Gary Mason - Brands Hatch 2011
The Essex based MSS Colchester Kawasaki squad make the third short hop over to Brands Hatch this weekend, determined to put a frustrating season to bed with some strong performances at one of their favourite circuits. After a year beset with rider injuries, the team want to impress their fans and sponsors at a track where they socred both wins and podiums earlier in the schedule.
The August running of the Brands Hatch fixture saw Gary Mason chalk up a second rostrum of the year, whilst both Superstock riders have tasted victory at the ‘long’ GP and ‘short’ Indy track formats.
The team have taken the decision to revert back to the full Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Superbike for Gary after his previous development of the 2012 regulations machine with less electronic aids. Team boss Nick Morgan explains why, “It may seem a little strange to run the 2012 bike for two races and then go back to the 2011 spec but the reality is we want to give Gary a fair showing at a track where he goes well and also put on a good show for our sponsors and fans. We’ve put some good development miles on the 2012 bike and we’ll roll it out as soon as the season is over, its not like we need to start from scratch so I feel we’re in a good place for next season already.
Ian wants to end the season on a high on the other Superbike and Danny knows what he has to do in Superstock. Massive shame not to have Howie here for the last round and all the best with his recovery, we’ll all be going to see him soon.”
Gary Mason agreed, saying, “It’s important to end the season on a high for everyone and that’s not really possible on the lower spec ‘2012 rules’ bike to be honest. Back in August we were on it all the way through the weekend and we were unlucky to only score one podium. I think the new rules see an end of an era of the ‘Open’ class so it would be good to get one last big battle in, as people will remember these races them for sure.
Ian Lowry added, “I’m looking forward to the weekend as the team has loads of previous data from the track and the bike goes well there for sure. Silverstone was a difficult circuit but I know I can run well at Brands on this Superbike. I want to sign off with a good result and repay the faith shown by Kawasaki and the team, and hopefully we can end on a high note after a difficult season at the start.”
Danny Buchan who lies second in the Superstock 1000 class said, “It’s obviously only me here this weekend as Howie smashed himself up and I’m gutted for him as he was on fire here in August. I love Brands and I feel I got my confidence back at Silverstone, so we need to stay focused and wrap up second in the series ideally.”
