Going into the final, double header meeting at Donington Park at the weekend Darren Barton knew exactly what he had to do if he was to stand any chance of lifting the 250cc British Motorcycle Championship for the MARC sponsored Colin Appleyard Honda team - he had to win the two remaining races.

The championship round postponed from the August Bank Holiday meeting at Cadwell was run on Saturday evening. If Darren Barton was to make any impression on the championship front runners he had to go all out to take the checked flag. The grid positions from Cadwell still stood, which meant 'The Chief' was on pole. However, he got off to a poor start and only after the first few laps did he get his act together. He then stormed to the front and was riding with real determination when disaster struck. In trying to stretch his lead he crashed out and although he was able to remount and finish 12th his championship hopes had gone.

After that Sunday's race was a real disappointment; the momentum had been lost and with it Darren's natural race-winning instincts. He eventually finished in fourth place, well behind the leading trio. Overall he finished third in the championship which was deservedly won by Adrian Coates who won five times during the season including both of the weekend's races.

After the race Team Manager Robin Appleyard said: "Before the race on Saturday I told Darren to go all out for the win which, in fairness, he did. Unfortunately in trying to put the race out of reach of his rivals he over cooked it! Now we have to start planning for next season when we shall be stepping up to Superbikes. Darren has proved he is a race winner, it will be a challenge but I know he can make an impression."

Without reaching the heights of the podium finish achieved in the previous round Andy Walker continued to impress in finishing a good fifth in the 125cc race.

Robin Appleyard has been delighted with the progress he has made since joining the team. "Andy was a little unlucky in Sunday, he was punted on the first lap which knocked him back a bit but he fought back well. I hope very much he'll be with us again next season."