Mason signs for MSS Kawasaki

BSB Cup Champion Gary Mason lines-up alongside Simon Andrews on the MSS Colchester Kawasaki in BSB next year.

Mason got the nod ahead of Chris Walker and Karl Harris – both arguably with more experience.

After a spell of racing Stateside, he returned to BSB in 2008 and after two years of hard graft, and the BSB Cup title this year, he’s earned one of the top rides in the series with Nick Morgan’s Kawasaki team – someone he initially rode for ten years ago.

The 30-year-old from Lichfield said: “I can’t begin to tell you what this means to me. I’ve spent the last four years of my career to get back to this point.

“It’s fantastic to be back with Nick. We did half the second half of the 2000 season together in supersport – finishing second at Brands in the final round – but I also won the European Superstock race at Brands on their ZX-9R. I topped every practice session and won the race.”

Mason reckons his time in the States helped him with a new-found focus.

Just when he was at an all-time low, following a disappointing start to the 2007 season with Corona Honda, he hooked up with Ben Spies who helped get him a ride on the Road Racing World Suzuki team.

“I owe massive thanks to Ben and Mary (Ben’s mother) who put me in touch with John Ulrich. He owns the Road Racing World team and was so good to me too. I can’t fault him.”

For the full story, read this week’s Motorcycle News.

Ten-year cycle: Mason with MSS Kawsaki

2000
Eighth in British Supersport after joining MSS Kawasaki mid-season
2001
Finishes seventh in British Supersport with Motorpower Honda
2002
Switches to BSB with Motorpower but Fireblade is uncompetitive
2003
Assumes development role of new R1 for Virgin Yamaha  – after team-mate Steve Hislop is sacked. Mason finishes seventh in points
2004
Overshadowed by R6 Cup champ Tommy Hill in Virgin Yamaha. Finishes 11th overall. Hill is ninth
2005
Nightmare season with Stobart Honda – as Paul Bird’s team struggles to adapt from Ducatis
2006
Leaves Hydrex Honda BSB team mid-season after dispute over money and scores top six finishes in AMA Superstock with Corona Suzuki
2007
Mason joins Road Racing World Suzuki mid-term and scores top six finishes in AMA Superstock and wins Daytona 8H with Chris Ulrich on their SV1000.
2008
Returns to UK in R1 Cup but joins Quay Garage Honda to take third overall in BSB Cup
2009
Is crowned BSB Cup Champion on same Quay Garage Honda he rode the previous year.
Dec 2009
Signs to ride for MSS Colchester Kawasaki in BSB