EVESHAM-BASED Ashley Beech had to cope with mechanical issues in the round 10 of the National Superstock 1000 Championship at Oulton Park.
Beech has missed the championship’s first visit to the2.6 mile circuit in the heart of Cheshire after breaking bones in his hand and foot after a crash at Brands Hatch so it proved to be learning curve before he finished 16th in the race.
Racing the Team JD Racing Kawasaki ZX-10R, Beech finished sixth quickest in practice despite suffering handling problems.
After consulting with suspension specialists and tweaking the front suspension for qualifying, he was improving his lap times only for his final flying lap to be spoilt when he was forced to avoid two slower riders and he ended in 16th place.
The Evesham rider made a flying start but when three riders crashed entering the first corner the chasing pack was forced to take avoiding action which allowed the leading group to pull away. For 14 laps, Beech battled hard and despite his bike still suffering with wheel spin he rode superbly to eventually cross the line in 16th place.
The next round of the Championship is at Silverstone in four weeks. Follow Beech and the team’s progress at www.jonesdorlingracing.com, on Twitter @JDR_Racing or on Facebook at JonesDorlingRacing