Another Entertaining Day at the Office for MSS Colchester

MSS Colchester Kawasaki proved pulling together as a team means pulling together a strong points haul despite tough luck once again playing a role in their weekend’s work at their home meeting.

With a three-race format in order for their home race meeting at Snetterton Circuit in Norfolk, England, it was always going to be a busy weekend for the MSS Colchester Kawasaki squad this weekend. In the end though, even vastly experienced team manager Nick Morgan couldn’t believe quite how it all panned out.

With an additional race to fit into an already busy Saturday schedule (the re-scheduled race two from the previous round at Knockhill) the Snetterton meeting was held up further when some classic “British summer” weather and an issue with the track surface needed repairing. With both riders looking set to make it through to the final ‘Q3’ session in the Swan Combi Role for Pole strong grid positions looked on the cards. But it was only Gary Mason who got the chance to challenge for a top ten grid slot, where he eventually finished ninth, with Simon Andrews’ Kawasaki ZX-10R ruled him out at the ‘Q2’ stage due to an electrical problem with his bike. That left Simon down in 12th with some work to do for the races.

With the track surface repaired an additional 15 minute session was arranged to test the new surface and it was here Simon gave his crew an even tougher afternoon’s work by, in his words, “launching” his Kawasaki ZX-10R at the Bombhole.

That left the MSS Colchester Kawasaki team with just an hour and a half to rebuild his Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R before the start of race 1 on Saturday afternoon. But with all hands on deck the team built Simon’s bike with just seconds to spare before the pit-lane closed. Race one’s results of eight and ninth for Simon and Gary respectively showed both riders clearly had the pace and the team went to bed exhausted but happy to have finished the day with strong points scores.

Sadly the troubles didn’t end when a sunny Sunday arrived. In fact they got a good deal more testing when first a fuel leak problem was spotted on Gary’s ZX-10R with just twenty minutes to go and then Simon’s bike was found to have a slight misfire, due to an O-ring failing on one of the fuel injectors, when they started it up to go out and form on the grid. Once again both mechanical issues were the trigger for some fast work from the MSS Colchester Kawasaki squad who proved themselves to be real professionals and worked with precision to get the bikes out and racing. With Gary’s bike fixed he was able to make it out on time but Simon was unlucky again, just missing the cut-off point for exiting the pits and had to start from the back of the grid.

Simon made up ground rapidly in the opening laps and was quickly battling with a pack of eight riders, headed by Gary at that point, for a top ten place. Gary’s race took a turn for the worse as a fuel problem caused his bike to lose power and he slipped down the order. Simon, despite working his tires hard in the early laps, eventually snuck inside the top ten and brought his ZX-10R home as the leading Kawasaki and a hard fought ninth.

Race three (race two on Sunday) was a similar story for Gary who again had to do battle with slight machine issues. With an overheating engine keeping his feet just a little too warm he was happy to get the bike nursed home for a decent points finish inside the top ten and ninth overall. For Simon it was also a story of what might have been when his second row start, showing the strong race pace of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R superbike, helped him push through into fifth on the opening lap only for a missed gear to knock him right back down the order again. Simon was battling hard to make the places up but even the intervention of the safety car mid-race couldn’t repair the hard work his tires had been put through. Despite that his sixth place finish was a strong result and certainly helped the team look back on a tough weekend with some pride.

Simon Andrews was relieved to make it through the eventful weekend and take his MSS Colchester Kawasaki to three hard-fought but healthy points scoring finishes at Snetterton, “Where do I start?! After I launched the bike during qualifying, with so little time before the first race I gave the boys a hard job to get the bike back together and it was amazing that they did such a good job and I could go out and get a top ten finish in that race.
I’m really glad we found the issue with the engine before we went out on the grid for the first Sunday race, it could so easily have been a DNF. I did well to get up from last on the grid to finish 8th. I then had high hopes for race three but the bike missed a gear and I went from fifth to 14th. From there I had to fight through and by the time the pace car came out I’d used the tires.”

Gary Mason was counting his blessings after all three of his races were hampered by issues with his Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, “I’ve got to say I’m happy with that because I got three race results with good points when it could have been a lot worse. But it’s frustrating because in every race we had problems; race one the tire spun on the wheel, race two we had fuelling problems and I lost power and race three it was overheating and burning my feet. I’m just glad I got it home each race but it’s frustrating for everybody after working so hard and you can’t fault the effort all the boys have put in this weekend.”

