Jackson's do or die approach.

Krystal Racing's Lee Jackson heads to Brands Hatch this weekend with just one thing on his mind - clinching the Metzeler Racetec National Superstock championship.

The 30-year-old Lincoln-based rider currently leads the title chase on 174 points - nine clear of Adrian Coates on 165, with Paul Young close behind on 162.

And with all three in with a shout of lifting the silverware on Sunday afternoon, Jackson is preparing himself for the battle of the season. "It's going to be all out do or die at Brands Hatch, there's absolutely no doubt about that," he said. "It is down to the wire, the last race of the season and there are three of us gunning for it, so it should make for an interesting race.

"There isn't anything to be gained by playing it safe now, we are in a position where there are three people all with a chance of winning and you can bet they are just as hungry for it as I am. I've just got to make sure I can keep them behind me."

Jackson linked up with the Krystal squad towards the end of last season when he stepped in to replace Dave Johnson, making his debut for the family outfit at Mallory Park.

Using the remainder of 2004 to get used to the bike, he set his sights firmly on challenging for the title in 2005, and has proved to be one of the most consistent finishers in the championship.

By Mallory Park this year he was heading the points thanks to a string of podium finishes, but disaster struck at Croft in June when a blown tyre forced him to retire early in the race.

More bad luck followed at Knockhill when he had to ride around numerous problems to score a lowly tenth place, followed by another bad weekend at Snetterton where 11th was the best he could manage.

But his maiden victory at Cadwell Park catapulted him back into contention,and he backed it up with a second place at Oulton which was to promote him back into the lead, with Coates and Young tailing close behind. Fourth at Donington Park two weeks ago was enough to boost his lead, and
now he sits in a perfect place to win the title this weekend.

Should he emerge victorious on Sunday, it will be Jackson's first ever title, and he admits it is an exciting prospect.

"It will be the first big title for me and I can't help but be excited about that. Of course its by no means a foregone conclusion, there are two other riders standing between me and the title, and they will be wanting it as much as I do.

"I've been racing with my head a lot recently, I've had to think about hauling in the points rather than going all out for the wins, but Brands won't be like that. I've got the edge in the points but we're not home and dry by any stretch of the imagination, I'm going to have to fight and fight hard."