Hawk Racing’s Charlie Nesbitt bagged three top ten finishes at a gloriously sunny Donington in round three of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship (BSB).

Riding the MasterMac Honda by Hawk Racing, the youngster turned in three impressive performances including the best result to date of his fledgling BSB career - a sixth-place finish in the second race of the weekend.

It reflected an encouraging overall display from the team, with both Nesbitt and Josh Owens on the Crendon Honda by Hawk Racing looking increasingly comfortable on the Honda Fireblade - which is new this season to the team and both riders.

The duo got off to a strong start in the opening BikeSocial Sprint Race on Saturday before Owens became one of a number of riders to fall at the Melbourne hairpin, while Nesbitt went on to finish 10th.

The first of Sunday’s two longer races was packed with incidents before a barnstorming finish set the scene for Nesbitt‘s outstanding 6th place and another points-scoring 14th for Owens.

In the final race, Nesbitt again broke the top ten to finish 9th although unfortunately Owens’ race was ended early following a penalty for a jump start.

Speaking afterwards, Nesbitt said:

“I’m really enjoying the challenge of riding in BSB and obviously I’m made up to have got three good results over the weekend.

“It feels like we’ve made a big step forward as a team and I’m confident we’ll keep making progress from here.”

Owens, who had a luckless visit to Oulton Park in the previous round when a collision caused by another rider effectively cost him two races, said:

“It was a tricky weekend again in some ways but I’m pleased to have got another points finish and feel like I’m getting more comfortable with the bike.

“I’ll keep working hard and I’m determined to compete higher up the field as the season goes on.”

Team manager Steve Hicken added:

“With so much being new to the team this year, we’ve aimed for a steady start and to build some momentum through the course of the season.

“Charlie taking a sixth place is brilliant and probably ahead of where we expected to be at this stage, but it’s reward for some great riding and a great team effort.”

The team now head to the Isle of Man TT before returning to Bennetts BSB action at Knockhill.