Bayliss claims third after final round of Supersport Championship

Bayliss completed an impressive season on the Triumph Street Triple 765 RS with team-mate Max Wadsworth also returning to action for the final round of the campaign.

Bayliss joined the Macadam Triumph Racing Team at the third round of the championship at Knockhill, deputising for the injured Bradley Perie. Alongside his British Supersport commitments, the Australian also competed in the FIM World Supersport Championship with PTR Triumph Factory Racing.

Friday’s opening free practice session began under dark skies, with a wet track presenting a challenging start to the weekend.

Bayliss completed six laps, recording his fastest time of 1:41.502s on his final circulation to finish 11th quickest. Wadsworth also took to the circuit to familiarise himself with the demanding wet conditions around the fast and flowing Kent track, completing three laps and setting a best time of 1:45.022s.

Conditions improved significantly for the second free practice session as temperatures rose and the track dried. With further rain threatening the area, riders wasted little time getting out on circuit to make the most of the favourable conditions.

Bayliss completed 14 laps and continued to improve throughout the session, setting his fastest time of 1:28.253s midway through proceedings. His performance placed him second quickest, just 0.017 seconds behind Jack Kennedy.

Wadsworth completed 11 laps, saving his best until his final circulation with a time of 1:29.299s, which left him 13th on the timesheets.

Saturday’s 25-minute qualifying session took place in the best track conditions of the weekend, allowing both Macadam Triumph riders to push for strong grid positions.

Bayliss continued his impressive form, completing 17 laps and setting his fastest time of 1:27.783s on his final lap. His performance secured third place on the grid, just 0.013 seconds ahead of championship rival Luke Stapleford, who would start immediately behind him.

Wadsworth also delivered a competitive qualifying performance, recording a best time of 1:28.543s on his 14th lap to secure 10th position on the grid.

Saturday afternoon’s 12-lap sprint race took place on a fully dry circuit under overcast skies, with the Supersport field producing an entertaining battle from the moment the lights went out.

Bayliss made a strong start but dropped back to fifth position as the riders exited turn one, while Wadsworth slipped to 13th. As the race progressed, both riders began working their way forward. Bayliss moved into second place around the halfway stage, with Kennedy close behind as the pair fought for position.

The remaining laps produced an intense duel between the two riders, with Bayliss and Kennedy exchanging positions several times.

In a thrilling finish, Bayliss held his nerve to take victory by just 0.046 seconds, adding another race win to his impressive season tally. Wadsworth also made progress through the field to cross the line in 10th position.

Sunday’s 13-lap feature race presented a very different challenge. A rain shower left the circuit fully wet, forcing riders to change tyres on the grid as the race was declared wet.

Bayliss again made a strong start, moving into third position by the end of the opening lap, while Wadsworth found himself down in 22nd. As the race unfolded, both riders became involved in hard-fought battles for position as the worsening track conditions made progress increasingly difficult.

By the halfway point, Bayliss had slipped to fourth place. He maintained that position through to the chequered flag, bringing his British Supersport season to a close with another solid points finish. Wadsworth finished 24th in the final race of the weekend.

Despite missing the opening two rounds of the championship, Bayliss completed an outstanding campaign, securing third place overall, just five points behind runner-up Kennedy. Riding the Triumph Street Triple 765 RS, he recorded 11 race wins, four podium finishes and three pole positions during the 2026 season.

His performances once again demonstrated the competitiveness of the Triumph Street Triple 765 RS, described as the most powerful Street Triple ever produced.

Wadsworth finished the championship in 15th position overall after a season of racing in the highly competitive British Supersport field.

The opening round of the 2027 Quattro Group British Supersport Championship is scheduled to take place at Oulton Park on May 2 and 3. Macadam Triumph Racing Team have yet to announce their rider line-up for the forthcoming season.