Morecambe’s John McGuinness put in a strong ride at Oulton Park on Bank Holiday Monday to take 13th at round three of the Pirelli National Superstock 1000cc Championship. Competing at his local circuit, John again proved his short circuit form is as good as ever which puts him in a very strong position heading towards the International road race meetings.
Competing at one of his favourite short circuits, John made a solid start to his weekend with sixth place in his group’s opening qualifying session on Saturday but the pace was a lot quicker in Sunday’s second session and he had to dig deep to maintain his position. However, he did just that and improving his lap time by 1.3s to 1m39.568s, he placed sixth overall in his group for a third row start. A superb start saw John make up five places at the first corner but a rare mistake saw him overshoot one of the chicanes and drop back ten places.
However, he quickly regrouped and with a series of fast and consistent lap times, he was able to take 13th at the chequered flag to maintain his top ten place in the Championship.
Speaking later, John said; “That’s probably been one of the most competitive Superstock weekend’s I’ve ever known and not only were the times quick, they were also incredibly close too! I’ve lapped quicker than I’ve ever gone on a Superstock bike around here so I have to be pleased with how I’m riding right now but it was tough out there. I knew I needed a good start and that’s exactly what I got, moving up to sixth almost straightaway but I got a bit carried away and overshot Hizzy’s on the opening lap.”
“I dropped way back and after that I just concentrated on keeping it all on the island and as smooth as possible. I’ve got some big meetings come up and that was at the back of my mind but I was pleased with how I rode after the mistake. The lap times were good and I was the first non-Kawasaki rider to finish so it was good to get to the end and in the points. I always enjoy riding for Clive and the Padgetts team and the preparation for the North West 200 and TT has been spot on. I feel good and feel sharp so there are plenty of positives at the moment and I’m in a good frame of mind heading to the road races.”
John now switches his focus to the first International road race of the year with the North West 200 road races taking place on the roads linking Portstewart, Coleraine and Portrush from May 14-18.
Picture by Glynne Lewis.
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