More BSB progress at Knockhill

More BSB progress at Knockhill

Kawasaki British Superbike team, MSS Colchester Kawasaki had a hard weekend at Knockhill round of the BSB series after the Scottish circuit continued to live up to its reputation of supplying changeable weather and challenging racing.

Despite the conditions Superstock rider Danny Buchan retained his unbroken podium record and Superbike rider Gary Mason displayed a run of fine form.

Having gained his first BSB podium a few rounds earlier, MSS Colchester Kawasaki rider Gary Mason qualified his Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R in third place during a wet session at Knockhill and followed it up with a strong performance and a fourth place finish in the first race. Despite being run wide in the second race, Gary recovered and secured another top six finish with a spirited ride.

New signing Alex Lowes, who has been confirmed as injured rider Stuart Easton’s replacement for the rest of the season, had a tough round after crashing out of the first race and opting not to compete in the second due to injury

Alex Lowes (DNF in race one,

DNS in race two) said, “Qualifying was disappointing, I had a rubbish superpole and crashed in Q2 which left me 17^thon the grid but the Ninja ZX-10R felt really good in practice so I was looking forward to a dry race day. Knockhill is a tight circuit and unfortunately I hit the back of another rider in the first lap at the hairpin trying to make up positions, putting me out of the first race. I hit my head quite hard in the accident and the team decided that as we would be starting down the grid it was best to sit out the race for safety reasons. I’m obviously disappointed but it was the best thing to do. I have a test on the BSB bike scheduled before Snetterton so I’m hoping to get to grips with the Kawasaki and give the team the results it deserves.”

Gary Mason (4th in race one, 6^th in race two) said, “After such a good qualifying I was really looking forward to a dry race day at Knockhill. I managed to hold second place for nearly half the first race but John Hopkins overtook me and when Shane Byrne came past he was so strong I had to settle for fourth as I started to suffer from arm pump which meant I couldn’t challenge him. I got pushed wide at the start of the second race but the safety car incidents allowed me to regain position and 6^th is a good result considering the conditions.”

In a shortened 17-lap National Superstock 1000 race, MSS Colchester Kawasaki riders Danny Buchan and team mate Howie Mainwaring were running strongly in the top five when rain brought out the second red flag of the round. Despite eventual winner Tristan Palmer claiming a relatively unbothered win, Danny was on the back wheel of second place finisher Richard Cooper when the rain brought an end to the race with Howie lying in fifth. Danny’s third place saw him surrender the lead in the National Superstock 1000 championship only seven points behind the new leader.

Danny Buchan (3rd in race. Championship position: 2nd) said, “I’ve always loved Knockhill and as my grandparents are Scottish I guess it’s my second home race – hence the tartan crash helmet. I was really confident for the race having qualified pole but Tristan got a great start and I couldn’t go with him as our set-up wasn’t perfect. When Richard overtook I stayed with him but the red flag came out just as I was planning a move in the last few laps, which was really disappointing as I felt I could have got second. I may have lost the championship lead but I have retained my 100% podium record, which I am really pleased with.”

Howie Mainwaring (5th in race. Championship position: 6th ) said, “I’m happy to have secured more championship points after a slightly disappointing qualifying but I felt I could have been on the podium today. The lack of dry track time was a problem and despite a great start I couldn’t stay with the leaders and after a big moment on the start/finish straight I lost another place to Adam Jenkinson. Unfortunately the red flag came out soon afterwards which meant I couldn’t build up a challenge and Adam was really strong on the brakes. All in all it was a good race and I’m now looking forward to Snetterton.”

Team owner Nick Morgan said, “Gary had a fabulous weekend and Andrew Pitt joining the team as his crew chief has certainly helped his confidence. Sometimes you need someone to help settle the rider and allow him get what he wants out of the bike and Andrew’s huge experience allows him to do this. Gary rode so well in the first race and was very unlucky to get punted back to 16^th in the second but recovered superbly to take sixth.

Having confirmed Alex as our rider for the rest of the year we were hoping for some good results at Knockhill but it wasn’t his day, I’m sure he will do much better at Snetterton as there is no doubting the lad’s obvious talent and the scheduled test is certain to benefit him. Once again the Superstock riders have done superbly, Danny continues to show maturity greater than his years and Howie seems to be rediscovering his form from last year and I¹m sure will be pushing Danny for wins very soon.

Knockhill has been a hard round for the team due to the weather but we have secured strong championship points in both Superbike and Superstock races so we are leaving happy if not quite ecstatic.”