Krystal Racing Space Air’s Lee Jackson rounded off the 2007 Metzeler Racetec National Superstock Championship with two top ten finishes at the Brands Hatch Indy circuit.
Riding while still injured from a massive smash at the Bol d’Or last month, the 2005 champ ended Saturday’s race in seventh place, and finished Sunday’s season finale sixth. Team-mate Paul Veazey meanwhile, finished 17th in race one, but was forced to retire in the second.
The last round of the season kicked-off on Friday morning with first practice, just two days after Jackson had a cast removed from his ankle. Although still suffering some pain, the worst problem looked to be his thumb which had been dislocated and chipped in the crash.
Determined to battle through the pain, and wearing odd boots to accommodate his still swollen ankle, the 32-year-old from Lincoln put in a dazzling performance in Saturday’s second qualifying session to take pole for both races. Race One saw him knocked down to third in the opening lap, before fighting back up to second. But his injuries got the better of him, and despite his best efforts he was unable to fight off charging rivals, eventually ending the race a respectable seventh.
Race Two was to follow a similar pattern, when he dropped back to fifth on the first lap. He held the spot until Lap Eight when he was passed by Ben Wilson, dropping him down to sixth, where he was to remain until the end. The race was red-flagged on Lap 17, and as it was three-quarters run, race control called it a result.
“I’m quite happy with the results, it could’ve been a whole lot worse,” he said. “The injuries weren’t causing much pain, but I was having to ride with caution because I couldn’t afford to crash and break the ankle as it’s still delicate.
“Setting pole was great, it was a real boost for me, especially since I had to miss the last race at Donington. It was just unfortunate that I couldn’t keep the pace in the races, but I did the best I could and I’m going home happy enough.”
Jackson finished the season sixth in the championship, with 111 points.
Middlesbrough’s Paul Veazey lined up in 19th spot, and a bad start in Race One saw him knocked back to 25th. But the 21-year-old fought back through the field, and despite a red flag and restart, made it all the way up to 17th by the chequered flag. Race Two however wasn’t to go so well, and the youngster retired with gearbox trouble.
“I’m disappointed that the second race ended in retirement because I’d hoped I could’ve bettered the 17th from the day before and end the season in the points,” he said.
“It’s been a difficult year for me, I’ve had a few injuries and I’ve not been fully fit since I injured my shoulder in the summer. It’s meant I’ve suffered in the last few rounds and I am a bit down about that. At least I got one top 20 finish this weekend, and that’s better than nothing.”
Meanwhile, in the Superstock Cup race, Gary Jackson powered his own Newell Plumbing/Krystal Racing Yamaha to fifth place this afternoon after starting from third on the grid. “That was alright, I’m pretty happy with that result,” he said. “Obviously it would’ve been nice to finish on the podium, especially at the last round, but I can’t complain about fifth.”
Team Manager Tony Astle commented: “I think the weekend went well enough. Lee had done well even to be back on a bike this weekend, and we were thrilled when he took pole. Sadly the races didn’t go the way we’d hoped but it can’t be helped. Lee’s happy so we’re happy.
“It was a shame that Paul had to retire in the second race. He did well to make up so many places in the first race, but unfortunately he lost out in the second. Gary did well in the Cup to get fifth, so I think everyone leaves Brands Hatch in decent spirits.
“It’s been a tough year, Paul has been injured for the second half it, then Lee had the crash at the Bol d’Or, so they’ve had to work really hard just to ride. We’re all pleased with the jobs they’ve done, and we wouldn’t have asked for any more from either of them.”
