Charlie Nesbitt falls three times in British Superbikes Championship

The youngster is making his full debut in arguably the world’s best domestic racing series this season and was one of the talking points of the previous round at Donington, when he had three strong results including a sixth-place finish.

The early signs suggested he might go even better at Knockhill, when he again caught the eye by setting the second fastest time in free practice before sealing a personal best fifth place in qualifying on his MasterMac Honda by Hawk Racing.

But unfortunately for Nesbitt, things turned awry from there. First, he slid off from seventh place in the opening race of the weekend, and then he crashed again twice more in the second and third races.

Speaking to his team afterwards, Nesbitt said: "After a really positive start to the weekend, with going straight into Q2 and getting a second-row gridstart for race one, things didn’t quite go to plan. 

"But that doesn't really reflect the weekend as whole at such a technical circuit. I've learned a lot about the bike and am continuing to gel with the team. 

"Onwards to the fast-flowing Snetterton and a chance to continue my move up the grid and hopefully then the championship. 

"As always, thanks to my team, my sponsors and my family for making this all possible.”

Swindon's Charlie Nesbitt in action at Knockhill last weekend (Image: Bonnie Lane)

Fellow Swindon rookie Max Cook, riding the Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki, picked up valuable experience when finishing 18th in race one and 14th in the third, although he also fell off in race two.

Neither Cook or Nesbitt suffered injuries, and were among a number of riders who crashed out on the short, undulating circuit, which is a challenge even for the most experienced competitors on the high-powered superbike machinery capable of speeds around 200mph.

The duo will now be looking ahead to the next round of Bennetts BSB, which takes place at the Snetterton circuit in Norfolk between July 7-9.