Howie Mainwaring is looking forward to making the step-up in the British Superbike Championships next season after recently signing for Quattro Plant Kawasaki.
The rider from Aylesford is looking forward to racing up the front in the UK’s premier bike racing series and competing for podiums and race wins in the ultra-competitive season.
Speaking exclusively to Kent Sports News Howie took a look back at his time in the sport previously and ahead to next season.
He said: “The first time I made my debut in the series was the wrong decision I was too young and under experienced so when I made the jump this time it was a long time coming and I was more than ready for the job ahead.
“The 2005 BSB season was a hard year but I was never in for a shout then and didn’t consider myself ready. But the difference this season was I wanted it more than ever and new I was the underdog with a new team and no money to run for more than half way through the season so even though it was hard I had no choice but to make myself in the mix with the front runners.”
Last season seventh was the best finish for Howie and although he wasn’t pleased with just a seventh place, he is looking to raise that expectation for 2014.
He added: “To be honest I was disappointed that I was only able to achieve 7th place as my best finish so no to your question the bar needs to be set high for this season and my personal goal is to be on the podium as much as possible and push that extra bit.
“I am very grateful to have signed so early in the day for the 2014 season and I am thankful for the Quattro Plant Kawasaki Team for believing in me and giving me an opportunity I am so happy to have a professional team around me.”
Howie is no stranger to a Kawasaki motorbike and that was a major factor in him joining with Quattro plant for the upcoming campaign.
“I didn’t want to ride any other manufacturer as I am so at home on the Kawasaki ZX10R so my move to this team was a good choice for me as I won’t have to learn how to ride the bike. I can continue where I left off and progress forward, the only difference is that the factory bike has more power to hold onto.
“It’s time I started to get in the lime light and ride out the box more to run at the front and fight for some podiums.”
Winter testing will be a busy time for Howie and his team and he admits that they have a lot to work on before the season gets underway in earnest.
He said: “We have so much to try for next season I have three different engines to try and power curves that suit me but unfortunately there is a testing ban until the end of March where we are testing in Spain for three days and then more testing in the UK. So I will have to keep cycling and training hard until then.”
Whilst Howie is looking forward to next season he has also set himself a target of getting on the programme more than three times.
He added: “The targets are to be on the podium more than three times. I am really looking forward to next season and even though I am desperate to get out on the bike I want to be ready so in due course I will prepare and make sure I am more than ready for the 2014 season.”
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