BEN WILSON PREPARES FOR THRUXTON After the disappointing cancellation of the Brands Hatch British Superbike round last week because of the adverse weather conditions, Ben Wilson from Kirton near Boston turns his attention to the Thruxton round of the series where he will compete in what will now be the first round of the Henderson Yamaha R1 Cup over the coming weekend of April 19/20. Wilson tested at Oulton Park last week to familiarise himself with the Cheshire circuit which is to host the next round of the championship on May 4. He also used the track time to prepare for the Thruxton race where he is determined to show the opposition he is a serious title contender. I was really disappointed we were unable to race at Brands Hatch but the cancellation was maybe a blessing in disguise as my Yamaha R1 had developed a misfire and I would perhaps have had my work cut out to secure a top result, said Wilson. But the fault should have been rectified by the boys at Rob Mac Racing who are responsible for the maintenance of the Henderson Yamaha R1 Cup machines and I am looking forward to a trouble free run at Thruxton. The Hampshire circuit is extremely fast and challenging but I usually go well there so am hoping I can pull something special out of the bag on Sunday. Free practice for the Henderson Yamaha R1 Cup takes place on Saturday at noon followed by a 25-minute qualifying session in the afternoon starting at 4.05pm. The 14-lap race is set for a 1.45pm start with coverage on British Eurosport two in their live broadcast window of 12.30pm to 4.30pm. More, from a press release issued by AIM Yamaha: SEAN EMMETT JOINS AIM YAMAHA AT THRUXTON Alistair Flanagan is pleased to announce that he has secured the services of Sean Emmett to replace Steve Plater at Thruxton. Plater is absent because of World Endurance duties with GMT94 Yamaha at the Le Mans 24-hour race this weekend and Emmett will contest both races in the 2008 Bennetts British Superbike season opener at Thruxton for the team. Due to the severe weather conditions the Brands Hatch date had to be postponed and will now take place over the weekend of May 10/11 with qualifying times gained at the Kent circuit carried forward to the rearranged date. Both Sean Emmett and Ian Hutchinson are eager to get their season underway and Thruxton is an ideal opportunity for them to show their skills. Emmett has a proven track record with many podiums and wins under his belt and is keen to add to these this weekend. Hutchinson too is raring to go in the highly competitive Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport series and will be looking to replicate or improve on his qualifying position of ninth that was posted at Brands Hatch. Sean Emmett I am pleased to be back on a competitive bike and looking forward to joining forces with Alistair Flanagan and the team at AIM Yamaha. I have produced some good results at Thruxton in the past and really like the fast and flowing Hampshire circuit. The control tyre is something new to me so I am looking forward to that. This is the first time in my 20 years of competitive racing that everyone will be using the same rubber and I feel it is definitely the way to go. With all teams using the same tyres it will make for a more level playing field and the results down to rider ability and machine performance rather than who has the best tyres. Although I have yet to ride the AIM Yamaha R1 I can see it is a well prepared and nicely presented package and I can’t wait to put it through its paces. Ian Hutchinson I was disappointed not to have raced at Brands Hatch but am really looking forward to getting the season started at Thruxton. I like the track and have done well in the past so am confident of a strong outcome on Sunday. The track time we did get in at Brands Hatch was very helpful as we were able to get the bike set up and sorted out any niggling teething problems there. Alistair Flanagan Sean Emmett brings a wealth of past experience to AIM Yamaha and is quite capable of securing a pair of strong results for us. He proved his ability by securing pole in difficult conditions at Brands Hatch where he was contesting the Henderson R1 Cup. With his vast experience and track knowledge I can see no reason why he cannot bring two top results back for AIM Yamaha this weekend. Hutchy is also raring to go and he too is capable of producing some top results. He was fast at Brands Hatch in qualifying and the Thruxton circuit should suit his riding style. Free practice and qualifying take place on Friday and Saturday with the first 20-lap Superbike race on track at 1pm on Sunday and the second leg set for 3.30pm. The Supersport event run over 18 laps is scheduled for a 2.35pm start. The British Eurosport 2 live broadcast window is on Sunday from 12.30pm 4.30pm.