Danny Buchan’s hopes of claiming this year’s Bennetts British Superbike Championship took a dent at Oulton Park with the Showdown contender only managing a best finish of sixth at the weekend.
Two other top eight positions were recorded on the Synetiq BMW around the Cheshire circuit but he never looked like seriously challenging for the podium and now lies 52 points adrift of championship leader Tarran Mackenzie.
“It was a tough weekend and we simply didn’t have the pace to run at the front,” Buchan admitted afterwards.
“We had sixth placed grid positions for races one and three but I just lacked that little bit of pace at mid-distance in all three races, to really force myself into podium contention.”
His cause in race one wasn’t helped by being forced onto the grass on the opening lap after Ryan Vickers crashed in front of him, dropping him down to 14th as a result. He fought back valiantly to claim seventh and after taking eighth in race two, he had his best ride in the final race when he took sixth.
“The team did a mega job to get me more comfortable on the bike throughout the weekend and we made a big step for the last race, running in a podium position in the early laps.”
“I just didn’t have it over full race distance though so it’s back to the drawing board. Donington GP is up next, which is a good track for me so we’ll re-group and get back at it.”
