Beech suffers double trouble

ASHLEY BEECH . . . points blank at the Knockhill circuit

ASHLEY Beech spoke of his frustration after failing to finish in both races in round five of the National Superstock 1000 Championship in Knockhill.

The Moorside racer has enjoyed a succession of points returns in the 2017 series, but hopes of adding to his tally at the twisty Scottish circuit were dashed.

A brake problem ended Beech's first race, while he took a tumble in race two.

The Jones Dorling Racing ace said: "I escaped any injuries and my bike suffered minimal damage.

"This has been a very frustrating weekend, but huge credit to my team for their hard work.

"I have scored Championship points consistently throughout the season so far and the bike is handling well and this would not have been possible without their hard work and dedication."

At only 1.2 miles long, Knockhill is the shortest circuit on the Championship calendar and a fast lap takes just 50 seconds to complete so close racing is always guaranteed.

SCHEDULE
With two races scheduled during the weekend a solid qualifying position would be crucial.

Since changing to new suspension and forks manufacturer, the handling of his BMW S1000RR race bike has improved dramatically, so confidence was high.

Beech recorded the fifth fastest lap time in the first of two practice sessions, but was irked when he suffered brake fade, which prevented him further improving his times.

He managed to move up a place in the second session, but again struggled with braking.

More brake concerns saw him slip to 11th in Saturday's final qualifying session and a place on row four of the grid.

Due to a blown engine in the earlier Sidecar race, an oil spillage had covered the racing line around full length of the circuit, causing the start to be delayed.

When the race did get under way, a brake problem forced him to retire on lap three.

Every component of the braking system was replaced.

With grid positions for race two determined by lap times from race one, Beech started from 22nd.

He had worked his way up to 15th by lap five when he came off.