the result needed to bag the title, and I was lucky enough to be able to get this shot on the warm-down lap which shows the release of emotion and relief. A lifetime of dedication, commitment and sacrifice from not only Brad, but his family as well, all coming out in one brief moment.
A truly worthy champion in 2022, and massive congratulations. As fans of the sport, it's now a case of seeing if Brad returns to defend his title, or if the opportunity arises to take the challenge to the World Superbike stage in 2023. Watch this space....
2022 - R10: Donington Park GP
Wanted to try and get something a bit different, and after my shot of Brad at the Bomb Hole from Snetterton, just though another shot from behind could be interesting.
Second race in the Showdown, and Brad really started to show his class. This shot clearly shows the big dark line of the rear tyre as Brad gets the bike sideways through the turn.
This was where Brad really stamped home his authority on the championship, leaving the weekend needing only 7 points to clinch the title
Really pleased with this shot. So much so, it's available as a 60cm x 40cm canvas print or a stunning A1 sized poster print, which looks gorgeous when framed!
2022 - R9: Oulton Park
Full gas across the line! Race 1 at the second visit of the season to Oulton Park brough Brad a race win for his first Showdown win and getting the final championship bid off to the best possible start.
Tyre issues in the other two races meant no more visits to the top step of the podium over the weekend, but Brad took chunks of points out of his closest rivals to ensure that he is the favourite for the 2022 title.
2022 - R8: Snetterton
Love how this shot shows just how low Brad gets on the corners, ensuring full speed.
Also a good indication of the view that everyone got of Brad over the weekend as he bagged the first triple of his career, winning all three races over the weekend.
Championship lead extended but at this stage of the season, even more important, added to the podium credits ready for the Showdown which starts at the next round at the second visit of the season to Oulton Park.
2022 - R7: Cadwell Park
Fastest ever two wheeled lap in qualifying to take pole in race 1, and an unbelievable last sector to get that time. Flying over the mountain section, a race win, and a confirmed slot in the end of season Showdown. Oh, plus taking the championship lead and building up a pocketful of podium credits.
I think you can say that overall, Cadwell Park was a success for Brad Ray.
2022 - R6: Thruxton
Possibly three of the most exciting British Superbike races of all time from Thruxton, with Brad Ray missing out on a win, but pushing the McAms Yamaha's of Tarran Mackenzie and Jason O'Halloran right to the line. Not sure there was more than half a second between the three in total across the weekend.
This shot of Brad has Jason in the background, and is possible the furthest apart the three of them were at any point over the three days.
An amazing and thoroughly enjoyable round for both the fans and the riders.
2022 - R5: Brands Hatch
There's a chance, just a chance, that this portfolio could turn out to be a portfolio of Brad Ray's first British Superbike championship winning season... but whisper it as we don't want to curse things!
Brands Hatch is Brad's local circuit, but although he showed real good pace all weekend, results were just a little below what I think he was aiming for. Still solid points, and at this stage of the season, it's all about getting into the Showdown over the last three rounds. So season is still bang on-track!
2022 - R3: Donington Park
You know there's a reason every shot on this site (apart from the podium one!) give the impression the Brad is "on it".... He is!! What a season 2022 has been for him. First year on the Yamaha R1 for the OMG Racing team, but they look like a match made in heaven!
2022 - R2: Oulton Park
Podium shot here of Bradley Ray, after winning race 1 in dominant style. This was Brad's first win in four years in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship. A long overdue victory, and the sign of things to come for this talented and fast rider from the depths of the south Kent coast.
Have to say, this is one of my favourite images I've ever taken as the colours and tone along with the way Brad appears to be highlighted are just perfect to my eye. Coupled with the occasion, it just makes for a great image.
One that I've printed and proudly hangs on my wall.
A picture can paint a thousand words, and you can almost feel the mixture of relief and joy at winning a race after that four year wait.
2022 - R2: Oulton Park
Bradley Ray, from Lydd in Kent here cranked right over on the Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha R1 at Oulton Park. Leading the field by a distance to win race 1. He went on to win race 2 and finish 3rd in race 3 to move up to lead the championship.
2022 - R2: Oulton Park
Action image of Brad "giving it the full berries" and pulling a wheelie one his way to a Race 2 victory. You can see how the rider has to fight the machine and the g-forces in play, just to try and keep the front wheel on the track here. Really love this shots.
2022 - R1: Silverstone
Start of a new season, and a new bike for Brad Ray, with his OMG Racing team switching to Yamaha R1 bikes for the season.
Early indications are that it's a good move, with Brad being right on the pace from the get-go. It's going to be an awesome season!
