‘Mega result’ sees Buchan and FS3 Kawasaki back on BSB map in 2018

Whilst the rain may have been a pain, it didn’t dampen the spirits of British Superbikes returnee Danny Buchan, who completed a solid weekend with a 13th and a 4th in race one and race two respectively. In ‘patchy’ conditions that suit the ‘Basildon Bullet’, he erupted through from row three and had a hard-fought battle with Shane Byrne for the entirety of the second outing, after a rear tyre problem during race one.

“On the warm up laps, I saw that some people looked nervous and I know that those conditions suited me. I got a good start from row three and worked my way around some of the riders that were riding a bit sensitive and just settled in from there really,” said Nando’s’ largest stakeholder.

“I rode my own race but I had ‘Shakey’ behind me the whole time. The noise that the Ducati makes is horrendously loud so I knew someone was there but wasn’t sure on whether it was Glenn or Shane!

“To give the FS3 boys and girls a 4th was absolutely mega and I think that puts us in good stead for the championship. It is a long season so we will see what happens next time. Physically, I am in the best shape I have ever been in and Donington Park was all about turning up and seeing how we got on.

“We needed a good haul of points and we got just that and, although there are some areas we need to improve on, we have a good enough team to work them out and be competitive again,” concluded the reigning National Superstock 1000 champion.

Team owner Nigel Snook was also expectedly happy, following a difficult 2017 campaign, blighted by injuries for Billy McConnell.

“Danny has been consistent and sensible all weekend in fairly difficult and testing conditions. We haven’t done as much testing as the other teams but the most pleasing thing above all is his mature attitude; he doesn’t get excited or animated about things and he just does his job like a true professional,” began Snook, who is in high praise of his new rider.

“Danny has said that it is the first time he has ever been on a bike where he isn’t losing out to people on power, so we have given him the machine and he’s given us the result.

“2017 was tricky and now we have a real sense of positivity and belief. We have a really fantastic team and we have excellent support – both for the on-track and off-track affairs. We’ve spent so much time and effort putting everything together and I think it is starting to fall into place. From great engines from Frank Wrathall Developments to more help from Kawasaki, it is a well put together bike and now, we must build on this.”