Alex Lowes has apologised to the MSS Colchester Kawasaki squad after an accident cost him a probable podium finish at Thruxton.
The 20-year-old starred in qualifying by taking pole position on his first appearance for the team since substituting for the injured Stuart Easton.
Lowes struggled for pace in race one but still came home a solid seventh and was flying in race two. The Lincoln rider was up to second and chasing down race leader Shane Byrne before losing the back end of the ZX-10R exiting the club chicane on lap six.
Speaking after the race, Lowes was encouraged by the pace shown on his MSS Colchester Kawasaki debut, but was disappointed he couldn't reward the team with a podium.
“I'm happy that on my first time on the bike I showed I have the speed with pole position and leading the first race but obviously I'm disappointed I crashed out of the second one. I'm still learning so I just need to understand when to push and when to back off. I really wanted to do well for the team, they have had such a tough few weeks they deserved to be on the podium. The bike is fantastic, the team are great to work with and I'd like to say sorry to the whole team I couldn't reward them with any trophies this weekend.”
Team Owner Nick Morgan felt the accident may have been a result of Lowes' relative inexperience but admitted he was hugely impressive by the pace shown by his new rider.
“The last few weeks have been hard on the team but Alex has stepped in under difficult circumstances and done a great job. In the dry he rode fantastically to set pole position and I can't fault him for his commitment and dedication, possibly he needs to understand when to back off and not ride 110% but you can't fault the guy for trying.”
On the second ZX-10R, Gary Mason had a frustrating weekend which began in qualifying when he could only manage 19th. Race one was cut short by an electrical problem but the Lichfield rider charged through from the back of the grid to score points in race two.
Mason is already looking forward to the next round in Scotland and is expecting the Kawasaki to go well there.
“The electrical issues meant that the first race was a disaster but having started from the pit lane in race two, getting back to fourteenth proves that I have the speed. Two points is useful but the main thing is I know we will be strong at Knockhill.”
