TIGHT AT THE TOP: Ben Burke (number 60) on his way to the chequered flag at Donington Park in England on the weekend.
SPRING Hill speedbike rider Ben Burke has broken through for his first win of the 2012 Metzeler National Superstock 600 Championship, fending off a late charge from Alex Olsen to claim the race two chequered flag on the hallowed circuit at Donington Park.
Riding in his second season in the British Supersport event with the Seton Tuning Yamaha team, Burke started from pole and led after the first lap.
However, Lee Jackson and championship leader James Rose soon overtook Burke, with the three fighting it out over the course the next eight laps of the four-kilometre Donington Park circuit, which is also the home of the British Grand Prix.
But race one winner Olsen then took the lead and, despite pressure from Burke, maintained his advantage until he was handed a 10-second penalty for passing under yellow flag conditions.
The yellow flag infringement handed Burke the victory, his first of the season.
Rose (+5.042s), riding his Moto-Breakers Yamaha, returned to the podium in second while Olsen (Team Haribo Starmix) dropped back to fourth behind Jackson on his Kawasaki (+5.816s).
The race two win sees Burke rise to third on the Metzeler National Superstock 600 Championship standings, with his Donington Park effort taking Burke’s championship tally to 66 points.
Rose is currently the championship leader with 71 points, while Jake Dixon, who was forced to retire from race two, sits in second, one point behind Rose.
Olsen is fourth with 58 points with Grant Whitaker in fifth on 55 points.