Oulton Park - Fuchs/Silkolene British Supersport race
Steve failed to secure his third podium in a row when his AIM Yamaha developed a fault forcing him to pull in at the end of lap three of the Fuchs/Silkolene British Supersport race at Oulton Park on Sunday.
 The two qualifying periods were run in differing weather conditions being wet for the first session followed by a dry run later in the day, which was to set the grid for the start of the 16-lap race on Sunday. Steve rode through to sixth place and was all set for a second row start where he was sure he could produce a strong result.
As the race got underway Steve latched onto the back of the leading group in fifth place and the five soon pulled away from the following pack. But by lap three he was seen to slow and begin to lose touch, dropping back into the clutches of the riders behind him.
At the end of lap three he retired into the pits complaining the bike was losing power and it was decided to call it a day to prevent further damage.
“I have no idea what caused the bike to slow, it will be stripped down next week in an effort to solve the problem before the next round at Knockhill,” said Steve.
Meanwhile Steve has a busy few weeks ahead of him as he jets off to Suzuka in Japan today (Monday) to compete with Yamaha Austria in the World Endurance eight hour race at the high profile circuit.
“I have never ridden there before,” said Steve. “But both my teammates, Steve Martin and Igor Jerman have so they will be able to pass on their extensive track knowledge to me. Suzuka is one of the most difficult circuits to learn but although it is challenging, it is also one of the best and safest circuits in the world and I am relishing the thought of racing there. The Suzuka eight-hour race is a huge event on the racing calendar and the Japanese class it as higher profile than MotoGP.”
On his return from Japan Steve has a week’s respite before setting off to Oschersleben in Germany for the next eight-hour World Endurance race for Yamaha Austria on August 9, an unfortunate date clash with the Knockhill round of the British Supersport championship.
Following that he returns to the UK to compete at his home circuit of Cadwell Park where he will ride the AIM Yamaha R6 in the Supersport race at the British Superbike championship round on August 26.
Oulton Park Preview
 Steve is aiming to make it three podiums in a row when he takes on all comers in round seven on the Fuchs/Silkolene British Supersport championship at Oulton Park on Sunday.
After switching to the Supersport class Steve scored a win at Snetterton and followed up with a second place at a rainy Mallory Park last time out. A previous winner at Oulton Park, both in Supersport and Superbike, Steve is hopeful of further glory on Sunday.
“I enjoy the undulating circuit at Oulton Park,” said Steve. “I have won here numerous times in the past and can see no reason why I cannot produce a strong result this weekend. Oulton is a circuit that has everything, undulations, slow corners and very fast straights but it can soon catch you out – as I have also found to my cost in the past. It’s a circuit that needs treating with the utmost respect but can be very rewarding.”
Steve will be riding the AIM Yamaha R6 that carried him to victory at the TT and the North West 200 road races this year and he will be looking to add to his string of top results at Oulton Park on Sunday.
After competing in just two rounds of the British Supersport championship this year, Steve is currently placed at seventh in the rider points. A further top result from Sunday’s race could see him elevated into the top five.
Free practice takes place on Friday followed by two qualifying sessions on Saturday to determine the grid for Sunday’s 16-lap race that is set to start at 3.35pm and will be shown live on Eurosport 2.
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