The Isle of Man’s Cal Cooper, 16, produced a solid ride to take 7th place in the hotly-contested fourth round of the BSB 600 Superstock championship at Donington Park on Sunday.

After battling with arm pump in qualifying and during the crash-interrupted race, the IoM Sports Institute supported rider battled through the field from the fourth row of the grid to earn good points.

After crashing and inflicting severe damage to the JDF Racing Kawasaki at Oulton Park in round 3, mechanic Dave Hewitt only finished a major re-build a couple of hours before practice and qualifying.

Cooper was disappointed with 12th in qualifying, which meant row four (not three as is usually the case under BSB regs), the race being part of the World Superbike championship support package.

With the safety car employed late in the race after a crash which saw Cooper narrowly avoid running over the stricken rider, the field was regrouped for a two-lap sprint to the finish, the Manxman making up three places just two turns from home.

Said Cooper: ‘I was anxious about the arm pump when we were behind the safety car. I hoped it wouldn’t return as badly when the race was back on. A big thank you to my mechanic Dave Hewitt for rebuilding the bike and all his work. Richard Adams of Maxton Suspension was also terrific with the set-up.’

Cal also thanked sponsors Dean Teversham Roofing of Dorset, Paul Dedman Performance, Duke Video, Motul, RST Leathers, Arai helmets and Pipe Werx.