AFTER a hard race at Brands Hatch, James Ellison is still leading the European Superstock Championship.

Reigning champion James, riding for the Hi-Peak Crescent Racing team, was determined to do well in front of a record, 122,000 strong crowd, at his second home round.

He qualified sixth, on the third row, and right from the start showed he meant business, getting up to second in the opening laps.

It was the hardest and most intensely fought race of the season with James going up and down between fifth and second place.

By the end, he was secure in third, enough to retain the overall lead in the championship, even though the gap has closed slightly.