BIKE racers Garry Buck and Ashley Rothwell are up to second overall in the 1000cc Junior Endur-ance Championship – thanks to the good generosity of their rivals.

Buck, a High Access Platform Operator from Rossendale, looked set to miss the race at Silverstone after suffering terminal engine problems with his Honda Fireblade.

But Buck was rescued by the TM72 Racing Team, who stepped in with the offer of a machine for him to ride.

Conditions for the race were treacherous as the rain closed in and the famous Copse corner seemed to claim more than its fair share of victims.

From fourth on the grid, Rothwell, an account manager from Ramsbo-ttom, carefully worked his way up through the field after a cautious start.

Buck took over after the first half hour and eased himself into the race on unfamiliar machinery.

The team made their way through to third and by the half way point the race was still very tight with three 1000cc machines within a few seconds of each other.

As the track began to dry and their rivals crashed out, Buck surged into the lead with ten minutes to go.

However, he couldn't hold off the hard-charging Ridgback Racing Team and was forced to settle for second in the dying moments of the race.

The team now have a firm grasp on second in the championship, but with all the teams around capable of wins, the remaining four rounds are set to produce some close racing.

Rothwell and Buck now have a two weeks to prepare for the next round that takes place at their strongest circuit, Oulton Park in Cheshire, on the July 9-10.

The team are looking for sponsors and local business to help support the team for the remaining rounds of the year and any company interested in doing so should contact Buck at garry3372@hotmail.com.