WORSTHORNE’S Harry Hartley has been handed a second chance in this year’s British Superbike Championship – although he endured a painful debut for his new team.

The 17-year-old became the youngest rider in the history of the championship when he competed for Halsall Racing in the opening round of the season at Brands Hatch in April.

He finished 13th in that race but his hopes of competing in either of the two races in the third round of the championship at Snetterton were ended by a spectacular crash in qualifying.

That led to him being replaced at Halsall Racing by the more experienced Jon Kirkham.

But Hartley has since stepped into Kirkham’s old seat at Tsingtao Racing to retain his place in the championship, on another Kawasaki bike.

“I am really happy that the team have given me this opportunity,” said Hartley.

“I am pleased that I have been able to stay with Kawasaki. It is a brilliant Superbike and one that I have some experience of.

“That will help me to move forward and keep progressing.”

Hartley had his first outing for Tsingtao at Knockhill at the weekend but crashed out in practice.

He was taken to hospital but was not seriously hurt and is now looking forward to the next round of the series on July 18, 19 and 20.

“Must be due some luck some time soon,” he said on Twitter. “Hopefully it will be delivered at Brands Hatch.”

In the British Motostar Championship, Burnley’s FPW Racing were celebrating a podium position as Californian rider Jayson Uribe finished in third place.

Team-mate Greg Greenwood was 16th, while a third FPW rider Taz Taylor did not finish. Josh Owens, of fellow Burnley team RCD Motorsport, finished in ninth position.

In the British Supersport Championship’s two races, Colne’s Appleyard/Macadam Racing took fifth place and then fourth with rider Jake Dixon.

South African Bjorn Estment was 12th in the first race and then eighth in the second race.

In the British Sidecar Championship, Mellor Brook’s John Holden and passenger Andy Winkle were 14th in the first race before failing to finish the second race.