Ben Stafford is reflecting on an incredible breakthrough season on the Pirelli National Superstock 600 scene after concluding his race schedule at Brands Hatch.
Saracen’s Head talent Stafford placed a respectable – but somewhat disappointing – 17th at the 12th and final round of the series in the Kent countryside.
But the very fact that the Silicone Engineering race ace was down about finishing inside the top 20 only highlights his astronomical progress in 2014.
And with that in mind, the team have offered Stafford a ride in the same class next season.
Stafford again struggled to get in a fast lap in the first qualifying session (Q1) and had to settle for a 19th position on the grid.
However, with almost 50 riders entering on the Friday and only 40 able to qualify, it was still no mean feat for a beginner.
Saturday’s Q2 was severely hampered by the wet – and it only stopped briefly before the session started. The team made good use of the time by changing the wet setting on the bike, but times were never going to improve… so 19th position was the best he could manage.
Race day didn’t start too well for Stafford, as a technical issue in the warm up meant that he would only do the out lap.
Forced to return to pit lane, there was little time for him to get the feel for the race.
Undeterred, Stafford got off to one of his trademark super starts and gained several places – only to be pushed wide at Paddock Hill bend.
He ended lap one somewhere near 20th, but showed great determination to fight his way back. With a number of great battles throughout the remaining laps, he was able to climb a few places back up to 17th place.
Stafford’s dad Andy, who also doubles up as his mechanic, said: “With only eight races at this level under his belt, Ben’s first year in this new discipline has nevertheless been fantastic.
“At the beginning of the year we agreed that a top 20 finish in a race would be where we would set the bench mark. So finishing in the top ten twice is well above the expectations of the team.
“Ben and the family would like to express our gratitude at the continued support from Silicone Engineering for the ride and into 2015.
“We would also like to say a big thank you to the local supporters who come along for a chat and to provide us with the necessary encouragement.
“Big thanks also go to Lee and Rachel at LR designs, G&D Engineering, AW Woods agriculture and all who make this possible.”
