Crash is a pain in the Assen for Ben Wilson

Ben Wilson had a mixed weekend as the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship visited Assen in Belgium.

The Kirton rider was back in the points after completing the first race at the Cathedral of Speed circuit in 13th place.

But as the second race began he was involved in a four rider incident on the first lap – and after running his Gearlink Kawasaki machine across the gravel, he retired to the pits.

Qualifying left Wilson in 23rd place to start the first of two races from an eighth row grid position. Rain had been falling prior to the start making tyre choice a decisive factor in the result. Those on treaded, wet weather tyres made the right choice as half way through the race the rain returned to wet the track once again.

He made a rapid start and was up to fifth place on the first corner, but fell back to seventh by the end of the lap.

As the pace quickened Wilson dropped further back and spent the majority of the 17 laps in 15th place. But when championship contender Shakey Byrne crashed with three laps remaining, Wilson was elevated up to 13th which saw him pick up three championship points.

The riders took their grid positions in sunshine for the start of race two and once again Wilson began his campaign from the eighth row.

However, this time it all ended on the first lap when the pile-up damaged his bike.

Wilson said: “This was another tough round for me. But I was pleased with the rain in the first encounter as it slowed the faster bikes down allowing me to be a bit more competitive.

“I got a good start and was up with the leaders for a couple of laps before dropping back. But I was pleased to pick up some points and was looking forward to race two.

“As it turned out four bikes crashed right in my path ahead of me – and although I saved the crash the bike did suffer a bit of damage which resulted in me being unable to continue. It’s a shame as I was hoping to add to my points again.”

The next race is the penultimate round of the series at Silverstone on October 5.