Howie Mainwaring can call himself lucky to have escaped injury but unlucky to have fallen foul to such an easy mistake after clipping the back wheel of another rider in the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 race. Howie was making up places each lap from his tenth place grid spot when the slight error saw him clip the back wheel of James Hillier and his race was brought to a premature end for the second meeting in a row. “I’m really disappointed because the bike felt really good and I had high hopes for the race.” Said Howie after the race. “I’d done exactly the same move the lap before and pulled it off but the next lap round James just braked a little bit later and I clipped him. I’m gutted but we just have to forget about it and move onwards and upwards.”

As in previous meetings it was youngster Danny Buchan who grabbed the podium glory for the MSS Colchester Kawasaki team in the two National Superstock 600 races. A flying first place in the Saturday race was the result of a daring “lunge” on the penultimate lap which Danny held until the line for a well-deserved victory. The second outing for Danny and his Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R, in front of the large Sunday crowd, showed he had the right temperament to battle and bag third spot after a relative poor start.

“I’m really, really pleased with my results this weekend,” said Danny after the Sunday race. “The team have worked hard to get a little bit more from the bike since the last round and I’ve helped repay all their hard work here with two good results.”

Nick Morgan reflected on hard weekend for the MSS Colchester Kawasaki team, “The biggest thing to say about this weekend is how much of a team effort it has been. We were a couple of key members down but from the start there was a great feeling across the board. Then when it mattered, which at times it really did, everyone pulled in together and we showed what it means to bang out a result.
As for the race results there’s no doubt Danny set us up well again with his win and third place in the Superstock 600 races. He such a star for a 17 year old to get those race results and then be helping pack up the truck at the end of the meeting, it says a lot about the lad.
Howie’s weekend was tough for him because realistically we knew it was going to be hard for our bike at this track. He was just unlucky and has to pick himself up, dust himself off and come back strong at the next race.
The Superbike races were where the team showed its mettle though. What it showed is that this team can work hard under pressure to do a brilliant and precise professional job when it matters most and get a result when things are against them. I can’t say enough about them.
We know we can run better than that and with a bit of luck, we’ll be up where we should be.”

Gary Mason works in some off-road training

With a triple-header round and seve75 points up for grabs, the MSS Colchester Kawasaki Superbike riders Simon Andrews and Gary Mason have everything to play for this weekend at the team’s local Snetterton round of the British Superbike Championship. Meanwhile second placed Superstock rider Howie Mainwaring has the bit between his teeth after a DNF at Knockhill.

With atrocious weather curtailing the action at Knockhill, the second Superbike leg will now be held at Snetterton on Saturday before the usual double header on Sunday.

Simon appears back to full fitness after a long recuperation from his World Superbike-sustained injury, and Mason battled with series leader Tommy Hill throughout the Knockhill round. Mainwaring had an awful time with a gambled tire choice from his team before sliding out of the Knockhill action.

The fast Snetterton circuit is the closest round to the MSS Colchester Kawasaki base, and the team feels that a break in luck is long overdue. All the three riders have spent time motocrossing on their Kawasaki KX250F and 450F machines in the recent good weather, building up stamina and staying bike fit and focused.

Simon Andrews
“I’ve finally started motocrossing after a year off which has really excited me. I’ve also been to the Formula 1, spent some time cycling and completing my physio. I like Snetterton, I went well there last year and hopefully the weather will be kinder to us than Knockhill. The bike is going well and I’ll be fitter, really looking forward to it. I’m really enjoying being back with the team and on the Kawasaki.”

Gary Mason
“I’m really looking forward to Snetterton. It’s a fast track which I think will really suit the bike.  Hopefully we can start turning our season around and I feel I know which way to go with the setup.  Since Knockhill I have been getting out on my Kawasaki KX450F motocross bike which has been mega fun and is also really good training.  I’m really fired up for this weekend and happy we have three races due to the weather at Knockhill.  It’s the team’s local round so let’s hope we can walk away with some good results.”

Howie Mainwaring
“I’m feeling good for the weekend and have got a lot to prove after Knockhill. I need to catch up on points, Kirkham is slowly creeping away. Over the small break I’ve done more motocross and I’m feeling good this year. I feel so much better in myself and am so much more committed. The team have been fantastic and its time to repay them again with another good result.”

