ANOTHER impressive start helped Lewis Rollo pick up a top 10 finish after a “terrible” qualifying session.

The motorcyclist had been on the podium at Donington Park last weekend but had a challenging weekend at Cadwell Park.

Difficult practice and qualifying sessions saw Rollo start Sunday’s 15-lap race down in 21st place.

However, an impressive start, like that at Donington, propelled him through the field and up to ninth before the red flag came out due to rain.

Restarted over 10 laps, Rollo pushed forward to seventh but was passed on the penultimate lap to finish eighth.

The National Superstock rider, who lives near Gifford, reflected on an eventful weekend: “It’s been a hard, hard weekend and some of the problems we’ve had in previous rounds came back to haunt us, particularly during qualifying.

“I was really struggling with the bike and 21st on the grid and 2.5seconds off the pace was terrible.

“It’s not where we should be so I had to dig deep for the race but I did just that and with a mega start, I got with the leading pack.

“When I’m on my own in qualifying, it’s a struggle but in a race and with a group of riders, I can run the pace so although eighth’s still not what I want, after qualifying so poorly, it’s a positive end to the weekend.”

The RAF Regular & Reserve Kawasaki Team now have a break before heading to the team’s local circuit of Snetterton next weekend (September 3).