Sam Cox made his return from injury at Thruxton and showed no signs of ring rust during an impressive performance.

Cox had been out since a crash at Knockhill last month, suffering a dislocated elbow and a fractured hand.

After sitting out the meet at Brands Hatch, the Bow racer was back in the saddle in Hampshire circuit where cornering speeds regularly exceed 130mph.

But Cox showed no fear, beating the lap record he set at the track last year in the Triumph Challenge series.

And George Dennison, managing director of Cox’s sponsors Motoden, was quick to pay tribute to the rider’s resolve.

“Sam has worked hard to return to the tough British Supersport class and you need all your fitness just to compete,” said Dennison. “For him to break his own lap record set last year, whilst still nursing his injuries, is an amazing achievement.”

Cox has impressed in his first season in the Premier Class of the British Supersport series, despite his recent injuries.

It has not been without it’s fair shair of misfortune, but Cox says he has treated the experience as a learning curve.

“I have raced now for over eight years at both club and national level and if you were to ask me if I could make it this far I would

probably have doubted myself at first,” said Cox.

“However, now I’m competing in the British Supersport Class and have made it through to round seven I’m growing in confidence.

“I have a great sponsor in Motoden and others that help my team put the bike and me on the grid at each round. I’m amazed at how many people have offered their help to keep this team going.”

With five races remaining on the calendar this season, including a trip to the Netherlands, Cox has his eyes on a top-three finish.

“By the end of the season I aim to push up into the Supersport EVO Class and get to a top-five finish,” he said.

“A podium would be great, but I’m realistic enough at this stage to wait for that to happen, perhaps next year!”