AINSWORTH motorcycle rider Ben Grindrod made a promising return to the British Superbike paddock after a couple of years away from the sport.

The 28-year-old former Elton High School pupil has returned to competitive action this season after securing a new sponsor, Hollins Strategic Land.

He has competed in two rounds of the Ducati TriOptions Cup, finishing seventh and eighth in the latest race on his home track Oulton Park.

Grindrod, who also went to Holy Cross College in Bury, previously competed in the Superstock 600 and 1000 classes.

But after losing his funding the young racer was forced to put his motorsport dreams on hold.

Now with new backers, Grindrod returned to action at Donington last month.

It was a tricky reintroduction, with engine issues meaning he was unable to finish either race over the weekend.

He was able to source a higher-powered engine before the competition moved to Oulton Park over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend, and the step up from 899cc to 959cc paid dividends.

After being competitive in testing and qualifying, Grindrod backed it up with two top-10 finishes and will go into the next round at Snetterton in Norfolk next month with something to build on.