After a magnificent start to the 2011 season, MSS Colchester Kawasaki are among the form teams coming into round three of the British Superbike Championship at Croft.
Four top-six results in the first four races, including two podiums at Oulton Park, have moved Stuart Easton into 2nd place in the standings, 11 points behind Shane Byrne.
The Scotsman has also enjoyed success at the North Yorkshire circuit in years gone by, and is looking to continue his exceptional run of results.
“Croft is another circuit I like and have had four podiums and a win over the last two years. I hope to continue our form and my podium run at Croft, though I'm sure it will be tougher than ever. Since Oulton I've been kept busy with mountain biking, a dealer day in Glasgow and some filming for UTV for the NW200 preview. It's all go, so head down for Croft this weekend!”
Gary Mason hasn't enjoyed the same levels of success on the opposite side of the garage, with ninth in race one at Oulton Park his best so far.
The Lichfield rider was encouraged by the performance of the ZX-10R last time out and is expecting an improved display this weekend.
“We definitely found some pace at Oulton which we need to translate into results. We need to be stronger from practice into that final qualifying session so I have more of a chance of getting away at the front. Then there's no reason why we can't get some good scores on the board.”
The success for the Colchester team has carried over into the National Superstock 1000 championship, where Danny Buchan leads the way.
The 18-year-old from Basildon counts Croft among his favourite venues and is looking to build on his strong start to the year.
“Croft is another track I really enjoy” he said. “I love the circuit and can't wait for the race itself. It's easy to say but I've got to try and remain focused and consistent, it's a long season.”
Howie Mainwaring was also expected to be in the title fight but is already 34 points adrift after throwing away a potential win at Oulton. The 23-year-old isn't panicking yet though and hopes to kick-start his title challenge this weekend.
“I'm still smarting from Oulton, to crash out when going so well is gutting but at least I know we had the pace. I'm looking to go better in qualifying and get into that front group. It's only two rounds down so we still have time.”
Team owner Nick Morgan is similarly confident and thinks the gaps between the respective teammates will be closer at Croft.
“Stuart and Danny both had dream starts to the season and I think those results will be even more motivation to Gary and Howie's sides of the garage to get up with them at Croft. Gary was battling away with good laptimes at Oulton in the second race but just lost the tow of the main group. In Superstock I really feel for Howie, as he'd been leading and had a certain podium in the bag but then he lost the front. Both riders know they have good pace and I genuinely believe the results will come.”
