Charlie Nesbitt put on a superb display to take his first ever podium finishes in the latest round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship on board his MasterMac Honda by Hawk Racing.

The 22-year-old played a starring role in an action-packed weekend at Thruxton circuit in Hampshire, finishing in the top three in all three races.

It was home territory for Nesbitt, who hails from the Swindon area, and the strong pace he set from the opening practice session was a sign of things to come.

After qualifying fifth for the opening BikeSocial Sprint Race, he swapped places in the leading pack throughout the race before eventually passing two riders on the final bend to come home a brilliant second – beating his previous best finish of sixth.

Starting from pole position in Race Two, he again diced with the leading group from lights out before eventually crossing the line in third. And in Race Three, starting from sixth, he repeated the feat with another exciting third-place finish and his third trophy of the weekend.

Speaking afterwards, Charlie 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 the team and 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.”

Steve Hicken, team manager, added:

“Charlie is a young rider in his first full Bennetts BSB season and these results are a great reward for the hard work he’s putting in.

“We have great faith in his potential but to put together three rides like that, under pressure from the more experienced guys around him on every single lap, was outstanding.

“It’s important we keep our feet on the ground but it’s also a credit to everyone in the team for continuing to improve the bike as the season progresses.”

Unfortunately not everything went smoothly for the team over the weekend as Josh Owens had a fall from his Crendon Honda by Hawk Racing in free practice on Friday, which left him with a broken wrist and fingers. Josh was subsequently unable to race and we wish him a speedy recovery.

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