Beech bounces back in style

ASHLEY BEECH . . . first points finish of the season at Donington Park

ASHLEY Beech is up and running in the 2016 National Superstock 1000 Championship.

The Moorside rider claimed his first points of the season with a 12th place finish in round four at Donington Park.

It was a support race for the British round of the World Superbike Series, and after a disappointing start to the campaign with technical problems hampering their progress, Beech and the JDR Team were in determined mood.

The new Kawasaki ZX-10R race bike is proving a real challenge and possessing a more powerful engine is not a guarantee of faster times.

New brakes, clutch and suspension are just some of the factors which affect the handling and performance of the bike.

"The team have been working tirelessly to eke more out of the bike as the season has progressed," said team owner Chris Jones.

"Every time Ashley goes out on track the feedback he gives is more positive and a race win before the end of the season is a real possibility."

Beech reported the bike was handling well in the practice sessions, but seemed to lack punch out of the corners. He finished 25th quickest.

The JDR technicians worked late into the night ­- they thought that fuel starvation was the cause of the problem ­- after stripping, cleaning and testing the fuel pump they were hopeful the bike was ready for qualifying.

Beech improved his lap times and qualified 18th on the grid.

A good start to the race saw Beech settle into a steady rhythm and was holding his position until the closing stages when he put on a masterclass and moved through the field to cross in 13th place.

However, it was soon announced that a rider ahead of him had been disqualified for a technical infringement and he was promoted to 12th.

The next round is at Knockhill in Scotland on June 26.