Billy McConnell celebrates his first British Supersport win of 2013.

British Supersport frontrunner Billy McConnell has credited his Smiths Triumphs team for their efforts in his stellar feature race victory at Cadwell Park.

The UK-based South Australian has factored on the podium a number of times this season but round eight marks the first time he has stood on the top step.

It’s also a significant achievement for the team, as it marks their first win with the new Triumph Daytona 675R.

“I’m really happy to get the first win of the season here,” said McConnell. “It’s fantastic to get the first win on the new 675, not just for me but for the whole team.

“The work from the guys has finally paid off and I couldn’t be happier.”

2013 marks McConnell’s sixth consecutive season in the British Supersport field, and he is hopeful the win will provide a boost ahead of the final rounds in which he’s hoping to improve upon a current standing of fourth.

“Hopefully this is the start of a really good end to the season,” he added. “I’m confident we can progress even further now in the closing rounds.”

McConnell has eight podiums from 16 starts in 2013, and has closed to within 22 points of the top three riders.

Teammate and countryman Glen Richards endured a tough run at Cadwell Park, with the defending Supersport champion registering a DNF following a crash in the sprint race in which he re-injured his shoulder.

He consolidated with seventh in the feature race and sits seventh on the standings, one place behind Jason O’Halloran.