The MSS Colchester Kawasaki team will be looking to build on an impressive start to the 2011 British Superbike Championship when the series moves to Oulton Park this weekend.
Stuart Easton heads to the Cheshire circuit in third place in the Championship after two excellent rides at Brands Hatch.
An accident involving Michael Laverty handed him the lead in race one before storming comeback rides by Shane Byrne and Tommy Hill relegated him to third. The Scotsman was then denied a podium at the very last corner as Tommy Bridewell sneaked past him to take third.
Easton then spent race two battling with former MotoGP rider John Hopkins but was forced to give best to the American who took fifth, with the Hawick rider in sixth.
Easton is hopeful of carrying that form into Oulton Park, and believes the 4.307km International circuit will suit the Kawasaki powered squad.
“After a solid round one it's great that Oulton is this weekend. It's one of my favourite circuits and I think it will suit me and the ZX10R better than Brands. In the time off between races I'm staying with Scott Smarts family 'Down Sarf' near Brands just relaxing and enjoying the sunshine, as Oulton will be a big fight I'm sure!”
Litchfield's Gary Mason was frustrated after an off-track moment left him outside the points in race one but he recovered from the fourth row of the grid to claim a top ten finish in race two.
Mason enters round two of the season in 17th place in the Championship and has stressed the importance of consistency this weekend.
“I'm really looking forward to Oulton though as I love the track and seeing how the ZX10R performs there. Last year we qualified 5th but ran into some problems in the race so the new bike should go well I think. I need to walk away from Oulton with some strong results.”
MSS Colchester Kawasaki also come to Oulton Park leading the National Superstock 1000 class after Danny Buchan held off Jason O'Halloran to take victory at Brands Hatch.
Fresh from celebrating his 18th birthday, Buchan is hoping to celebrate it with back to back victories.
“I'm really looking forward to Oulton Park as I hold the Superstock 600 lap record there”, he added. “On a high from Brands really, we got a mega setting so I'm looking to stay focused and be consistent in scoring points and try to maintain the Championship lead. I’m going for a meal with close family and friends for my 18th tonight (Thursday) but will be carrying out a normal day of training. The best present would be another win at Oulton Park!”
Howie Mainwaring was unable to match his teammate after some costly mistakes in qualifying and could only manage fifth in the race. The Frodsham rider will be hoping to get his title challenge underway this time out.
“I had a couple of tumbles in qualifying so I'm just hoping my leg and finger are going to be OK and want to get in the mix at the front pushing Danny. I had a hard weekend at Brands and need to move on and upwards.”
