A “REALLY mixed weekend” was how Lewis Rollo summed up a trip to Oulton Park in the Bennetts British Superbikes.

The racer has enjoyed an impressive debut Superbikes season and shown his pace on a number of occasions.

He had to do that again at the Cheshire circuit after being forced to start from the back of the grid for the first of three races.

Rollo made up 10 positions on the opening lap before being caught up in a crash in front of him.

Rollo, of Gifford, clipped Danny Buchan’s Kawasaki and had to retire.

Then in the opening race on a wet Sunday, Rollo started from 15th on the grid. But another blinding start saw him battle it out for a podium place.

Lewis Rollo had a mixed weekend, including a fifth place finish, at Oulton Park Image: Colin Port ImagesLewis Rollo had a mixed weekend, including a fifth place finish, at Oulton Park Image: Colin Port Images

In the end, he managed to come home fifth and secure more vital championship points.

In the final race of the weekend, Rollo started from ninth on the grid. Once again, he was forced to avoid a crash on turn one, which put him on the grass, and he rejoined dead last.

He worked hard to try and make up lost time but unfortunately hit a damp patch and crashed out.

The former Knox Academy pupil said: “It was a really mixed weekend; Friday was great and I managed to get into the 1:34s, which was a great start to the weekend and quicker than I’ve ever been around Oulton.

“Qualifying didn’t quite go to plan, but it made me eager for the race! I got an amazing start making up 10 places!

“It was annoying to hit Danny’s bike but I’m glad we are both OK, as it was a scary moment.

Lewis Rollo had a mixed weekend, including a fifth place finish, at Oulton Park Image: Colin Port ImagesLewis Rollo had a mixed weekend, including a fifth place finish, at Oulton Park Image: Colin Port Images

“I was further up for the second race, and it was wet, which I was happy about. I managed to be battling for a podium; it was great to have a battle with [Tommy] Bridewell and [Danny] Kent, and it was fantastic to get fifth.

“The last race was tough as I got caught up in a first-turn incident. I was on a slick rear when the rain started to come down and sadly I hit a damp patch and that was my race over.

“It’s been a great weekend, though, and I’m so grateful for all the work the team put in to get a great bike underneath me and look forward to Donington and Brands.”

The 25-year-old had already clinched the Pathway Riders class before the latest stop on the British Superbikes calendar. He also remains top of the R&G Newcomers class but the two non-finishes saw his advantage over Brayden Elliott reduced to 35 points with six races of the season left.