AFTER weeks of hard work, the team finally rolled out of the Unilock Construction yard last month, ahead of them two and a half weeks of driving, testing and of course racing.

The team arrived at Cartagena in Spain their home for six days. Four days testing ahead, with four brand new Honda Fireblades to run in, dial in and set up, plus Simon Andrews' 600 to shake down.

They then made their way north to Valencia for the first round of the European Superstock Cham-pionship where a field, consisting of 33 riders, some from last year's Championship, World level and not to mention a fully factory-backed Alstare Suzuki Team, lay in wait.

Andrews, from Wickhamford, was first to get into the race, while teammate Luke Quigley was still concentrating on the set up.

Three-quarters of the way through the session, Andrews had shot up to 12th place, when his Fireblade let go and sent him over the top. The team watched on the monitors as both rider and bike went cartwheeling through the air.

Quigley, from Brierley Hill, posted a fantastic time, which shot him to eighth quickest - where he would start the race. He was the second quickest Honda and the fastest British rider.

Andrews, despite a brave effort slipped to 23rd, but again was not disheartened.

This was the first race for Team UCL Honda and the air was filled with anticipation and excitement.

Quigley got involved in a race long battle for seventh but, unfortunately, his bike started to grind out.

The left-hand engine cover was hitting the track on fast left handers, causing his rear wheel to lift up and the rider was forced to ease off but still rode a brilliant race in tenth place.

Andrews was now 18th but the gap between him and the next group was too big and despite closing in on them. A fantastic ride from a battered and bruised rider.

The ultra competitive British Championship is next at Silverstone on Monday, April 1, with both riders out in the Superstock Championship and Andrews also in the Supersport.