MSS Kawasaki's Gary Mason made a tearful first appearance on the British Superbike podium in race one at Croft yesterday, saying it was a relief and the longest race of his life.

Mason, who was privateer cup champion in 2009, scrapped it out with the Samsung Suzuki pairing of Jon Kirkham and John Hopkins for the race-one laurels and managed to hang on for third place hopes it was the first of many.

“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," said Mason.

"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.”