Motorcycling: Armstrong secures first ever podium finish

The Doncaster teenager claimed third place in a race shortened due to rain.

However, it was a tough weekend for Loversall’s James Rose in the National Superstock 1000 as he crashed out in Sunday race.

Armstrong started the weekend slowly, finishing the free practice session as far down as 14th.

But after great work from his Motobreakers Racing team he improved by provisionally posting a time quick enough for eighth on the grid.

Armstrong vastly improved on a fully dry circuit come Saturday afternoon and, at the end of the session, lined up second on the grid.

However, Kurt Wigley was demoted for passing under a yellow flag, meaning Armstrong was promoted to the head of the grid for Sunday’s race.

He made an excellent start as the lights went out, before battling it out with Lewis Rollo and current championship leader Carl Phillips.

Heavy rain, though, caused the race to be stopped two thirds of the way through, leaving Armstrong to settle for third, his best ever finish in the British Superbike Championship.

Team owner Shaun Rose said: “I’m really pleased with how this weekend has gone, the weather hasn’t been kind to us at times but we’ve really worked together well as a team and shone through.

“It is fantastic to say Keenan achieve his first podium with us, and it’s richly deserved after all the hard work he’s put in this weekend. Hopefully there will be more to come next time out.”

Round six takes place at Snetterton on July 8-10.

Armstrong lies sixth in the overall standings.