BEN WILSON - OULTON PARK PREVIEW

After recently securing the use of a Yamaha R1, Ben Wilson will contest both the Henderson R1 Cup and the Metzeler National Superstock championship at Oulton Park over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Wilson, from Kirton near Boston, realised he was at somewhat of a disadvantage as the majority of the front runners in the R1 Cup also compete in the Superstock series, taking the advantage of the extra track time involved to get up to speed.

“It was always my intention to race in the Superstock championship if funds would allow and I now find myself in position where I can contest the Oulton Park round of the series. I feel I can be competitive and the benefit of the extra track time should also reflect in my performance in the R1 Cup,” said the former British Superbike rider.

“We only get one free practice and then one short qualifying session before taking to the grid for the R1 Cup race while the Superstock boys do free practice and then two qualifying sessions so I should reap the benefits in both series.

“My personal sponsors have funded the tyre bill for Oulton Park which has allowed me to run in both series and I would like to thank Ambitions Personnel, Sudbrooke Broilers, Vale Livestock, Pooch Mobile, and Windmill Cars for their continued support, as without their backing I would not be on the track."

Wilson completed last season’s Superstock series in seventh place and if he can produce some strong results over the coming months should be on course for a successful season.

Free practise and qualifying take place at the Cheshire circuit over Saturday and Sunday with racing set for Monday. The 15-lap Metzeler National Superstock race is set for an 11.55am start and the Henderson Yamaha R1 Cup, to be run over 14 laps iS due on track at 1.50pm.

Report by Helen Pask