The second visit of the season by the British Superbike Championship to Oulton Park sees Team WD-40 in fine form and aiming to increase the recent flurry of podium finishes.
Local favourite and one of the UK’s brightest prospects, Joe Francis, along with Tommy Aquino, occupied steps on the podium in their respective championships at the last round at Brands Hatch and will be hoping for more of the same this weekend.
Joe, from Backford near Chester currently leads the Moto 3 class of Monster Energy Motostar British Championship and is looking for home support to continue his quest for the title.
Tommy and Jon Railton will be gunning for glory on board their GR Motosport prepared Kawasaki ZX10r bikes in the Pirelli National Superstock 1000 championship, both with a great chance of finishing in the top ten.
Francis said: “Since the last visit to Oulton Park in May I’ve been able to score consistently and now my focus is on maintaining my championship lead.
“The racing has been tough, but exciting for the fans and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the battles on track.
“This weekend promises to be no different and I can’t wait to get on my bike at my home track and try to deliver a good result for my team and the crowd.”
Joe won the last time at Oulton Park and has since gone to build a lead in the championship, but he’s aware that with five more races to go after this weekend, the fight for the title is far from over.
“Oulton Park is my favourite track and I just want to focus on doing well in this race, rather than the championship,” added Francis.
“There is a long way to go until the title is decided and I will be taking it one race at a time, hoping to stay ahead of everyone else until the end of the season.
“Everyone at Team WD-40 has been great this season and I know the support I get in the garage will prepare me properly for this weekend.”
The season for Railton has been topsy turvy, with good qualifying results not delivering the race results he deserves.
Recently a couple of heavy accidents have left the Huntingdonshire rider in pain while qualifying and racing, affecting his results.
But his injuries are starting to clear up and he’s hoping for a pain-free Oulton Park.
“This season has been very frustrating in the Pirelli National Superstock 1000 championship, but we all know the accident risk and most riders battle with some injuries during the season,” said Railton.
“Hopefully mine are now behind me and I can start delivering the results the team and I think we deserve.
“It’s great to be part of a successful Team WD-40 and the atmosphere around the garage is brilliant, I just want feel like I’m delivering similar results to Joe and Tommy and contribute to the team.”
For Tommy, he’s now revelling in his first season racing in the UK, and the Californian rookie is looking forward to another visit to the undulating Oulton Park track.
He said: “I’m really enjoying my racing at the moment and I can’t wait for this weekend.
“Oulton Park offers something different to Brands Hatch last time out, but I’ll be looking for a repeat of the fantastic feeling I had to be on the podium at the end of the race
“If Jon and I can claim top ten or maybe top five finishes, then it’ll prove that the hard work from everyone behind the scenes at Team WD-40 is paying off.”
Team WD-40’s manager, Brent Gladwin, said: “I’m delighted we’re going to Oulton Park in great form, with one rider leading his championship lead and another in great form.
“I’m sure all three will perform very well throughout the weekend and once again we’ll be aiming for at least one podium.
“The season is only half over, so there’s plenty of racing to go and lots of points to race for. I just hope we finish Oulton like we did at Brands Hatch last time out.”