Teenage talent Ben Stafford produced one of his best performances to date as he stormed to a sensational sixth place at Cadwell Park on Sunday.
One year to the day since his last National Superstock 600 outing at the famous circuit, Saracen’s Head ace Stafford was delighted to bring home ten championship points for Silicone Engineering.
Stafford had to remove the plaster cast from the injured hand before riding in Friday’s free practice. After the 30-minute session all seemed good with the hand, but an incorrect gearing choice hampered the lap times a little.
Qualifying one (Q1) was completed in dry and humid conditions, which produced good track temperatures. And, with alterations made to the bike, the South Holland ace made far better progress as he ended the session in 12th spot.
Q2 started in warmer conditions and Stafford sat out for some of the session trying to rest his hand.
With 12 minutes on the clock remaining he went out to try to better his time, but a red flag situation halted his plan – meaning he’d start Sunday’s race in 15th.
Conditions were perfect on race day and Stafford produced a decent start to move up two places in the early stages. He soon settled into a rhythm for the 12-lap race and gradually picked his way through the riders for an excellent sixth spot at the flag.
This was a good, solid ride from Stafford and it serves as a great confidence-booster after suffering misfortune at the previous two rounds at Brands and Thruxton.
It also moves him up to 12th in the championship.
Stafford thanks Silicone Engineering and all of the sponsors who made this possible, and also all of the friends and family who travel to support him and the team every week.
The next round is at Oulton Park on September 4-6.
