Photo by ADRIAN SMITH
Ever-improving Saracen’s Head racer Ben Stafford picked up another encouraging points finish in the Pirelli National 600 Superstock Championship on Sunday.
The Silicone Engineering Racing teenager claimed a respectable 13th position at round nine of the series, which was held at Donington Park.
With conditions overcast in Friday’s qualifying session at the Leicestershire circuit, Stafford set about improving on the one thing that has been hampering his progress of late – his starting slot.
With three quarters of session one (Q1) completed, Stafford put the Silicone engineering 600 in a creditable 16th position, only to find the gravel trap at McClain’s some two laps later after losing the front of his bike on the fast right-hander.
Stafford’s dad – and indeed team mechanic – Andy was forced to spend Friday night stripping down the machine to have it ready to roll for the Q2 session on Saturday morning.
Unscathed by Friday’s incident, the South Holland racer was mentally ready for Q2 – only to be thwarted by a change in the weather with light rain ruining his chances of setting a faster time and getting nearer to the front of the grid.
That meant that the team had to settle for 16th place on the grid for Sunday’s race – which was held amid much warmer conditions.
Stafford made his usual good start and picked off two riders into Red Gate corner before settling into a good rhythm for the 12 lapper.
The race took its fair count of casualties and eventual would lose some eight riders from the pack, with positions and mistakes being made all the way through the race.
It was another impressive ride from Stafford, who eventually crossed the line in 13th position and in the points again.
Happy dad Andy Stafford said: “There is clearly far more to come, with qualifying being the weak point at this time.
“However, this is still early days for Ben and with two rounds to go there will be no let up.
“Big thanks go to Silicone Engineering and all of the sponsors and helpers once again.”
The race was won by FFX Yamaha’s Andy Reid, who claimed his fifth victory of the season ahead of Nick Anderson (Be Wiser Kawasaki) and Kyle Ryde (PacedayZ) in second and third respectively.
The next round takes place at Silverstone on October 3-5.
