Maidstone's Scott Smart endured yet another nightmare weekend at the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 meet at Croft as mechanical problems again scuppered his chances from a promising position.

The Moto Rapido rider was only a third of the way through the race with a half-second lead over new champion Jon Kirkham when a shock absorber failed.

It was the latest in a long line of mechanical mishaps for the 35-year-old - including engine failure on the last lap at Cadwell Park last time out - in a season in which he hoped to challenge for the title.

The former British Superbike racer is 13th in the standings, and admitted he was at a loss to explain this season’s bad fortune.

“I seem to be able to run out in front with the fast guys and with real potential, but we have had such strange things breaking on the bike – things you can’t even imagine breaking,” he said.

“I pulled away with another guy and we were flying. All I had to do was keep my head down and stay out of trouble. The next thing I know, the machinery had let me down.

“It’s not the kind of thing the team make a mistake on, because Ohlins make shock absorbers.

“This one was a few races old, so I guess someone up there isn’t smiling on me.”

Despite a torrid season, Smart remains determined to salvage some pride before the season’s end at Oulton Park, particularly as he eyes a return to the British Superbike Championship.

“It has been a very frustrating season so far, but the championship is so dead I just need to ride as fast as I can and see what happens - my target is now just to finish a race,” added Smart.

“I am looking at stepping up to Superbikes next season because I have a fantastic group of mechanics who do a great job here, so let’s see what happens.”

• British Eurosport 2 will be broadcasting every round of the 2010 MCE British Superbike Championship. The channel is available on Sky 411 & Virgin Media 525.