BRITISH Superbike contender Neil Hodgson was left to reflect on a Silverstone meeting that promised much but ultimately left him even further away from the title.

The INS Ducati rider simply blitzed the opposition in the opening 20-lap race, finishing nearly three seconds ahead of rival Chris Walker.

The National Tyres Suzuki man could do little about Hodgson's ferocious pace in the opening laps, with Walker eventually blistering his tyres in a bid to keep up.

Such was the Burnley rider's superiority it was all over by lap seven, and championship leader John Reynolds could only manage a distant fourth -- a massive 14 seconds behind.

The result set the scene for a thrilling second heat, with Hodgson set to snatch the lead of the series.

But the season-long feud between Hodgson and Walker, simmering since at Oulton Park last month, ignited again on lap three.

Determined to get the run on Walker as they approached the Abbey curve, second-placed Hodgson banged fairings with the race leader.

The impact threw Hodgson off into the gravel trap and out of the race, while 'The Stalker' was able to keep control of his machine -- and the race.