Beech proves a point

MOTORBIKES: ASHLEY Beech celebrated his first point of the season in round seven of the National Superstock 1000 Championship at Brands Hatch.

Starting on row seven, the Oldham ace fought his way through a competitive field to finish 15th.

He also recorded the seventh-fastest lap in the race in front of 30,000 spectators.

The weather was hot and as a result Beech suffered from a lack of grip on the rear wheel in the first practice session. Even so, he was still 14th quickest.

Conditions were similar for final qualifying at which, despite improving his best lap time, he took his place as 28th on the grid.

But with fewer than two seconds separating the top 30 riders, there was a chance to make up ground.

Beech made a fast start and was holding his position at the first corner before being baulked by another rider, which lost him position. For the remaining 15 laps he weaved his way through the field to finish among the points.

Next is round eight at Oulton Park, Cheshire.