MSS Kawasaki rolls out 2012 BSB bike for Donington Park
MSS Colchester Kawasaki have taken the exciting decision to run Gary Mason for the last three rounds of the British Superbike Championship on a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R specially developed under the newly announced 2012 race regulations, starting this weekend at Donington Park.
Next year's rules, brought in to keep costs and rider aids under control, restrict engine tuning and crucially mean all teams will run a control ECU unit.
Boss of the Global Freight-sponsored team, Nick Morgan, explained: "These new rules have been brought in for 2012-2015 and are a major change to the spec of the bikes, so we’re looking to hit the ground running next year and where better to test and develop than at the races. Winter testing is always hit and miss plus you never get to use the right tracks, so this is ideal.
"We’ve chosen Gary to spearhead this development because he’s proved in both the wet and dry he has great throttle control, has had two years with the team and obviously knows the new ZX-10R inside-out, all of which will help with the new ECU. It’s obviously very early days but we know the chassis is great, the rider is focused and we have some top technicians, so I don’t see why we can’t have a proper go at this!
"We welcome Ian to the team for Donington, which is a track we love as a team and I think he will certainly have a few points to prove there. Danny and Howie are always up for a battle in Superstock and I don’t see this weekend being any different, except Danny is the fittest he’s been since his run of bad luck and injury."
Gary Mason (Championship position: 8th) added: "This season is already over in terms of the Championship so it’s exciting to be looking at 2012 already. Testing is fine but you can't beat race data. There's a bit of an unknown feeling, for example I’ll be looking at a new dash and it's going to be a bit weird using a clutch again! I really believe I can get in amongst them though and show people what I can do on a bike that needs more throttle control."
Ian Lowry joins the MSS squad for the first time this weekend and said: "I’m really looking forward to getting to Donington as it's my favourite circuit. This is the start of the Showdown so the top 6 are fighting for the Championship and everybody outside this is fighting for 7th place but the reality is I want to be battling with the top guys and throw a few spanners in the works. I'm feeling pretty good at the moment and got a good few miles done on the pushbike over the past two weeks. This week has been pretty mental at work so I'll be glad to get away for the weekend!"
In the Superstock class Danny Buchan and Howie Mainwaring sit in second and fourth positions in the series but after both tasting victory champagne this year will be gunning for glory at Donington Park and to take points from series leader Richard Cooper.
Danny Buchan (Championship position: 2nd) said: "I like Donington Park although I've only raced on it twice but I've ridden it a couple times on the new ZX-10 and put in some good times. Twenty points is a tough gap but I'm a fighter and I'm going to fight for every last point. I’ve been training as usual and have also been swimming lots to strengthen the shoulder, so feeling mint. The plan is to win all three of the last races and the championship! That's obviously easy to say but I’m feeling full of confidence and when confident I go good! I'm going to dedicate this race to my mate Ben Gautrey who we all lost at Cadwell so I hope to win for his memory."
Howie Mainwaring (Championship position: 4th) said: "This season hasn’t gone as planned but the least I can do is put on a good show for the last three rounds and get that third position back. If I can help Danny to the title in the meantime all the better."