Fatherhood inspires Dan Linfoot to best ever weekend in British Superbikes

Dan Linfoot racing his Honda Racing machine

Linfoot climbed back into the contention for the crucial end of season showdown with an excellent performance on a wet weekend in Scotland.

Despite a below par qualifying performance, Linfoot bounced back in the heat of battle to record his first second place of the season on Saturday, before adding third place in race two 24 hours later.

And Linfoot credited a calmer approach to his work following the birth of his first child last earlier this month.

Linfoot said: “The new arrival has made me very happy and the saying goes that a happy rider is a fast rider.

“Some people think a baby might slow you down or put more pressure on you. But Knockhill was my first race as a dad and it was my best one ever.”

Having qualified a disappointing seventh, Linfoot made his way through the field into the battle for first in race one.

The 28-year-old fought an enticing battle with Luke Haslam with the pair switching positions on several occasions at the front.

Linfoot sprays the champagne after his second place at Knockhill

However, Linfoot could not get his Honda Racing machine ahead when it mattered as Haslam claimed victory by a mere 0.3 seconds.

It was the closest the Knaresborough rider has come to a first race win in his four-year association with British Superbikes.

“It’s not getting frustrating yet,” Linfoot said on his long wait to top the podium.

“Second and 20 points is a better than finishing sixth or seventh.

“We all want to win and to get that close, it’s getting to the point where it’s close but no cigar.

“I am still happy with the way I rode. It was almost to be.

“I’m on the crest of a wave. I have to continue riding like I have been and keep the believe up and work out a plan of how I can now get my first win.”

Having claimed the fastest lap in the opener, Linfoot started on pole for race two on Sunday and benefited from a reduction of spray on the wet track.

He made a strong start at the front and led proceedings until reigning champion Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne moved ahead midway through.

Linfoot remained in the battle for first but could not catch the legendary figure in front, and he dropped down to third after a mistake at the final corner.