HARLEY Rushton finally kick-started his racing season in round three of the Classic Racing Motorcycle Clubs Championship at Oulton Park on Bank Holiday weekend.

The Ingleton rider, who suffered a heavy crash in the series opener at Pembrey in Wales, was returning to action after missing a round due to work and study commitments.

Things started badly for Rushton when his Craven Manx Norton suffered a mechanical failure in the opening practice of the day which put the 500cc machine out of action for the rest of the weekend.

The first 350 race also ended prematurely with an earth lead breaking in the Craven Honda during a battle for the lead.

This was an easy fix which meant the 350 was ready for the eight-lap ACU race for which Harley qualified seventh on the grid.

A good start saw him take fifth place at the first corner but he lost a position on the second lap due to the 500cc bikes having more straight-line speed.

Fighting through the race getting quicker and setting his fastest lap on the final lap Harley managed to pass the 500 in front of him and finished first. This saw him take first in class as the first 350 finisher

After a rest day on the Sunday, Rushton stormed to two outright victories on the 350 Honda twin on the final day of the meeting.

The weather conditions were great and so were the races. The first was a battle at the front between Rushton and Richard Molnar, before his rival’s bike expired.

Rushton led for all six laps of the second race as he secured a fine victory. Reflecting on his weekend, Rushton said: “I'm disappointed not to have had both bikes to race this weekend. Despite that I'm pleased with the results we came away with and it's great to get the circuit lap record on the Craven Honda.”

Looking back on the opening day, he added: “Saturday was a difficult day for me and the team. Mechanical problems happen in racing so I have to accept this.

"I will have a full complement of bikes for the teams next race meeting at The Bob McIntyre Memorial meeting at East Fortune June 19-17."