Gutted rider crashes out of race as he led on last lap

A CRASH has dented Warrington rider Joe Talbot’s hopes of championship success this season.

After finishing third in the first race, he was leading on the last lap of race two in the Pirelli National Superstock class of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship weekend at Knockhill Circuit in Scotland when disaster happened.

The circuit was very wet for the third round on his JR Performance Racing Honda.

"Knockhill was a challenging round for me,” said 20-year-old Talbot, a former Lymm High School student.

“Up in not so sunny Scotland the weather was one of many challenges that was thrown my way.

“I was in the top three for Friday's free practice sessions and went fastest in FP2.

Joe Talbot (Image: Colin Port Images)

“Qualifying didn't go to plan, I qualified on row two in sixth position. This was not so good as I was really struggling with the feeling on my bike.

“We made big changes and found pace in race one and managed to secure a solid podium finish in p3.

“The heavens opened on Sunday and we had a very wet race on our hands.

“I took the lead from lap four onwards until the very last lap where unfortunately I collided with a slower back marker.

“This was a devastating way to end a solid weekend.

“I’m very sorry to JR Performance Racing and to all of my personal sponsors.

“This wasn’t in the plan.

“It will be very hard from now on due to such a big points gap I need to close down.

“It’s a long road and let’s see what the future holds.”