Hislop closes in on title as Easton wraps it up.

MonsterMob Ducati rider Steve Hislop will take a 37 point lead with him into the final round of the 2002 MCN British Superbike Championship at Donington Park in two weeks time after a fifth and sixth place finish at Mallory Park today.

After qualifying in second place around the 1.3 mile track, Hislop endured tyre problems in the opening race which resulted in a sixth place finish whilst any hopes of a better result in race two were thwarted when the 998cc Testastretta cut out momentarily whilst running in the leading bunch leaving him to salvage fifth.

Despite surrendering 19 points to main rival Sean Emmett, Hislop is still very much in the driving seat and needs just a pair of ninth place finishes to clinch his first title since 1995, and that is providing Emmett wins both races.

"I'm very disappointed as I really wanted to tie things up today but for one reason or another it's not happened," commented Hislop. "The tyre didn't work in race one and then it cut out on me just as I was about to lap some backmarkers and I lost the tow in the second race. I didn't do myself or the team justice today so I'll have to put it right at Donington"

Hislop's misfortune was somewhat tempered by team mate Stuart Easton clinching his first road racing title by winning the MB4U.com National Supersport Championship with a third place finish aboard his MonsterMob 748.

Needing only three points from the penultimate race of the series, Easton led in the early stages before settling for a safe third place after main rival Scott Smart retired with machine problems.

"It's been a tough season but I'm glad I've wrapped it up. It wasn't an easy race and I was sliding about a lot but we've done what we set out to do. I just hope Hizzy can do the same at Donington," said the 18-year-old from Hawick.

Team Boss Paul Bird was left with mixed feelings after the day's racing.

"I'm delighted for Stuart but at the same time disappointed that Steve didn't do the business today. We could have gone to Donington chilled out as double champions but now, the pressure's back on us. We still need a disaster to lose it but anything's possible," said the Penrith Businessman.