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.
