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Redding revels in competition on return - " there ain't no slow guys

Scott Redding Thrives in BSB Return: "There Ain’t No Slow Guys Out There Anymore"

In the high-octane world of motorcycle racing, few stories capture the essence of resilience and passion quite like Scott Redding's return to the British Superbike Championship (BSB). The Gloucestershire-born rider, who has carved out a storied career across MotoGP, World Superbikes (WorldSBK), and now back in BSB, is reveling in the intense competition that defines the series today. After a triumphant 2019 BSB title win that propelled him to international stardom, Redding's latest chapter sees him back on familiar turf, but with a grid that's evolved into a battleground of elite talent. As he put it succinctly in a post-race interview, "There ain’t no slow guys out in BSB anymore." This sentiment underscores not just his personal journey but the broader elevation of the championship's competitive standards.

Redding's path back to BSB has been anything but straightforward. Following his 2019 BSB championship victory aboard a Ducati, he transitioned to WorldSBK, where he achieved notable successes, including race wins and podium finishes. However, the 2023 season marked a turning point when he parted ways with his WorldSBK team, prompting speculation about his next move. Opting to return to BSB with the Paul Bird Motorsport team on a Ducati Panigale V4R, Redding has injected fresh energy into the series. His comeback isn't merely a nostalgic revisit; it's a calculated step to reclaim dominance in a field that's grown fiercer in his absence.

The catalyst for this article stems from Redding's performance and reflections during a recent round at the iconic Brands Hatch circuit. In what was a thrilling weekend of racing, Redding demonstrated why he's still a force to be reckoned with. Starting from a strong qualifying position, he battled wheel-to-wheel with some of the series' top contenders, including defending champion Tommy Bridewell, Kyle Ryde, and Glenn Irwin. The races were a masterclass in close-quarters combat, with positions swapping multiple times per lap on the undulating Kent track. Redding secured a podium in one of the sprint races, finishing just behind the leaders after a daring overtake in the final corners. While he didn't clinch a win, his pace was undeniable, lapping consistently in the low 1:28s—a testament to his adaptation back to the BSB format, which differs from the longer WorldSBK races in its emphasis on short, explosive bursts of speed.

What truly sets Redding's return apart is his unfiltered enthusiasm for the competition. In an exclusive interview following the races, he opened up about the differences he's noticed since his last full season in BSB. "It's mental how much it's stepped up," Redding said, his eyes lighting up with the fire of a racer who's lived through the evolution. "Back in 2019, you had your fast guys, but there were always a few who you could pull away from easily. Now? Forget it. Every single rider out there is pushing 100% from the first lap to the last. There ain’t no slow guys out in BSB anymore. It's proper racing, and that's what I love about it."

This observation isn't mere hyperbole. The BSB grid in 2024 is a melting pot of international talent and homegrown heroes. Riders like Australian Josh Brookes, who has WorldSBK experience himself, and young guns such as Storm Stacey and Charlie Nesbitt, have raised the bar. The influx of advanced machinery, refined electronics, and data-driven strategies has narrowed the gaps between teams. Redding pointed out how tire management and bike setup have become even more critical, with the Pirelli tires used in BSB demanding precise handling to maintain grip over race distance. "You've got to be on it every session," he explained. "One small mistake, and you're buried in the pack. It's like MotoGP levels of intensity, but with that raw, British edge."

Delving deeper into Redding's mindset, it's clear that his time in WorldSBK has honed his skills in ways that benefit his BSB campaign. In WorldSBK, he faced off against legends like Jonathan Rea and Toprak Razgatlioglu, learning to adapt to varying track conditions and bike behaviors. "WorldSBK taught me patience and strategy," Redding reflected. "But BSB is where my heart is—it's aggressive, it's unpredictable, and the fans are right there with you." He recounted a specific moment from the Brands Hatch race where he diced with Ryde for second place, their bikes inches apart through the high-speed Hawthorns bend. "That kind of racing gets your blood pumping. You don't get that everywhere."

Beyond the on-track action, Redding's return has broader implications for BSB as a whole. The championship, often seen as a stepping stone to global series, is now attracting riders who view it as a destination in its own right. Redding's presence adds star power, drawing larger crowds and media attention. Promoters have noted increased ticket sales for rounds featuring him, and his social media following—boasting hundreds of thousands of fans—amplifies the series' reach. Yet, Redding is quick to deflect personal glory, emphasizing the collective strength of the field. "It's not about me versus them; it's about all of us pushing each other to be better," he said. "Guys like Bridewell are champions for a reason—they're consistent, they're smart. And the youngsters? They're fearless. It's a proper mix."

Looking ahead, Redding's goals for the remainder of the season are ambitious. With several rounds left, including the high-stakes finale at Brands Hatch in October, he's eyeing a title challenge. Currently sitting in the top five of the standings after a solid start, he's focused on fine-tuning his Ducati to extract every ounce of performance. "We've got some tweaks to make on the electronics and suspension," he revealed. "But the base is there. If we can string together a few wins, who knows?" His optimism is infectious, but he's realistic about the challenges. Injuries, mechanical gremlins, and the sheer unpredictability of BSB racing mean nothing is guaranteed.

Redding also touched on the personal side of his return. Away from the track, he's embraced life back in the UK, reconnecting with family and friends after years abroad. "Racing is my life, but being home grounds me," he admitted. This balance seems to fuel his performance, providing the mental edge needed in such a demanding sport. Fans have responded warmly, with chants of his name echoing through the grandstands—a far cry from the more detached atmosphere of some international circuits.

In essence, Scott Redding's revelry in BSB's renewed competitiveness is a narrative of growth, both personal and for the series. His quote about the absence of "slow guys" encapsulates a championship that's matured into a premier arena for motorcycle racing talent. As BSB continues to evolve, riders like Redding are at the forefront, driving the excitement and ensuring that every race is a spectacle. Whether he reclaims the title or not, his passion and insights remind us why we love the sport: the thrill of the chase, the camaraderie among warriors, and the unrelenting pursuit of speed. For Redding, the return isn't just about winning—it's about thriving in a field where everyone is a contender, and that's the true beauty of BSB today.

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[ https://www.crash.net/bsb/news/1078287/1/redding-revels-competition-return-there-aint-no-slow-guys-out-bsb-anymore ]