ENGINE trouble dogged Kendal's top motorcycle racer James Ellison when competing for the D & B Ducati team in the Thruxton British Superbike Championship event.

The gremlins struck on the warm-up lap of the first race and meant he had to sit out the action.

Dean fared better for the second race, earning a hard-fought 10th place after a tough battle with Suzuki factory rider Yukio Kagayama, who just shaded him on the last corner after the pair had got the better of two Hawk Kawasaki riders.

A top-10 finish on the slightly under-powered spare bike left Dean happy with the result.

He said: "Our team is working well and it's a shame we've had so many problems.

"Thruxton has never been one of my favourite circuits and I'm looking forward to getting to Oulton in a few weeks' time.

"Although 10th today means we have points in the bag, we will be working harder in the next races.

Currently lying 15th in the championship, Dean is confident of rising through the ranks as the 18-race season progresses.

April 24, 2003 16:30