THE 2014 National Superstock 1000 Championship is still 10 weeks away but, for Evesham's JD Racing and rider Ashley Beech, the season started just weeks after the final round last year.

Beech has been working on his fitness to ensure he is prepared physically and mentally for the most competitive season so far with a host of national and international stars joining the entry list.

Team principal Chris Jones is delighted the 26-year-old has agreed to race for them again this year.

He said: "Ashley's list of achievements in 2013 was very impressive, beating his personal best lap times at every circuit, winning the rider of the day award at Cadwell Park and recording his best finish in the championship of seventh place, plus a pole position at the last round of the season.

"All this was achieved on a three-year-old bike. During the winter, however, with help from additional local sponsors, the team have purchased a brand new Kawasaki ZX-10R race bike.

"It has been stripped of all road fittings, such as lights, number plates and mirrors, and the engine is currently being rebuilt in full race mode.

"Ashley and the team will be travelling to the Almeria circuit in Spain at the end of March and will be testing new components such as exhaust systems, suspension and brakes, all of which will help get that extra performance needed to enable him to battle against some of the best riders in the UK.

"Ashley would like to thank Chris and also Ben Blackmore, of Paxford Engineering, for their continued support."

The season starts at Brands Hatch on April 21.