By Stuart Williams
April 20 2006

While Donington Park delivered the Superbike Cup lead to M.A.R. and rider Malcolm Ashley, the Thruxton round saw something of a reversal of fortune, with two non-finishes due to mechanical problems over Easter. The two weekends couldn’t have been of a greater contrast, with the veteran Ashley making the most of the Donington weather to secure two Cup podium finishes, and an outright top ten result. After a difficult qualifying at the ultra-fast Hampshire circuit, though, he suffered from mechanical gremlins which put him out of both races.

Ashley commented that it was not as bad as it might seem, with the return of Michael Howarth from injury for the next round at Oulton Park.

“It’s been a real case of highs and lows. We were absolutely over the moon with our Donington results, and taking the top position in the Superbike Cup. This weekend, on the other hand, has been really tough - with two DNFs. That’s racing - and these things can and do happen.

“The good news is that Michael Howarth is making a really quick recovery from his broken ankle, and will be fit for Oulton Park. It’s perhaps a sign that its time I really hung up my leathers, and I’m looking forward to handing over the reigns to him at the end of the month.”

Superstock Championship rider Paul Shoesmith did not race at Thruxton, and has decided to pursue other options for the remainder of the 2006 season. M.A.R. spokesperson John Hewitt said that all parties had parted on the best of terms.

“Paul has taken the decision to do his own thing for the remainder of the year, and we wish him all the best. He has been a real asset to the team, and we respect his decision to go his own way. We part on the best of terms.”

M.A.R. Superstock Cup rider Richard Marchant found the Thruxton circuit a real test, as he continues his steep learning curve - missing out on a top forty grid slot by a narrow margin. Team boss Ashley was keen to point out that the young Essex rider represented a long-term investment, and the emphasis this year was for him to learn the British Superbike circuits and come to grips with the Kawasaki ZX-10.

“Thruxton is always going to test your mettle, and it’s important that Richard improves his racecraft at every outing, which he is clearly doing. He has always been a long-term investment, and we are more than happy with his progress. Now that I’m back in the team manager role, I will be able to devote a lot more time to both Richard and Michael, which should benefit the team and riders.”

M.A.R.’s next event is at Oulton Park, on the 1st May.