WILTSHIRE racer Tommy Bridewell took his first victory of the season in the British Superbikes Championship at Oulton Park at the weekend – capping a double podium finish at the round nine triple-header.

After 11 podium finishes from the previous 19 races this season, Etchilhampton’s Bridewell finally climbed onto the top step of the podium in the third and final contest at Oulton.

With three rounds of the championship to go, Bridewell sits third in the championship on 524 points. Josh Brookes leads the way on 548, with Scott Redding second on 545 after all three men claimed a win apiece at the Cheshire circuit.

Oxford Racing Ducati rider Bridewell’s weekend actually got off to a tough start as he failed to finish the opening race, with Brookes triumphing on his Be Wiser Ducati.

Things improved in race two as Bridewell finished third, with this time Redding taking the chequered flag on his Be Wiser Ducati.

And the Wiltshire rider finished with a flourish in the third and final race, making a gutsy late pass on Buildbase Suzuki rider Bradley Ray to claim a thrilling win.

Speaking after his victory in race three, Bridewell said: “It was a good race. I tried a different approach to each race at the weekend – and that last approach worked, so I will stick with that.

“I felt good, the bike was working well.

“It is always hard racing Scott and Josh on the same bike as I know how strong the bike is.

“When Brad was leading, I saw the pace drop a little bit, so that is when I decided to make the pass and take the lead.

“It is all down to the team. They made a small change for that last race and the bike has been phenomenal.

“It feels good to get the win. People have been telling me they come like buses, so hopefully it has come at the right time.”

The championship resumes at Assen in the Netherlands on weekend of September 20-22.