Kieran Clarke's final race of the 2005 Think! British Superbike Championship ended in disappointment when he crashed out of the first race at Donington Park last weekend.

The damage to his bike forced Clarke to sit out race two.

Reflecting on his season he said: "It's very disappointing not to have a good finish today, but the season has been mega. It's hard to believe that last year I was competing in the R6 cup and now I've just finished my first season in the world's premier domestic Superbike championship.

"I've had some really good results and I've learnt a lot in such a short time."

Team owner Colin Appleyard added: "I felt sorry for Kieran he had a great start and was running up in the lead pack when he went down. This is the third year we have been focusing on up-and-coming talent and Kieran has showed he has the talent to succeed, it's just a matter of time"

"We are already working on our plans for next year and plan to be back even stronger."

Ashley Beech also crashed out of 125cc Championship race, with just four laps to go.

The weekend had started promisingly despite wet practise sessions on Friday and Beech qualified sixth with his team mate, Joe Dickinson close behind in twelfth place.

Sunday morning's warm up went well and going into the race both bikes were in peak condition.

From the outset Beech and four other riders broke away vying for the lead in what team manager Robin Appleyard described as classic 125cc racing. With just four laps left Steve Neate clipped fellow Red Bull team mate and Championship contender Eugene Laverty causing a domino effect which took out young Beech and left Christian Elkin to storm through, take the chequered flag and snatch the Championship.

Dickinson who took full advantage of the situation to cross the line in fourth place. Although disappointed not to make the podium he was pleased to finish the season strongly after his recent jump start problems.

Robin Appleyard was pleased with the progress during the season. He paid tribute to the pit lane team led by chief race mechanic Richard "Trick Tuner" Slinn who have worked hard throughout the season.

Dickinson is to ride in the Supasport Championship next season and Beech will remain with the team. With two Championship race wins already to his credit Robin Appleyard is convinced he has real potential. The team is to compete in the final two rounds of the Spanish Championship in November.

"Big plans are afoot for 2005 and Ashley is very much part of those plans," Robin Appleyard said.