The final round of the 2020 British Superstock 1000 Championship took place at Brands Hatch at the weekend, October 17-18, with Kiwi rider Damon Rees forced to opt out of the racing.
Situated in Kent, Brands Hatch has hosted some of motorsport’s most prestigious events on two and four wheels, offering unrivalled views of the action from various vantage points. The scene was set for an exciting final race with two riders, Chrissy Rouse and Tom Neave, separated by just 10 points for the 2020 Championship.
In the week prior to the final round of the championship, Whakatane man Rees undertook laser and hyperbaric treatments in order to speed up the healing process of his broken AC joint which he sustained in the second Superstock 1000 race at Donington Park.
After discussion with the team, Rees made the difficult decision to sit-out the final round of the championship due to his injury and to focus on the recovery and been fit ready for the 2021 season.
After a strong rookie season riding for the Astro Vans JJR Racing Team, Rees has shown his true talent and potential riding in the highly competitive British Superstock 1000 Championship.
The depth of the field ranged from former World Moto 3 Champion Danny Kent to TT race winners Ian Hutchinson, Dean Harrison and Michael Dunlop.
Rees has had some memorable moments in the shortened season which saw him take two podiums in the opening round at Donington Park as well as 4 top 5s and a number of front row starts throughout the season.
After the final round of the season Rees finished 8th in the Championship on 71pts with fellow Kiwi and Astro Vans JJR Racing team-mate Shane Richardson, from Wainuiomata, finishing in 16th on 25pts.
The final race of the season saw disaster striking the championship leader Tom Neave who crashed out on the opening lap. The final race saw Danny Kent victorious ahead of Dan Linfoot in second and Chrissy Rouse who completed the podium in third which was enough to secure him the 2020 crown.
With the season climaxing in spectacular style thoughts have already turned to 2021, the start of the new 11 round season is set to start at Oulton Park in Cheshire on the 2-3 May 2021 before climaxing at the final round at Brands Hatch 15-17 October 2021.
Words and photo by Michael Wincott
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