STEVE PLATER READY FOR OULTON PARK AIM Yamaha rider Steve Plater is all set for the Oulton Park challenge in round eight of the Bennetts British Superbike championship which takes place at the Cheshire circuit on Sunday. Steve missed out on the earlier races at Oulton Park as he was busy winning the World Endurance round at Albacete for Kawasaki France but he is eagerly anticipating a strong result at Oulton Park, the scene of two previous victories for the Lincolnshire ace. “Because we missed the previous races at Oulton in May we are playing catch-up as we have no set up for the AIM Yamaha R1. But I am confident we can get that sorted out quickly and then concentrate on producing a couple of strong results for the team,” said the 34-year-old Woodhall Spa rider. Prior to the Oulton Park round the team took in the official two-day test at Croft. The first day was curtailed early as the weather closed in and laying water halted the afternoon sessions. “We needed some wet testing so the rain was welcome but as the day wore on the rain got worse and the track soon became waterlogged,” explained Steve. “We had more luck on Wednesday and completed a successful test in the morning. However we encountered some engine problems late on in the morning and decided to call it a day at lunchtime, which enabled the team to strip the bike down to discover and rectify the problem. “We are now all ready for Oulton Park and fingers crossed we get a fine, dry day after all this rain, for the fans as well as ourselves. It can’t be much fun for them to be soaking wet all the time.” The weekend kicks off on Friday where the Superbikes have two 50-minute free practise sessions followed by a third on Saturday morning. Qualifying is on Saturday at 2.45pm and racing is set for Sunday, the first 17-lap Superbike race scheduled for a 1.50pm start with leg two due on track at 4.15pm.