18th July 2006

Steve Earns A Factory Ride

Steve is to ride the Rizla Suzuki factory backed Superbike at Oulton Park this weekend. He will be deputising for the injured James Haydon who was badly hurt in a crash at Snetterton in round seven of the 2006 Bennetts British Superbike championship.

Steve is over the moon to be riding a factory bike and said: “My shoulder is fully healed now but as Knockhill and Oulton Park are so close together it made sense for me to wait and campaign the Oulton round.

“I haven’t actually ridden the Rizla bike as yet but Shakey Byrne did well at Oulton Park earlier in the season and provided the team with some good feedback so they have a good set up for this weekend.

“I can’t believe it yet, I keep pinching myself to make sure I am not dreaming. It is the break I have been waiting for. I am riding from race to race until James is back to full fitness. He took quite a beating and although he is healing well he could be out for a while yet which will be a bonus for me.

“It’s a case of role reversal as James replaced me in the Virgin Yamaha team in 2004 when I was injured and promptly went out and won a race at Knockhill. Lets hope I can do the same at Oulton. I have won there twice in the past so it would be nice to make it onto the top step of the podium again this time.”

Steve has been riding for JJL/UK Diggers and team principal Lloyd Hopkinson fully understands that Steve cannot turn down a factory ride and has said that he will not stand in his way.

“Lloyd has been really good about this and fully understands that I can’t turn this ride away. He has been brilliant about it and for that I am very grateful.”

Steve will get to ride the new bike on Friday when he will use the two free practisce sessions to gel with the Suzuki and find a good riding position. The third free practice is on Saturday morning followed by a 50-minute qualifying period at 2.45pm.

Racing is set for Sunday with the first 17-lap Superbike race on track at 1.20pm with leg two scheduled for a 3.45pm start.