SPEED demon Chris Betteridge was on the wrong end of a close cut as he looked to kick-start this season in style.

After becoming the National 250cc ACU Star Champ, last year, the 33-year-old motorbike king from Crewe set his sights on a higher level of competition.

His quest took him to the scene of his title victory, Donington Park, with high hopes of making the grid in the first round of the ACU/MRO 250cc National Championship.

It looked good during practise as Betteridge went well in the wet conditions but as qualifying drew near, the track began to dry.

Some 54 riders had their hearts set on only 40 starting places and many were in with a chance, having the option of slick tyres.

Betteridge was left with only one, getting the best out of his intermediates.

Unfortunately it proved decisive as only half a second robbed him of a start with a final qualifying position of 45th at 1min 22.09secs.

Pole was set at 1min 14.97secs at an average of 93.97mph around the 1.975mile circuit.

Although obviously gutted, Chris was happy in the knowledge that he would have been competitive.

"I hadn't bought a set of slicks as they aren't allowed at club racing level and are costly," he said.

"But I believe they would have made me at least a second quicker at Donington so I know I can compete and would hope to be in the top 30."

Without sponsorship, Chris has been unable to make the necessary improvements which could put him into the reckoning.

But he isn't a quitter and plans to be at the championship's second round at Silverstone, on Sunday, April 8.

* If you would like to sponsor Chris call 01270 650239.

Picture - SLICK work! Chris gave it his all despite the tyres at Donington, this month.