MCE INSURANCE BRITISH SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 02 SUNDAY APRIL 15 THRUXTON PREVIEW JON KIRKHAM INTENDS TO BUILD ON OPENING ROUND VICTORY Jon Kirkham, riding the Samsung Honda, heads the early season chase for the 2012 MCE Insurance British Superbike crown going into this Sunday’s second round at the fast, demanding Thruxton circuit in Hampshire. The Derbyshire rider won the only race in the rain-lashed opening round at Brands Hatch on Easter Monday. He was sure-footed in the treacherous conditions at the Kent circuit, making the running for much of that race, before fighting back superbly on the final lap to regain the lead from Alastair Seeley and take a deserved victory. That performance, his second winning ride in the top flight, has given Kirkham confidence to build for more successes with the Honda team with whom he is very settled and working well. Kirkham has a strong work ethic and is not allowing himself to be carried away with the victory that came on his racing debut with the Samsung Honda team. Kirkham believes that he has unfinished business with the Thruxton circuit where last term he had modest returns and is keen to set the record straight with performances that rack up the points as he continues his quest for the crown. His team-mate Michael Laverty could have a big say in that. He is keen to show what might have been after a disappointing time in the first round when he was among the dozen riders who slid off, his race coming to an end on the opening lap. Laverty has good memories of racing Thruxton last season, enjoying a winning ride and that is something that he is keen to build on in his haste to build up lost ground. Like all of the riders, he is hoping for a change in the weather for these races to warmth and sun to enable him to ride to the full. Ian Lowry, riding in Padgetts Honda colours, should also be in the frame. He made a solid start to the campaign, taking fourth place in the opening race and like his team-mate Luca Scassa the Ulsterman is gaining from the considerable experience of the team around him. Adding strength to the Honda challenge will be the GBmoto pair of Tristan Palmer and Luke Quigley together with the three WFR Honda riders Alex Lowes and James Westmoreland who were both in the points in the opening race plus Alex Lowes. And Jenny Tinmouth continues on the Hardinge Sorrymate.com Fireblade. Ranged against them is an array of top talent. Reigning champion Tommy Hill who tipped off his Yamaha at Brands Hatch is intent on making amends with his team-mate former World Superbike rider Noriyuki Haga keen to turn on the style after running in mid-pack. Former two times title winner Shane Byrne lines up for Kawasaki as does former World Endurance racing champion Freddy Foray. HONDA RIDER COMMENTS Jon Kirkham (Samsung Honda): “It is a nice feeling going into these races as the championship leader, but importantly I am staying level-headed and will be riding my own race, giving 100% and aiming to score as many points as possible from two solid, strong races. I enjoy Thruxton, despite having misfortune there last year in terms of results, as it is a very fast circuit. I left Brands Hatch happy with my performance, but am hoping for sunshine this Sunday to make the racing even more enjoyable.” Michael Laverty (Samsung Honda): “I’m looking forward to moving on and putting Brands Hatch behind me. I hope for better weather at Thruxton, a circuit that I love as it is unique in the world. It is so fast, so exciting to ride. It lends itself to good racing though these races, with bikes without traction control, given the abrasive nature of the circuit could be about tyre life. Racing there is always hard on tyres. I want to pick up where we left off at the end of pre-season testing, which was good and fast in the dry and be back at the front. We are in good shape and I want to get back at it. We have a good set-up with the bike and I am ready for these races at a circuit I always get a real buzz from riding.”