Home hero, Stuart Easton heads back to Knockhill this weekend determined to propel his Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki back into a top six, showdown position. The pint-sized Hawick racer knows, all too well, that dropping out of a top six at this early stage of the season could wreak havoc for his Championship aspirations.
Easton looks for improvement at Knockhill
He’s not alone however, with experienced riders such as John Hopkins (7th), three times Champion, Ryuichi Kiyonari (8th) and Michael Rutter (15th) all languishing outside the coveted top six; Easton knows that any slip-ups this weekend, especially after the indifferent weekend he suffered last time out at Snetterton, could effectively end his season before it starts.
“I look forward to Knockhill as it is my one and only home round of the season and we are going into this weekend looking for a vast improvement on the previous round.
“It is still early days in the championship but we want to get back to having consistent results like we did at the first two rounds, before we stumbled a bit at Snetterton. At the end of raceday there, I wanted to get straight to Knockhill to get the next round underway as this is where we want to get everything back on track again.
“There is no reason why we can’t, so hopefully we can give the Scottish supporters something to celebrate,” said Easton.
Easton, returns to the MCE British Superbike series following a successful season in the Motorpoint British Supersport Championship, where he claimed the 2013 Championship title ahead of his Martrain Yamaha teammate Alistair Seeley. Easton claimed the title, in no small part, thanks to the ten race wins he secured throughout the 2013 campaign. Incredibly, Easton has never won around Knockhill, and despite those odds, stands as much chance as the next man to sample some podium success this weekend.
Alongside the unpredictable weather, Knockhill can sometimes conjure up some unpredictable results; however much uncertainty surrounds the weather, there’s no uncertainty about the form of Easton’s teammate, Shane Byrne. The triple BSB Champion has taken race victories on five of the six BSB outings so far this year, with Josh Brookes the only other rider who has stood on the top step of the podium in 2014. Byrne was imperious at Knockhill in 2013, taking a double win and setting a new qualification lap record in the process. Due to slight track alterations, particularly at the Hairpin, we are likely to see numerous new Lap Records set across all classes this weekend, and my money is on Byrne taking at least one of those.
Shakey is in fine form this season heading to Knockhill
Come along to Knockhill from Friday 27th June to see some of World’s leading Superbike riders, including Stuart Easton, tackle the twists and dips of Knockhill at speeds in excess of 160mph. A superb supporting package, culminating in Raceday on Sunday 29th June will keep you enthralled, excited and entertained throughout!
Tickets for the event can be purchased in advance via the Knockhill website (pre-booking discounts available) and will also be available on the gate over the weekend.
Friday: Adult £5, Concession £3, Family £13 and under 12s FREE
Satuday: Adult £15, Concession £9, Family £39 and under 12s FREE
Sunday: Adult £32, Concession £18, Family £82 and under 12s go FREE
Weekend: Adult £35, Concession £19, Family £70
Pre-book tickets now online via the link or call 01383 723337