Steve in the Points at Snetterton

Fresh from his triumph at the North West 200 in Ireland where he won the main NW200 Superbike race for the second year in succession, Steve returned to domestic action to contest round five of the 2007 Bennetts British Superbike championship at Snetterton where he rode to a points finish in the opening race on Sunday.

Steve completed his qualifying to make a start from a fifth row grid position and, as the first race got underway he made a good start to progress through the field to 16th where he stayed for the majority of the 22 laps.

With three laps remaining, Steve overtook Ollie Bridewell and repeated the move on Aaron Zanotti two laps later to claim 15th place at the chequered flag.

Race two saw Steve again get away to a good start and move up into 14th position on lap seven. He was right on the tail of the group of riders ahead and after overtaking Cal Crutchlow was all set to make further progress.

But his race came to an early end when the AIM Yamaha developed a clutch problem and Plater reluctantly retired back into pit lane.

“I was looking at a top eight finishing position in that last race,” said Steve. “I was catching Scott Smart who eventually finished eighth but the bike developed a problem with the clutch and I thought it wiser to come in rather than maybe end up on the tarmac.

“The bike will now go back to base and be stripped down and prepared for the TT next week. We have to find out what caused the problem today and rectify it. It’s a shame really but we are not too bothered as we have proved the bike can now run within the top ten and as long as we know we can be there its half the battle and we are quite happy with the way things are progressing.”

Steve sets off for the Isle of Man on Tuesday to prepare for practise week, which begins on Saturday. He is making his debut around the 37.7-mile mountain road course and looking forward to enjoying the experience.

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Full results from MST Sports Timing