Honda Racing new boy Tom Neave had a baptism of fire at the Thruxton round as he jumped straight in at the deep end, making his debut at the series' fastest track.

Neave, who is standing in for the injured Dan Linfoot, didn't finish either race after two crashes but says he had learned a lot sharing a track with the big boys.

"I’ve really enjoyed this weekend and loved every minute and every lap. The team has been so welcoming and everyone has made me feel at home, I’ve progressed and got faster and faster and my confidence has grown," said Neave.

"Sadly the races didn’t end too well for me and I am sorry to the team for the crashes, they worked so hard to get me back out for the second race and I crashed again; so sorry to Spider and the boys. In the first race I was settling in nicely, Mackenzie came past me and in hindsight, I should have sat behind him and learnt, but instead I tried to take too much out of him in one hit.

"I went in too hot and almost ran into the back of him, so I had to avoid and run off at one of the fastest corners, which wasn’t ideal. The second race, I was more cautious of what had happened earlier in the day. I took it nice and steady, settled into it, the CBR felt awesome and I tried to take a lunge on Cooper. It was a hotheaded moment and I ran into his back wheel, I’m just thankful I didn’t take him out as well.

"I’m gutted as I’ve been given a golden opportunity and I’m frustrated the weekend has ended with two crashes. I’ve learnt a hell of a lot from it today and thanks again to Harv, Honda and the boys for all their support and hard work."