Ryan van Nieuwkerk Shines Once Again with Podium and Stunning Recovery Ride at Oulton Park

South African youngster Ryan van Nieuwkerk continued to impress on the British stage with another outstanding wildcard appearance in the 2026 1pMobile National Junior Sportbike Championship at Oulton Park, securing a podium finish before producing a remarkable recovery ride in Race 2.

Returning to the FreeTech Yamaha team after a sensational wildcard debut at Snetterton, where he claimed a dominant double victory, Van Nieuwkerk arrived at Oulton Park looking to build on that momentum.

The weekend began with a productive free practice session as the South African focused on learning the challenging Oulton Park circuit, fine-tuning the Yamaha and continuing to build confidence with the team. Despite limited track time compared to the championship regulars, he immediately showed impressive pace by setting the fourth-fastest lap of the session with a 1:48.289, just 1.280 seconds off the quickest rider.

That encouraging start carried into qualifying, where Van Nieuwkerk delivered another impressive performance to secure third place on the grid for the opening 10-lap race.

Race 1 proved to be another showcase of the young South African’s talent. Running at the sharp end throughout the race, Van Nieuwkerk battled for victory from lights to flag, refusing to let race winner Marley Mackenzie escape. After an intense contest, he crossed the finish line in an excellent second place, missing out on victory by just 0.899 seconds to secure another podium finish for the FreeTech Yamaha team.

Race 2 presented a completely different challenge.

Technical issues arose ahead of the start, and although the FreeTech Yamaha crew worked tirelessly to resolve the problem in time, Van Nieuwkerk was ultimately forced to start the race from pit lane.

What followed was one of the standout performances of the weekend.

Showing superb determination and impressive race pace, Van Nieuwkerk carved his way through the field with a brilliant recovery ride, overtaking rider after rider to finish in an outstanding fifth place. It was a performance that highlighted not only his speed but also his composure, racecraft and determination to never give up, despite the early setback.

The Oulton Park weekend once again underlined why Van Nieuwkerk is regarded as one of South Africa’s brightest motorcycle racing prospects. Against riders with far more experience at the circuit, he demonstrated the pace to fight for victories and showed that even when faced with adversity, he has the talent and determination to deliver exceptional results.

With another podium finish, a superb recovery ride and more valuable experience gained alongside Hudson Kennaugh and the experienced FreeTech Yamaha team, Ryan van Nieuwkerk leaves Oulton Park with plenty of positives and continues to establish himself as one of South Africa’s most exciting young talents competing on the international stage.

Picture Credits:

Bourne Photo | Snorthmotorsportphotography