Steve eased his way back into racing with a strong performance to complete round 10 of the National Superstock championship in 12th position at Cadwell Park on Monday.

Following his three and a half month layoff since the accident at the North West 200 which resulted in a series of operations on his arm and neck, Steve was itching to get going on his return to action at his home circuit and completed his free practice in 14th place.

“I needed to take it reasonably steady during the session and gradually built up speed. I spent much of the session scrubbing in the tyres and ended up in 14th place. But I was less than two seconds away from pole so was happy with that for my first time on the HM Plant Honda in such a long time.”

Qualifying went well for Steve who moved up to eighth position after the first session but the times were tight and he dropped to 11th in final qualifying to start his race from the middle of the fourth row.

Although he was able to match the pace of the race leaders it was always going to be difficult for him to catch them from mid pack and as the 14-lap affair began he made a steady start, biding his time and staying out of trouble as the field sorted themselves out on the first lap.

As the race progressed Steve moved up to 12th position. He battled with James Hillier but was unable to pass him and crossed the finish line just four hundredths of a second adrift in 12th place to pick up his four championship points which take him to sixth place in the rider standings with three races remaining.

“It was good to get my first race out of the way,” said Plater. “I rode as hard as I could and was only half a second down on the front runners. But although I could match the speed on the straights I was not so quick through the Gooseneck and the Chicane. I didn’t have a problem with my neck or arm but after such a long layoff I am not yet 100% race fit. This weekend has been about getting back in the saddle and beginning to build up my strength again and I am looking forward to Croft in two weeks time.”

The next round is at Croft Circuit on September 12 where Steve will be keen to add to his points tally as he continues his championship campaign.