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# Lichfield British Superbikes rider buoyed by first podium finish
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/lichfield-british-superbikes-rider-buoyed-by-first-podium-finish/
- Published: 2011-05-18T16:32:40.000Z
- Updated: 2011-05-18T16:32:40.000Z
- Author: Phil
- Tags: Sport, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 19:32

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e3/90/e390c3da-0866-4d2a-8ffe-ca4999d7ce1c/content/images/lichfieldlive-co-uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/gary-mason-podium.jpg "Gary Mason (right) takes his first podium")

Gary Mason (right) takes his first podium

Lichfield rider Gary Mason is celebrating his first podium finish after a successful weekend at Croft.

The rider took 3rd place in race one after gambling on slick tyres for a wet race and battling with the distraction of a safety car and challenging conditions.

Confidence boosted by the result, Mason went on to lead the second race for several laps before being hit by a minor technical fault that eventually saw him finish in 7th and move to 8th in the championship.

Speaking after the races, Mason said;

> The first race was the longest race of my life, it was such a relief to cross the line and get my first BSB podium. When the safety car came out I had a ten second gap and second place was there to be had, but the car took away the advantage and my slicks cooled. I knew the other guys were on intermediates so I had to wait a few laps to get the heat back in my tyres, which was scary as it was damp out the back of the circuit. I really felt I could have had the win, but in the end I decided to take the podium rather than risk a crash. I’m over the moon, it’s been a while coming but I’m so happy to get on the podium. In the second race I felt I could run at the front but the bike developed a judder, which was a shame as I couldn’t run as fast as I wanted, but I’m leaving Croft so full of confidence after my first podium.

Team owner Nick Morgan said of Mason’s performance,

> I’m so chuffed for Gary, he has worked so hard for that podium and deserved it. Absolutely brilliant. I think he has turned a corner with his riding now and he looked so confident in race two, a different rider.