EVESHAM'S Mike Tustin and TeamMTR competed in round one of the Ducati TriOptions Cup at Donington Park.

The Vale rider qualified 17th but the first race was curtailed following five laps after a serious accident which led to the death of Kent rider Mick Whalley in hospital in Nottingham.

Tustin stayed on his Ducati after avoiding the tragic incident involving multiple bikes in front of him and finished 12th with half points awarded.

The day was suspended and then a minute's silence held on the grid before the second race.

Tustin held his starting position of 17th before moving up to 12th in the last lap to complete the team's pre-meeting aim of points in both races.

He was later moved up to 11th due to a technical infringement for another rider.

A team spokesman said: "After an extremely difficult first day Mike and the team showed great desire to keep focused on the task in hand.

"It was an extremely difficult weekend for the whole paddock and something that nobody wants to repeat.

"From a results point of view it was everything the team wanted.

"Mike's fastest laps of the weekend were the final two laps of race two, running the same pace as the eighth-placed rider, highlighting the fact he was still learning so much so late on.

"To grab British Championship points at the first attempt is no mean feat and something the team can build on.

"Mike was the fastest newcomer showing the team's building pace. TeamMTR will definitely be looking for a top-10 result next time out."

The next cup meeting is at Brands Hatch next weekend.

The team previously raced in the EMRA 1000cc Championship opener with Tustin, 28, gaining a second and first.

After the meeting at Mallory Park a successful annual fundraiser was held at Wickhamford Sports Club supported by friends, family and sponsors.