A hard-fought second place in race one, behind eventual winner Michael Robertson, was a good result from a position of fourth on the grid.

However, race two was a different story altogether.

In the first event of the Shark Helmets/Pirelli Tyres Scottish 600cc Production Series, Shand's poor start saw him trailing in seventh after the first lap.

But the Stenhousemuir rider then got his head down and began to reel off some impressively fast times to pick off those ahead of him.

Then, on lap nine – with three to go – he found himself closing in on leader Robertson when the race was red flagged due to a fallen rider.

As more than half distance had been completed, organisers called the results from the previous lap – giving Shand second spot on the podium.

However, a crash in race two left the BP worker feeling a bit battered and bruised, and the number five SDS Racing Yamaha YZF-R6 requiring some 'TLC' for the next round of the championship on May 25.

"It was a case of highs and lows," said Shand. "I'm really happy with the pace of both myself and the bike – but I hope that's the last of my bad luck this season."

More information on Shand and his team of volunteers can be found at www.sdsracing.co.uk

BONNYBRIDGE youngster Tim Hastings claimed a seventh place finish in the Relentless British 125GP Championship at Oulton Park last Sunday.
The 15-year-old, racing for Team KRP, was 11 seconds behind winner – and event leader – Matthew Hoyle.

As a result 'Twister' sits 10th overall in the championship standings after two rounds, on 11 points.
He travels south again this weekend for the re-arranged Brands Hatch event which was cancelled is early April due to poor weather.