MOTORCYCLIST James East defied the pain barrier to finish fourth in the latest round of the National Superstock Championship.

The 22-year-old from Royston competed in the race at Snetterton last week in round six of the championship despite suffering a broken left fibula during a fall-off in his previous outing at Knockhill in Scotland on June 19.

His bravery and skill were rewarded at Snetterton, though, as he battled his way to a more than credible fourth place finish despite a heavily bandaged leg.

The Superstock series is targeted at young riders and East has been competing in it for the last two years. This year he has shown front-running pace on his Yamaha R6 to achieve three pole-position starts as well as a second place finish at Brands Hatch in round one in April.

The series attracts huge grids and East has to compete against more than 40 rivals on very similar 600cc machines every race in front of big crowds. The race-day crowd at Snetterton was over 40,000.

East was delighted with how things turned out in Norfolk and now hopes to secure a podium finish in round seven at Cheshire’s Oulten Park on Wednesday (July 17).

“I am very surprised I got such a good result here,” said East after his fourth place finish.

“I wasn’t sure if I could even put any weight on the leg, but it wasn’t too bad. It aches like hell now, though, and working during the week is actually harder than racing the bike!”

“I managed to score more points than the championship leader, and hope to be fitter and ready to push for a podium in the next event at Oulton Park – one of my favourite circuits.”

East’s effort is largely family and self-funded. Any help would be hugely appreciated. Check out www.jameseastracing.com if you are interested in supporting him in any way.