Irwin runner-up to Ray in British Superbike opener

Glenn Irwin's brother Andrew sat out Sunday's series opener after crashing during practice earlier in the afternoon

Glenn Irwin produced an impressive ride from 14th on the grid to finish second behind Bradley Ray in Sunday's British Superbike Championship opener at Oulton Park.

Ray earned a dominant 1.937-second victory as he smashed his own lap record during the race.

However, Northern Ireland man Irwin also had an encouraging beginning to the campaign on his Hager PBM Ducati as he moved into third place by lap 13 after getting past last season's champion Kyle Ryde.

The Carrickfergus rider moved into second place ahead of Leon Haslam with three laps remaining and held on to that in the closing stages despite the Englishman's attempts to regain the runners-up spot.

Ryde had to be content with fifth place after being passed by series debutant Storm Stacey in the closing stages while Tommy Bridewell completed the top six.

Irwin's brother Andrew had to opt out of Sunday's opener after crashing in practice earlier in the afternoon.

The Honda rider slid off into gravel and while he was reported by organisers to be "OK" after receiving medical treatment, sat out race one.

The bank holiday weekend Oulton Park action will continue on Monday with the race two sprint event at 13:15 BST before race three at 16:15.