MSS Colchester Kawasaki team boss Nick Morgan
“We have a large amount of sponsors and supporters at Snetterton and we are desperate to put on a good show in terms of teamwork and results. Knockhill was by no means a disaster but we were lucky the race was stopped when it was, as Simon was lying on the floor at the time. It’s great he’s back and fit while Gary was battling throughout so I feel we’re good to go at Snetterton. We need to help Howie get the best set-up we can and I’m confident the Kawasaki has good top end in Superstock trim. All three lads have been pounding the MX track in the heat so there should be no fitness worries.”


The British Superbike Championship heads north for the Scottish Knockhill round. MSS Colchester Kawasaki riders Simon Andrews and Gary Mason look for a good points haul, while Superstock star Howie Mainwaring has the series lead in his sights.

Knockhill marks the midway point of the season, but with the new series format, riders know that to have a chance of being in the top six Title Fighters group, they need big points before the final Showdown phase kicks in at round nine at Croft.

The picturesque, forest-lined circuit has been good to the official Kawasaki squad over the years, with the team picking up good results in past events. At the corresponding round last year, Simon scored 4th and 6th placings so he knows that he and the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R work well together at this mountainside circuit. Simon has returned to the team with strong results at Mallory after a lengthy period of injury while Gary looks for a better set-up this time around.

Howie Mainwaring looks to move closer to the Superstock lead this weekend

Howie Mainwaring returns refreshed after the Superstock teams took a sabbatical at Mallory following a double-header race the week before at the Silverstone MotoGP. The 23-year-old lies second in a talent-packed championship field and is determined to reel in series leader Jon Kirkham.

MSS Junior Superstock rider Danny Buchan will ride a series double header at Knockhill but has never seen the track before. He must emulate his more-senior teammate who was one of only a few riders not to have ridden the new Silverstone circuit.

Simon Andrews
“I’m looking forward to Knockhill, I went well there last year and I’m happy with how Mallory panned out especially as it’s the first time I have been on a Superbike since the Valencia crash. It’s great to be back with Nick, Gary and everyone; it’s really enjoyable. There is a small hope I can get into the Showdown if other people take some of my bad luck, but we will have to see.”

Gary Mason
“I feel like I’ve got to turn it around at Knockhill, Mallory was really disappointing to be honest. It’s a relatively simple track so you’ve just got to get stuck in and that’s what I intend to do.”

Howie Mainwaring
“I feel really strong and up for the challenge at Knockhill after a mixed weekend at Silverstone for the GP. The plan this weekend is to keep maintaining good points as we’re right there in the Championship chase, saying that I do feel right up for a win now.”

Nick Morgan, MSS Colchester Kawasaki Team Boss
“As a team we like Knockhill circuit and it’s been good to us in the past. Simon has really bounced back with a vengeance and is looking for more. I think Gary will be motivated by that also and we need to help him get the right set-up to have the confidence to push. Howie knows he needs to beat Kirkham to reel in the points as he has big cushion behind him to the injured Steve Plater. It will be interesting to see how Danny gets on at his first trip to Knockhill, the last Junior Superstock race at Cadwell was pretty outrageous.”

Simon Andrews bounced back to form yesterday with two seventh place finishes for the MSS Colchester Kawasaki at round five of the British Superbike Championship at Mallory Park. Gary Mason was less fortunate as he struggled with setup but came away with two solid point-scoring rides.

Simon Andrews holds off Swan Honda's Stuart Easton

As track temperatures hit 50°C (122°F) and fans’ attention was split between the Superbikes and the World Cup on a giant TV screen, it soon became apparent which discipline produces real heroes as a grid of battered riders ground out results.

At a super-physical track, Simon Andrews battled with pain and a massively swollen ankle to best many top-name riders and resurrect his campaign after missing two of the four events. The tight and tricky Mallory Park can throw up strange results as last year’s event saw Andrews lead the race, only to be taken out in the closing stages in a mass pile-up, but he kept out of trouble this time around.

Mason was left frustrated after starting practice strongly, immediately finding the pace but then hitting a wall on setup in the later stages. The team made a late gamble in qualifying throwing an ultra-soft tire on Andrew’s bike to hoist him several places up the leader board and giving him a useful third row start. Mason had continual setup woes leaving him with a mountain to climb from 18th on the grid.

Simon Andrews(7th and 7th):
“I’m really happy, I was hoping for two top ten’s and at one point I was down in twentieth in practice but it all came together well with the team. Rode in fifth for most of race one on a very demanding track. It’s my first go back on the Superbike so I feel really positive to be honest.”

