Charlie Nesbitt records triple podium in British Superbike

22-year-old Nesbitt, riding the MasterMac Honda by Hawk Racing, enjoyed a starring role as he clinched a place on the podium for the first time in the opening race of the weekend, passing two riders on the final bend to come home second behind Australian, Jason O’Halloran.

In Sunday’s two longer races, Nesbitt again enjoyed race-long battles with the leading group before eventually finishing third in both to collect another two podium finishes. All three rides surpassed his previous best finish in the series of sixth at Donington earlier in the year.

Cook, 20, was also heavily involved in the action at the front of the pack, dicing with the leading group and gaining valuable experience of leading outright along the way.

Swindon's Charlie Nesbitt in action at Thruxton with his hometown rival Max Cook just a place behind Photo: Camipix Photography (Image: Camipix Photography)

Riding the Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki, less than a bike length separated him from his own first podium finish as he clinched an impressive fourth in the opening race. After an unfortunate fall in race two, he rounded off the weekend with another brilliant effort to again take fourth place.

O’Halloran won all three races on his McAMS Yamaha, catapulting him back into contention for the title after a disappointing weekend for championship front-runners Tommy Bridewell and Glenn Irwin.

Speaking afterwards, Nesbitt said: “The whole weekend was brilliant from my perspective.

"The circuit played to our strengths and it was a case of taking the opportunity to get near the front and compete. The racing was hard but fair and I enjoyed every minute of it.

“I can’t thank Hawk Racing and my sponsors enough for everything they’re doing to support my development and put me on a great bike. We’ll be doing our best to carry on the momentum for the rest of the season.”

Bennetts BSB continues at Cadwell Park in Lincolnshire over the August Bank Holiday weekend.