Jon Kirkham claimed his second win of the season with a dominating performance as the re-scheduled opening round of the debut Henderson Yamaha R1 Cup season took place at Donington Park (26 May). Riders took to the grid in pre-determined qualifying positions from Brands Hatch (5 April). Oulton Park race winner, Sam Warren stole the holeshot ahead of pole man Sean Emmett. Fastest man over the weekend, Jon Kirkham moved through to the lead as the field rounded Goddards for the first time of asking. With clear track ahead, the local rider from Derby pulled clear of the chasing pack producing the fastest lap in the process (1:35.145s). Ben Wilson broke clear, leaving Emmett and Warren to trip themselves up in the battle for third.