DORSET rider Brad Jones will make his long-awaited British Superbikes debut at the demanding Oulton Park tomorrow, write Kerry Rawson and Neil Walton.
Jones, 23, will ride for PR Racing at Britain’s highest level of motorcycling.
Stalbridge man Jones earned his chance in Britain’s elite tier following two runner-up seasons in Supersport racing.
His first race gets under way on Saturday at 4.15pm and will be screened live on Eurosport and free-to-air channel Quest.
Free practice begins tomorrow (12.45pm) before Saturday’s opener and two more races on Sunday in the triple-bill of action.
The hotly-contested championship spans 11 rounds in the space of four busy months.
READ MORE: Brad Jones tests new machine ahead of Superbikes debut
Jones has a steep learning curve ahead of him on BMW’s 230bhp M1000RR to find a base setting which should make him feel more at home.
Jones completed 80 laps in the last pre-season test, with his team working hard to understand what is needed.
PR Racing believe they have found a solution to put the geometry of Jones’ bike in the correct operating window, breeding confidence on the tarmac for the Dorset man.
Jones has realistic expectations ahead of his debut. He said: “My only goal is to improve throughout the weekend and finish every race.
“The transition from Supersport to Superbike is going to be tough and will take some time to adapt.
“Therefore, I am going to use my time wisely and make sure we understand the bike more to ensure we get the most out of it. I can’t wait for the big learning curve ahead and this is just the beginning of my Superbike career.”
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