Top 10: Whakatāne's Damon Rees finishes eighth in British Superstock Championship

Whakatāne's Damon Rees finished eighth overall in the British Superstock 1000 Championship. Photo / Michael Wincott

Whakatāne speedster Damon Rees has finished eighth overall in the 2020 British Superstock 1000 Championship, despite missing the last round through injury.

The final round of the championship was held at Brands Hatch on October 17-18. 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 10 points in the race for the championship title.

In the week prior to the final round, Rees undertook laser and hyperbaric treatments in order to speed up the healing process of an injured AC joint he sustained in the second Superstock 1000 race at Donington Park.

After discussion with his team, Rees made the difficult decision to sit out the final round of the championship due to his injury and to focus on his recovery and being fit 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 had some memorable moments in the shortened season which saw him take two podiums in the opening round at Donington Park as well as four top-five finishes and a number of front-row starts throughout the season.

After the final round of the season, Rees finished eighth in the championship on 71 points with fellow Astro Vans JJR Racing teammate Shane Richardson finishing 16th on 25 points.

The final race of the season saw disaster strike for championship leader Neave who crashed out on the opening lap. Danny Kent took the win ahead of Dan Linfoot in second. Rouse who completed the podium in third, enough to secure him the 2020 crown.

With the season climaxing in spectacular style, thoughts have already turned to 2021. The new 11-round season is set to start at Oulton Park in Cheshire on May 2-3, 2021 building towards the final round at Brands Hatch on October 15-17, 2021.