The JG Speedfit Kawasaki team are looking to continue their impressive form at Oulton Park this weekend, having won three out of the opening four races.
James Ellison has taken all three of their victories so far this season, winning his first-ever double victory last-time out at Brands Hatch.
Ellison managed to lap quicker than the circuit record at the one-day test last Friday, ending the day in third position behind Josh Brookes and Shane Byrne.
The Cumbrian heads into round three of the MCE British Superbike Championship second in the standings, just six points behind Byrne.
Ahead of Oulton Park, Ellison said: “The test we had at Oulton last week was really positive and it was great to be on the pace and lapping under the existing lap record. Although I wasn’t able to quite break into the 1:34m lap, I just got caught up in traffic but our ideal lap time showed we could do it so I’m confident we’ll be up there from opening practice.
“I love Oulton Park, it’s my favourite circuit on the calendar – I missed the second meeting last year with the injury so I’m really looking forward to racing there on the Kawasaki again. After winning three races already this year, there is certainly a lot of expectation from people for us to repeat it at Oulton but I’m not feeling the pressure. We’re in a really good place with the bike and team at the moment, so if we can run at the front again and walk away with two podiums I’ll be very happy!”
On the other side of the garage, James Westmoreland will be hoping to turn his season around after struggling to get to grips with the Kawasaki machine after making the switch from Buildbase BMW at the end of 2014.
The 26-year-old retired due to technical difficulties in both races at Donington Park, before finishing down in 17th position twice at Brands Hatch.
Westmoreland lapped quicker than he ever has before around Oulton Park during the one-day test, gaining more confidence as the day progressed.
Hoping that his fortunes will change this weekend, Westmoreland said: “It’s certainly not been the start of the year that we expected but it’s just taken me some time to get comfy on the bike. We ran through a number of things at the Oulton test and made a big change with the rear shock which really improved my feeling and I’m confident we’ll now be able to be challenge much more than we have at Donington and Brands.
“I really like Oulton Park as a circuit and actually towards the end of last week’s test was the best I’ve felt around there – even setting my fastest ever lap! For sure, four races and no points isn’t the best, but our goal is still the Showdown so we’ll be ready to kick-start our season here.”
Both riders will be able to get to grips with the track conditions and different bike settings tomorrow, with free practice one getting underway at 10:10.
