Sam Lowes took the opening Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship race win of the season at Brands Hatch after an impressive performance on the GNS Racing Honda to hold off the challenges of Paul Young on the Oxford TAG Triumph.

The first race of the season was a real race-long tussle among the leading six riders Young led the pack on the first lap into Paddock Hill Bend with Graeme Gowland, James Westmoreland and Jason O'Halloran tucked in behind. Billy McConnell on the second CAME Yamaha was running outside the top six in the opening laps after getting a poor start from pole position.

McConnell was soon fighting back as he carved his way through the pack, but reigning Supersport Cup champion Lowes was determined and was able to edge out an advantage, before the race was red flagged on the 21st lap.

Lowes said: "I feel like I can finally sleep tonight now we have got the first race out of the way! I need to thank my team as the new squad came together over the winter and they have done a great job. I knew we had the potential to do it we just needed to prove it on circuit in the race. It was the first time I had led a Supersport race let alone win so I need to keep that going now when we get to Thruxton."

The chasing pack were scrapping for the final podium places with Westmoreland, McConnell and O'Halloran all fighting out, with Gowland dropping to the back of the group when the red flag was shown.

Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship, Brands Hatch, race result:

1. Sam Lowes (GNS Racing Honda)
2. James Westmoreland (CAME Yamaha) +1.553s
3. Billy McConnell (CAME Yamaha) +1.579s
4. Jason O'Halloran (Oxford TAG Triumph) +2.059s
5. Graeme Gowland (PTR Honda) +2.692s

Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship standings after Brands Hatch:

1. Sam Lowes (GNS Racing Honda) 25
2. James Westmoreland (CAME Yamaha) 20
3. Billy McConnell (CAME Yamaha) 16
4. Jason O'Halloran (Oxford TAG Triumph) 13
5. Graeme Gowland (PTR Honda) 11

Thruxton hosts the next round of the 2010 Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship on 16/17/18 April.

For more information visit www.britishsuperbike.com