Gary Mason (13th and 12th):
“Well that was pretty frustrating all round. We tried some changes but ultimately I didn’t have the confidence in the bike that I have had at other tracks. Saying that we only have a few days till Knockhill and so we can immediately put that result to bed I’m sure of it.”

MSS Colchester Kawasaki team boss Nick Morgan:
“Overall I’m pleased with the weekend, I’ve got both my lads back and their entourage, so team morale is good. We made fairly steady progress all weekend but Simon really pulled it out of the bag on race day. That was impressive considering he still has a foot like a balloon. Gary got down to the times quickly but then hit a bit of a wall and would have liked to have found another half a second for the race, he’s looking forward to Knockhill, and so am I except for the drive.”

The MSS Colchester Kawasaki Team prepare for the Mallory Park round of the British Superbike Championship as Simon Andrews returns from a prolonged heel injury to join Gary Mason with track temperatures set to soar.

Last year’s event saw Simon lead the race, only to be taken out in the closing stages in a mass pile-up, leaving rider and squad wondering what might have been. The accident left Simon with a broken wrist and put him out of the running for the Brands Hatch triple-header a few weeks later.

Simon will be looking to continue his return to fitness and form after two strong rides in last week’s Superstock support race at the Silverstone MotoGP, where he stood in for an injured Conor Cummins in the Blackhorse Kawasaki squad.

Gary Mason is another rider with points to prove after a Cadwell Park BSB round to forget. Gary showed his strongest qualifying performance yet, running as high as second in the phased knockout system before disaster struck with a big crash, leaving him concussed and unable to race.

The tight and tricky Mallory Park circuit suits the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, as shown by last year’s front running pace of Simon, while the team will also be buoyed by early previews of next season’s race-focused Ninja machine. Howie Mainwaring gets a deserved week off as Superstock skip a round after the Superstock double header, where Howie led much of the first race action, chalking up a podium and the circuit’s first lap record.

“I feel like I’ve been away forever,” said Simon Andrews. “It was ideal to get out on the superstocker at Silverstone, and this showed me where I was fitness wise and got me up to speed with riding fast. I got a good look at Brookes riding whilst I was there and he’s very much the man to beat at BSB at this moment. I have bitter-sweet memories of Mallory as I know me and the bike worked well there last year before that horrendous incident.”

Mason added, “Cadwell was a shocker for me; one moment on top of it and qualifying great; the next sparko and having to miss the races. I saw how well Gary and the ZX-10R went last year at Mallory so I can see no reason why we shouldn’t have a good outing.”

MSS Colchester Kawasaki team boss Nick Morgan added, “It’s great to have both the lads back and fully fit, we’ve had good stand in rides by Howie and Chris Walker who’ve both played a part for us but Simon and Gary were our chosen riders at year start. With no Superstock we can focus on the BSB riders and we know from last year that we can run at the front here. As England expects on Sunday so does Kawasaki.”

MSS Colchester's Howie Mainwaring

MSS Colchester Kawasaki rider Howie Mainwaring took the first ever lap record at the new Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit with a fine podium in one of two Superstock support races this weekend. Howie took sixth in the second outing after a race long duel with returning MSS Superbike rider Simon Andrews, who this weekend deputised for the injured Conor Cummins in the Blackhorse Kawasaki Team. The race weekend saw two dramatic Superstock races with multiple leader changes. Howie lead the race for several laps before he was overhauled by the vastly experienced Josh Brookes and Glen Richards. The Superstock riders had a number of extra runners to add even more competitiveness to an already impressive field including Brookes, Andrews, Ian Lowry, Michael Rutter and Martin Jessop. With the added pressure of a huge crowd and MotoGP bosses in attendance, there was plenty on the line and opportunities to shine or crash out. Howie definitely shone in race one but with handling issues in race two he had to make the best of a bad job to finish sixth.

Afterward, a clearly disappointed Howie said, “I guess if this had been the other way round with a sixth on Saturday and a podium and fastest lap on race day I would be happier. I learnt loads about the circuit in race one but unfortunately I didn’t get to use the settings as we had a few problems in race two. Still awesome to ride in front of a big crowd and with all GP bikes parked up in pitlane.”

Team boss Nick Morgan summed up, “Overall, a cracking weekend and again so impressed with Howie, he really rode with maturity in both races keeping out of trouble. OK we lost a couple of points to Kirkham but we also cemented the runner-up placing with a big gap back to Plater, who’s still injured. I’m sure the fans loved watching the two Kawasakis battling it out in race two but I was genuinely surprised to see Simon cross the line in front of Howie.”

Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship
Rounds 5 and 6, MotoGP Silverstone

Race one result

1. Josh Brookes (HM Plant Honda)
2. Glen Richards (Padgetts Honda) +0.500s
3. Howie Manwaring (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) +1.967s
4. Jon Kirkham (JK Racing BMW) +2.933s
5. Simon Andrews (Blackhorse Kawasaki) +2.970s

Race two result

1. Josh Brookes (HM Plant Honda)
2. Michael Rutter (Ridersmotorcycles.com BMW) +3.336s
3. Jon Kirkham (JK Racing BMW) +5.043s
4. Sam Warren (Midland Motorsport Honda) +5.975s
5. Simon Andrews (Blackhorse Kawasaki) +8.864s

Championship standings after Silverstone:

1. Jon Kirkham (JK Racing BMW) 104
2. Howie Mainwaring (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) 86
3. Steve Plater (HM Plant Honda) 70

Long-time Kawasaki rider Chris Walker returns to the brand in British Superbike Championship action for MSS Colchester at this weekend’s challenging Oulton Park event.

Walker, who is remembered for his sterling rides and victories on Kawasaki machines in BSB and WSB, will stand in for the injured Simon Andrews on the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R.

“Stalker” is seen as a hero to many Kawasaki riders and beyond as he completed two of his four British Championship runner-up rides for the marquee in 1998 and 1999 on the ZX-7RR. He cemented that reputation many years later, taking an incredible win in the wet from stone-cold last at Assen World Superbikes in 2006 for PSG1 Kawasaki.

However, Walker has had a difficult year this season running a shoestring budgeted privateer machine as he awaited news of a title sponsor which has not yet materialized.

Walker enthused, “It’s been a lot of fun riding my privateer bike so far this year with the help of Ray Stringer, but with our team sponsors still a week or two away from being announced, it’s been difficult. I have been offered a fantastic opportunity in joining Nick Morgan at the MSS Colchester Kawasaki team for a round or two while Simon Andrews is out with a broken ankle. It’s a ride I had chased hard for in the winter for 2010, so it’s great to actually get the chance to ride the ZX-10R. I have always had a good relationship with Kawasaki so I want to go out there and do the best I can.  It’s a factory that I have enjoyed a lot of success with over the years. I’m really looking forward to the challenge ahead and would like to thank all involved, Ray Stringer, Nick Morgan, Kawasaki and my sponsors for allowing me this chance and making it all possible. Roll on Oulton!”

British Superbike team boss Nick Morgan added “It’s great to have the Stalker back in Green. We were very close to signing him over the winter and hopefully he can make the best use of this opportunity. It’s good for the team as he offers another perspective on the bike, and we know the bike is in a position where he can concentrate on racing it. It’s also great for the fans as he’s always been such a popular rider. Maybe we’ll see some green wins at Oulton!”

Michael Johnstone, Kawasaki Motor UK Sales and Marketing Manager added, “Chris remains in the hearts of Kawasaki riders even after all this time. His British Championship days were fantastic, and the Assen WSB victory meant a lot both here and back in Japan. We’re glad to have him back on Kawasaki machinery in the British Superbike Championship and wish him all the best. We would also like to wish Simon a continued speedy recovery from his injuries”

MSS Colchester Kawasaki team boss Nick Morgan claims his squad have never looked sharper as they prepare for the intense cauldron of the Brands Hatch MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship opener this Easter weekend.

Team riders Simon Andrews and Gary Mason look to put the long off-season behind them after a positive test at the circuit last week. Andrews also has the added benefit of high-level track time with the Paul Bird Motorsport squad testing at Valencia this week. The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Superbike has been redeveloped over the winter with the important addition of a World Superbike spec Magneti Marelli engine management system.

MSS Colchester Kawasaki riders Simon Andrews and Gary Mason are ready to make serious runs for the BSB crown

MSS Colchester Kawasaki Team Owner, Nick Morgan, said, “We know this is potentially the most difficult season of British Superbikes yet, but we also believe that our riders are the strongest team we’ve ever put together. Both riders are mentally and physically strong, and our race machine is the most developed it’s ever been. We’ve never looked sharper so we definitely have all the ingredients for success!”

