Kirton rider Aaron Clarke recorded a top 20 result in the penultimate round of the National Superstock 600 championship at Silverstone on Sunday as he edges nearer to a point-scoring finish.
The Northamptonshire circuit was unfamiliar territory to Clarke, as it has been a couple of years since his last visit.
The ACR Kawasaki rider had to familiarise himself with the track layout during free practice, making adjustments to the set up on the bike prior to qualifying.
But although he improved his lap times by a massive one and a half seconds, the pace was fast and the times very close – with Clarke ending up in 26th place to start the ten-lap race from the eighth row.
As the race got underway he dropped to 29th on the first lap, but soon recovered to take up 26th position which he held for five laps.
He then began to make his move forward, passing fellow Lincolnshire rider Tim Neave on lap seven.
Clarke made steady progress in the final three laps, crossing the finish line in a strong 20th position.
He said: “I did struggle with track knowledge in free practice, but soon learned my way around and began to improve my lap times and up my pace.
“I was seriously beaten up at the start, but managed to claw my way back up the grid and worked my way through to a top 20 result.
“Massive thanks to everyone who came to support me this weekend and also my sponsors for their continued input.
“I have constantly improved my times throughout the year and am not far away from the points.
“It would be nice to think I could achieve a points finish in the final round and I will be doing my best to make this happen.”
Clarke’s season concludes at Brands Hatch on October 18.
