Superstock 1000: Mainwaring aims for series lead (From Northwich Guardian)

Frodsham rider Howie Mainwaring could take Superstock 1000 series lead

3:07pm Friday 21st May 2010 in Motorsport By Andrew Simpson

HOWIE Mainwaring sets his sights on the series’ lead when he races in the fourth round of the Metzeler Superstock 1000 National Championship this weekend.

The Frodsham rider lies second in the riders’ standings after three rounds, but with pacesetter Steve Plater out after breaking his arm in practice at the North West 200 last week, he could pinch top spot with a good result.

The 23-year-old was fifth at Oulton Park earlier this month.

“It could have been so much better,” he rued afterwards, referring to a mistake he made when running third that allowed rivals to pass.

However MSS Colchester Kawasaki team boss Nick Morgan was happy with his rider, describing Mainwaring’s performance as the ‘ride of the weekend’.

The team head to Cadwell Park in confident mood.

Mainwaring added: “We were definitely on for a podium finish until I run straight on at a corner but I’m pleased I still managed to salvage fifth.”

He was 12th fastest in free practice on Friday, when Oulton Park race winner Jon Kirkham (BMW) set the fastest lap with a 1:31.558.

Mainwaring’s quickest time was 1:33.046.

The first qualifying session takes place later this afternoon, with Sunday’s starting at 4.50pm.