The team have retained 2009 sensation Simon Andrews who finished last season in sixth place and have added the super-keen, super-fit Gary Mason, who won last year’s Privateer Cup, for riders without full manufacturer support. The riders have been preparing all winter with fitness and never ending focus as they ready themselves to muscle round the 200mph, 200bhp Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Superbikes. Andrews has spent the winter climbing and skiing in the Alps while Mason has carried out a brutal martial arts fitness regime, seeing him train and spar with cage fighter Vaughan Lee at the Ultimate Training Centre in Erdington, Birmingham.

At the corresponding round last year, Andrews had a poor qualifying performance leaving him on row four, but he battled through to 5th at one point finally settling for a 7th and an 11th. Ironically, he had an all-race tussle with new rider Gary Mason in the first race with Mason coming out on top. This ride was especially impressive given that Gary was riding a three-year-old machine in the Privateer class.

Gary Mason commented, “Brands has always been a good track for me. I’ve had some good results, so fingers crossed, we can continue the form, and it’s so important we come away with two strong finishes. Nick is now my new crew chief so I’ll have great support from the off.”

Simon added, “I feel so ready for Brands now.  The WSB test at Valencia was great for saddle time, and with a year on the bike I feel I should now be pushing for good results at every circuit. It’s been a long winter; now it’s time to race.”

Although the team and riders have never been in better shape, they know that this year is potentially the most competitive season of British Superbikes ever, with several top names returning, including double World Superbike Champion Neil Hodgson and Japanese ace Ryuichi Kiyonari, who has taken the BSB crown twice. Other top riders to look out for include Australian Josh Brookes and last year’s series runner-up and third placed men James Ellison and Stuart Easton, who find themselves as team mates for 2010.

The MSS Colchester Kawasaki sponsor line-up for 2010 includes: Kawasaki Motors UK, Mac Tools, Maxxis Tires, Hornee Jeans, Confused.com, Colchester Kawasaki, Rock Oil, B & C Express (Arrow Exhaust, Renthal and Tsubaki), NGK Spark Plugs Ltd, Goodridge, Skidmarx, Pro Bolt, MotoXclean, Icom, Talking Headsets, Brupac, TRW, Samco, Barrus, Touch 4, Colourlink, Sound Sense, Clinton Enterprises, Blackhorse Finance, JBL/Harman Kardon, Pipercross, GB Racing, Valta Moto.

Prior to the British Superbike season opener at Brands Hatch this weekend, Simon Andrews will be swapping his MSS Colchester Kawasaki Superbike for the WSB machine of the Paul Bird Kawasaki Racing Team during their two-day test at Valencia this week.

The twenty-five year old Evesham rider will step in for the injured Chris Vermeulen during the test. Andrews has a year of experience on the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Superbike and knows the machine extremely well.

Simon Andrews will swap his MSS Colchester-liveried Kawasaki for a Paul Bird-branded model this week at Valencia

The test is extremely useful to the MSS team, giving more track time to Simon ahead of the British Superbike opener this Easter weekend at Brands Hatch. The test also shows the very close relationship between the two teams which was highlighted over the winter as MSS inherited the WSB squad’s Magneti Marelli advanced engine management system.

Andrews has impressed the Kawasaki racing family, having given the UK squad their best recent British Superbike Championship position of sixth last year and regularly mixing it with the top riders through the season. Andrews said, “This really is a great opportunity and I intend to give the team as much feedback as possible. It also gives me valuable track time prior to the season opener at Brands next weekend.”

MSS Colchester Kawasaki Team Owner, Nick Morgan, added, “We’re supportive of Simon helping with the testing at Valencia and we think it’s a win-win situation. Ultimately it helps Paul Bird to have another viewpoint on the bike, it gives Simon a great opportunity to showcase his skills and it will possibly give us more direction and a race focused rider.”

Simon has a very busy period ahead as he tests at Valencia, races at the Easter Friday-Monday meeting at Brands Hatch, before the second British round at Thruxton, all in a two week gap.

MSS Colchester Kawasaki riders Simon Andrews and Gary Mason got to test the new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R complete with Magneti Marelli electronics, but only after snow was cleared from the circuit of Guadix in Spain.
Gary, Simon and new Superstock rider Howie Mainwaring each rode more than 30 laps in the test to dial in the new electronics systems.
On Tuesday, the team awoke to a thick blanket of snow, but unlike in their British home, the show soon melted, allowing the riders to gain meaningful practice and log valuable data.
MSS Colchester continues testing through Thursday.