Uphill task for Beech

Ashley Beech: accident damaged his bike and his season

MOTORCYCLE RACING: ASHLEY Beech and Team JD Racing face an uphill task to make the starting grid for round two of the National Superstock Championship at Oulton Park in two weeks.

The Moorside rider arrived at Brands Hatch for the opening round full of expectation - but his race lasted only two laps before a collision at more then 100mph.

A lack of money for repairs could mean the 26 year old will miss part of the season.

Beech was full of confidence after three days of successful testing at the Spanish Almeria track last month. The bike is fitted with a quick shifter, which allows clutchless gear-changing.

A modified exhaust system gives better gas flow and power, and racing front forks allow more adjustment options and are less likely to overheat.

To be eligible for the Bank Holiday Monday feature race, Ashley needed to finish in the top 10 of the shoot-out event.

He finished second place, putting him on row 10 of the grid. After a good start, on lap two rider Nikki Coates lost control and there was a collision. Both crashed heavily into the gravel, and though Beech was unhurt the bike was extensively damaged.