Manager praise for Beech

MOTORCYCLING:

DESPITE being forced off the track, Ashley Beech finished a creditable 25th in round four of the National Superstock 1000 Championship at Donington Park.

The Moorside ace, who rides for Worcester-based team Jones-Dorling Racing, qualified only 31st quickest at the Leicestershire circuit, but only a second covered the next 15 places on the grid.

Beech got away well but his hopes were dashed when three riders crashed ahead of him and he had to take evasive action. He lost so much time he rejoined the race in last place.

For the remaining 11 laps he rode superbly and overtook riders with ease to finish 25th.

Co-team manager Ben Blackmore, of Paxford Engineering, said: “After the first-lap incident he quickly settled back into his rhythm and by the end of the race was lapping over two seconds quicker than his qualifying times.

“This was only the second time Ashley had competed on our bike, so this was a stunning performance under the circumstances.”

The next round is at the Knockhill Circuit in Scotland on June 16.